Workplace Issues in Hawaii
Key Hawaii Law
Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 378-2 (Hawaii Employment Practices Law)
Hawaii's Employment Practices Law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, credit history/credit report (in most circumstances), and reproductive health decisions. It applies to employers with 1 or more employees for most protected classes.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Hawaii
Hawaii Agencies & Resources
Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC)
Investigates employment discrimination complaints under Hawaii law. File within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations — Wage Standards Division
Enforces Hawaii minimum wage, overtime, and wage payment laws. Handles wage claims.
Hawaii Department of Labor — Disability Compensation Division
Administers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Workers' Compensation programs in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an employment discrimination complaint in Hawaii?
Under Hawaii law, you have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. For federal EEOC claims, the dual-filing window extends to 300 days. Hawaii's law covers employers with one or more employees, providing broader coverage than federal law.
Can my employer discriminate based on my credit history in Hawaii?
Generally no. Hawaii prohibits most employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on credit history or credit reports, with limited exceptions for positions where credit history is directly relevant to job duties (such as financial services). This is a protection not found in most other states or federal law.
What is Hawaii's minimum wage and is health insurance required?
Hawaii's minimum wage is $14.00 per hour in 2024, with increases scheduled through 2028. Additionally, Hawaii's unique Prepaid Health Care Act requires employers to provide health insurance coverage to employees who work 20 or more hours per week — a protection not required by federal law or most other states.
Does Hawaii have temporary disability insurance?
Yes. Hawaii's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program requires employers to provide coverage for off-the-job illness or injury that prevents an employee from working. This provides income replacement when an employee cannot work due to non-work-related conditions — broader than most state systems.
Related Workplace Issues Scenarios
Can I sue for wrongful termination?
Understanding when firing might be illegal and what your employment rights are.
Can I sue for unpaid wages?
Understanding your rights when an employer doesn't pay what you're owed.
Can I sue for retaliation after reporting workplace safety concerns?
Legal protection against employer retaliation for reporting safety violations or refusing unsafe work.
Can I sue for disability discrimination when employer won't accommodate?
Legal options when employers fail to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified disabilities.
Have a Specific Situation in Hawaii?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.