Bill > HB158

This bill amends Hawaii's unemployment benefits law to modify several key provisions related to worker eligibility and disqualification. The bill removes an existing provision that disqualified workers from receiving unemployment benefits during a labor dispute, which effectively allows striking workers to be eligible for unemployment benefits. The bill also updates several cross-references throughout the law to reflect this change, adjusting section numbering and references from "(5)" to "(4)" in various sections. Additionally, the bill maintains existing penalties for falsely obtaining unemployment benefits, including potential misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of fraudulently obtained benefits. The bill preserves existing rules about disqualification for voluntary job separation, misconduct, and failure to seek suitable work, while slightly modifying how those provisions are codified. Technically, the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, though this is likely a drafting placeholder and would be updated in the final version. The overall impact is to provide more financial protection for workers engaged in labor disputes by allowing them to access unemployment benefits during a strike.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=158&year=2026