Bill > SB458

This bill amends Hawaii state law to expand the definition of "employer" to include the State and counties when a specific labor law provision does not have a comparable provision in the state law governing public officers and employees. The legislation stems from Act 135 of 2017, which established penalties for employers who fail to pay wages on time, such as administrative penalties of at least $500 or $100 per employee per day of violation, plus back pay and damages. The bill's purpose is to increase accountability for state and county employers by ensuring they are subject to the same wage payment standards as private employers. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of "employer" in Section 388-1 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to remove the previous exemption of the State and political subdivisions from wage payment regulations, with the caveat that this only applies when there is no equivalent provision in the public employment law (Chapter 78). The bill does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date and will take effect upon approval.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=458&year=2026