Bill > SB452

This bill amends Hawaii's labor laws to require employers to provide employees with a mandatory meal break of at least thirty consecutive minutes after working five consecutive hours, with some important exceptions. The legislation specifically adds a new provision to Section 387-3 of Hawaii Revised Statutes mandating that no employer can require an employee to work more than five consecutive hours without a scheduled meal period, unless a collective bargaining agreement provides alternative arrangements. To enforce this new requirement, the bill establishes a graduated penalty system for employers who fail to provide meal breaks: $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses, with each missed meal period counting as a separate violation. The bill's rationale is based on findings that while child labor laws have long protected minors' right to meal breaks, current state and federal laws do not require meal breaks for employees over sixteen, despite several other states having such protections. The legislation aims to ensure that all employees have a reasonable opportunity to rest and consume a meal during long work shifts, reflecting a growing recognition of worker welfare and health considerations in employment practices.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=452&year=2026