Bill > HB478

This bill amends Hawaii's employment law to expand the definition of "employer" to include the State and counties in cases where a specific wage payment provision in the current law lacks a comparable provision in state law governing public officers and employees. The bill stems from a 2017 law (Act 135) that established penalties for employers who fail to pay wages within seven days after a pay period, including administrative penalties of at least $500 or $100 per employee per day of violation, plus back pay and interest. The legislature's intent is to increase accountability for state and county employers by ensuring they adhere 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 for the State and political subdivisions, thereby making them subject to the same wage payment requirements and potential penalties as other employers. The bill will take effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=478&year=2025