Bill > SB1454

This bill strengthens Hawaii's Wage and Hour Law by establishing a comprehensive process for addressing wage payment violations. It requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to issue an order of wage payment violation to employers found to be in violation of wage laws, with a clear procedure for appeals and enforcement. The bill creates three new sections in the state law that outline the process: first, the department must issue a written order detailing the violation, which becomes final unless the employer files a written appeal within 20 days; second, if an appeal is filed, a hearing will be conducted within 30 days by a hearings officer who will issue a decision within 30 days after the hearing; and third, the director may file the final order in court to enforce the judgment. The bill also amends the definition of "wage" to clarify that it means compensation for labor or services rendered by an employee, regardless of how it is calculated, and establishes significant penalties for violations, including a minimum penalty of $500 or $100 per violation. Additionally, the bill updates the labor law enforcement special fund to include new categories of collected penalties and provides mechanisms for the director to pursue legal action to recover unpaid wages, with provisions for attorney's fees and cost recovery.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1454&year=2025