Bill > HB1135

This bill strengthens Hawaii's Wage and Hour Law by providing the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with enhanced enforcement capabilities. Specifically, the bill authorizes the department to issue an order of wage payment violation to employers found to be in violation of wage and hour provisions, with a clear process for appeal. The bill establishes that when a violation is found, the department can issue an order that includes financial penalties, and employers have 20 days to file a written appeal with the director. If an appeal is filed, a hearing will be conducted by a hearings officer within 30 days, with a decision rendered within 30 days after the hearing's conclusion. The bill also allows for judicial review of the hearings officer's decision. Additionally, the legislation expands the definition of "wage" to include compensation calculated through various methods like time, task, piece, or commission, and amends the labor law enforcement special fund to include new penalty collections. The bill imposes civil penalties for wage violations, with employers potentially facing fines of at least $500 or $100 per violation, and provides mechanisms for employees to recover unpaid wages, including potential criminal penalties for willful violations.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1135&year=2025