Hawaii Payroll Laws (2024 Guide For Employers)

What do you know about Hawaii payroll laws?

Straight off the bat, here are a few key points:

Like all states, there is no shortage of nuances to payroll and employment laws in Hawaii that concern both employees and employers. Both parties should have a solid understanding of Hawaii payroll and employment laws to successfully navigate the workplace.

Let’s explore the key points above and more in greater detail.

Disclaimer: Despite our best efforts to provide you with accurate information on this topic at the time of writing, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content at the time of reading. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific guidance on Hawaii payroll laws.

Hawaii Payroll & Employment Laws & Regulations

Hawaii Minimum Wage Explained

The Hawaii minimum wage is currently $14.00 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage.

The state of Hawaii periodically reviews and adjusts the minimum wage to ensure it remains fair and competitive with other states.

Employers must comply with both the state minimum wage and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage laws, following the more favorable law for employees.

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is responsible for enforcing wage and hour laws in the state.

Overtime Pay in Hawaii (What Are The Laws?)

Hawaii’s overtime laws require employers to pay non-exempt employees at least one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.

Exemptions may apply for certain professions or industries, but the majority of employees are entitled to overtime compensation.

Working Hours & Breaks in Hawaii Explained

Hawaii does not have any laws or regulations that require an employer to provide a meal period or breaks to employees.

Hawaii Child Labor Law (What Do You Need To Know?)

Minors working in Hawaii are subject to specific labor laws, which are in place to protect their well-being and education.

For example, minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to work more than three hours on a school day or more than 8 hours on a non-school day.

Under the Hawaii Child Labor Law, working minors must obtain a child labor certificate or “work permit” until they reach 18 years of age.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Employers in Hawaii are required to maintain accurate records of employees’ hours of work, wages, and other relevant information.

Failure to keep accurate records can result in fines and legal action against the employer.

Employment Law & Penalties

Hawaii’s employment laws are in place to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment.

Employers who violate these laws can face penalties, including fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges in some cases.

In addition to the state laws, federal laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also govern aspects of employment, including minimum wage and overtime compensation.

Employers must comply with both state and federal laws, whichever is more favorable to the employee.

Family & Medical Leave Act (Are Hawaii Employees Entitled To This?)

Eligible employees in Hawaii are entitled to unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for certain family and medical reasons, including the birth of a child, serious health conditions, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition.

Sick Leave in Hawaii (How Does It Work?)

Hawaii law does not mandate paid sick leave for employees.

However, some employers may offer paid sick leave as part of their benefits package.

It’s important for employees to review their employer’s policies regarding sick leave and to be aware of any applicable state or federal laws.

Jury Duty & Garnishment in Hawaii (How Does It Work?)

Employers in Hawaii must provide employees with time off for jury duty without penalizing them for their absence.

Employers are prohibited from terminating an employee due to wage garnishment for any single indebtedness.

Whistleblower Protections in Hawaii (What Are The Laws?)

Hawaii has whistleblower protection laws in place to protect employees who report violations of state or federal laws, including labor laws.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who engage in whistleblowing activities, and employees who believe they have been retaliated against can take legal action against their employer.

Health Care in Hawaii (How Does It Work?)

Employers in Hawaii are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Employees who sustain work-related injuries should report the incident to their employer as soon as possible to ensure proper coverage.

Pay Period & Payment of Wages

In Hawaii, employers must establish a regular pay period for their employees.

Employees wages must be paid at least twice per month.

Payment of wages must be made on the next regular payday following the close of the pay period, which should be no later than seven days after the end of the pay period.

Date of Termination & Final Pay in Hawaii

When an employee’s employment comes to an end, the date of termination plays a crucial role in determining when their final pay should be provided.

If an employee voluntarily resigns, the employer must provide the final wages by the next regular payday or within seven days, whichever occurs first.

By understanding the significance of the date of termination, both employers and employees can ensure compliance with Hawaii’s labor laws and avoid potential conflicts.

Hawaii Payroll Laws (Closing Thoughts)

We hope this article has provided you with a brief understanding of payroll and labor laws in Hawaii.

Those with a good knowledge of Hawaii laws and regulations can successfully navigate the workplace effectively and ensure compliance.

Regardless of whether you are an employee or employer, it’s vitally important to know about Hawaii payroll and employment laws.

Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

This blog post provides a general overview of Hawaii labor laws but does not constitute legal advice.

Laws and regulations are subject to change, and there may be additional requirements or exemptions that apply to specific situations.

Employers and employees should consult a qualified labor law attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.

If you have any questions about your rights or obligations as an employer or employee in Hawaii, it is essential to consult with a labor law attorney to receive accurate information and guidance tailored to your situation.

By seeking professional legal advice, you can ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to comply with labor laws and protect your rights.

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