Hawaii expands and clarifies family leave law

Hawaii has enacted legislation (House Bill 2148) that expands and clarifies the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HFLL). While House Bill 2148 wasn't enacted until September 15, 2020, the law says it is effective July 1, 2020.

Background:

The HFLL requires employers with 100 or more employees within the state to provide eligible employees with up to four weeks of leave during a calendar year:

• For the birth or the adoption of a child; or
• To care for their child, sibling, spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, parent, foster parent, adoptive parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, legal guardian, grandparent or grandparent-in-law with a serious health condition.

House Bill 213:

House Bill 2148 makes the following changes:

• Adds grandchild to the list of covered family members;
• Defines sibling as an individual who is a biological, adopted, or foster brother or sister; or a stepbrother or stepsister of an employee.

Compliance Recommendations:

Employers should review their policies and practices to ensure compliance with House Bill 2148. Supervisors should also receive training on the changes. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.