HR 96: requesting the state of hawaii to require that any individual or group that administers the mandatory harassment and discrimination training to employees demonstrate adequate competency in LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more identities) identity and culturally specific gender identity relevant to Hawaiʻi.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the state of hawaii to require that any individual or group that administers the mandatory harassment and discrimination training to employees demonstrate adequate competency in LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more identities) identity and culturally specific gender identity relevant to Hawaiʻi.

     WHEREAS, the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law published a study in 2023 finding that 5.1 percent of Hawaii's adult population is a part of the LGBT community, which, in the study, was estimated to be 56,900 adults and which some are LGBTQ+ individuals who are also employees of the State of Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are protected categories under the State's non-discrimination laws, yet structural and societal stigma persist, which can hinder the full respect, inclusion, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in various settings, including the workplace; and

     WHEREAS, various state agencies conduct mandatory trainings for its permanent and temporary employees covering harassment and discrimination in the workplace; and

     WHEREAS, existing training programs for state employees across various agencies would benefit from greater consistency in their understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and culturally specific gender identities, such as māhū, and could be enhanced by incorporating best practices for fostering effective and respectful dialogue with colleagues, managers, directors, constituents, clients, and customers from diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community; and

     WHEREAS, culturally specific gender identity can also be inclusive of familial, genealogical, social, and cultural roles that should be acknowledged and respected in the workplace; and

     WHEREAS, educating state employees on LGBTQ+ best practices can create a more inclusive environment, helping to attract a broader and more diverse range of qualified candidates from the LGBTQ+ community who may otherwise feel excluded from the workplace; help management or employees make more informed decisions on LGBT-related issues; regaining public trust in the State; and creates a cordial, respectful environment for anyone interacting with state employees; and

     WHEREAS, regardless of personal beliefs, being knowledgeable of LGBTQ+ identities can improve relations with colleagues, managers, directors, constituents, and members of the public with whom state employees interact with on a regular basis; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the State of Hawaii is requested to require that any individual or group that administers the mandatory harassment and discrimination training to employees demonstrate adequate competency in LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more identities) identity and culturally specific gender identity relevant to Hawaiʻi, including:

     (1)  Māhū (Tahiti and Hawaii);

     (2)  Bakla (Philippines);

     (3)  Vaka sa lewa lewa (Fiji);

     (4)  Palopa (Papua New Guinea);

     (5)  Faʻafafine (American Samoa, Samoa, and Tokelau);

     (6)  Akavaʻine (Cook Islands);

     (7)  Fakaleiti or Leiti (Tonga); and

     (8)  Fakafifine (Niue); and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Resources Development and Administrative Director of the Courts.

Report Title: 

Training; LGBTQ+; Culturally Specific Gender Identities

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1865

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 96

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 96 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE OF HAWAII TO REQUIRE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP THAT ADMINISTERS THE MANDATORY HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION TRAINING TO EMPLOYEES DEMONSTRATE ADEQUATE COMPETENCY IN LGBTQ+ (LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND MORE IDENTITIES) IDENTITY AND CULTURALLY SPECIFIC GENDER IDENTITY RELEVANT TO HAWAIʻI,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to ensure that mandatory harassment and discrimination training in Hawaiʻi is conducted by individuals or groups with demonstrated competency in LGBTQ+ identities and culturally specific gender identities. This will promote inclusivity, prevent discrimination, and create safer, more equitable workplaces for all employees.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition from one individual. 

Your Committee finds that effective harassment and discrimination training requires cultural and identity competency. Many LGBTQ+ individuals in Hawaiʻi face unique challenges related to gender identity and cultural context. Ensuring trainers demonstrate adequate knowledge of LGBTQ+ identities, including culturally specific aspects relevant to Hawaiʻi, will improve workplace safety, inclusivity, and compliance. This resolution supports equitable and meaningful training that reflects the diverse identities and lived experiences of Hawaiʻi’s workforce.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 96 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1684

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 96

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred H.R. No. 96 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE OF HAWAII TO REQUIRE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP THAT ADMINISTERS THE MANDATORY HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION TRAINING TO EMPLOYEES DEMONSTRATE ADEQUATE COMPETENCY IN LGBTQ+ (LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND MORE IDENTITIES) IDENTITY AND CULTURALLY SPECIFIC GENDER IDENTITY RELEVANT TO HAWAIʻI,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to request the State of Hawaii to require that any individual or group that administers the mandatory harassment and discrimination training to employees demonstrate adequate competency in LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more identities) identity and culturally specific gender identity relevant to Hawaii.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission; Pride at Work Hawaii; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.

     Your Committee finds that existing training programs for state employees across various agencies would benefit from greater consistency in their understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and culturally specific gender identities, such as māhū, and could be enhanced by incorporating best practices for fostering effective and respectful dialogue with colleagues, managers, directors, constituents, clients, and customers from diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. Your Committee believes this measure will improve training programs provided to Hawaii's workforce to better reflect the diversity and cultural contexts within the LGBTQ+ community.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 96 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,