SB 1660: RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that hospitality workers frequently work in isolated conditions, placing the workers at increased risk of harassment and assault.  Media reports have documented cases in which workers were targeted due to a lack of adequate protections.  In 2019, the State of Washington enacted legislation to address these concerns by requiring employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip workers with panic buttons.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to implement similar protections for hospitality workers in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

HOSPITALITY WORKER PROTECTIONS

     §   -1  Definitions.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

     "Harassment" means unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics including sex, race, national origin, or sexual orientation, that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working environment.

     "Hospitality employer" means a person or entity licensed in the State to operate a hotel or similar lodging.

     "Hospitality worker" means a person employed by a hospitality employer to:

     (1)  Clean guest rooms or restrooms;

     (2)  Deliver meals to private rooms; or

     (3)  Perform maintenance or front desk operations.

     "Panic button" means a portable emergency communication device that allows a hospitality worker to immediately summon on-site assistance if the worker reasonably believes they are in danger.

     "Retaliation" means any adverse employment action taken against an employee for reporting harassment, utilizing a panic button, or participating in an investigation or proceeding under this chapter.

     §   -2  Employer responsibilities.  Each hospitality employer shall:

     (1)  Adopt a written policy prohibiting the harassment of hospitality workers.  The policy shall:

          (A)  Include procedures for a hospitality worker to report incidents of harassment or retaliation;

          (B)  Require a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported incidents; and

          (C)  Ensure confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law, for persons involved in complaints or investigations;

     (2)  Provide mandatory annual training for all hospitality workers, including managers and supervisors, on:

          (A)  Recognizing, preventing, and addressing harassment in the workplace;

          (B)  Sexual assault victim rights, local sexual violence survivor services, statewide providers and their corresponding sexual assault hotline phone numbers available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and

          (C)  The proper use and limitations of the panic button provided under paragraph (3);

     (3)  Supply a panic button to each hospitality worker who works in guest rooms, restrooms, or other isolated conditions.  The panic button shall be portable and shall:

          (A)  Immediately summon assistance from a security guard, another worker, or a supervising employer; and

          (B)  Be designed to function effectively in the worker's physical environment;

     (4)  Provide hospitality workers with a list of resources, including contact information for:

          (A)  The department of labor and industrial relations;

          (B)  The equal employment opportunity commission;

          (C)  Local advocacy groups specializing in harassment prevention and victim support; and

          (D)  Statewide sexual assault survivor service providers and their corresponding sexual assault hotline phone numbers available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and

     (5)  Display, in a conspicuous and accessible location, a notice summarizing the rights and protections provided under this chapter and providing information about how to report a violation in any language that the employers deem necessary.

     §   -3  Prohibition on retaliation.  (a)  No hospitality employer shall retaliate against a hospitality worker who:

     (1)  Reports, in good faith, any incident of harassment or retaliation;

     (2)  Uses a panic button or other safety device as provided under this chapter;

     (3)  Participates in an investigation, hearing, or other proceeding related to harassment or retaliation; or

     (4)  Refuses to perform work in an area where the hospitality worker reasonably believes there is a risk to the worker's safety due to harassment or other threats.

     (b)  Retaliation prohibited under this chapter includes:

     (1)  Terminating or suspending the hospitality worker's employment;

     (2)  Providing a negative performance evaluation;

     (3)  Transferring the hospitality worker to a less desirable position or work location; or

     (4)  Taking any other adverse employment action that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activities that are protected under this chapter.

     (c)  A hospitality worker who is subjected to retaliation in violation of this chapter may:

     (1)  File a complaint with the department of labor and industrial relations; and

     (2)  Seek any remedies available under section   -5, including reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages.

     (d)  The department of labor and industrial relations shall:

     (1)  Establish procedures for receiving and investigating complaints of retaliation or other violations of this chapter;

     (2)  Develop and distribute guidance for hospitality employers including best practices for complying with this chapter;

     (3)  Conduct random and targeted audits of hospitality employers to ensure compliance; and

     (4)  Publish on the department's website an annual report on the department's enforcement activities under this chapter, including the number and types of complaints received, resolutions achieved, and penalties imposed.

     §   -4  Complaints.  (a)  A complaint alleging retaliation or a violation of this chapter may be filed by:

     (1)  An affected hospitality worker or the worker's authorized representative; or

     (2)  A third party having knowledge of a violation.

     (b)  Any person aggrieved by a decision of the department of labor and industrial relations pursuant to this chapter may seek judicial review pursuant to chapter 91.

     §   -5  Penalties.  If a hospitality employer violates this chapter, the department of labor and industrial relations may:

     (1)  Impose civil fines of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000 per violation, with repeat offenses subject to fines of up to $10,000 per violation;

     (2)  Require the reinstatement of a hospitality worker, payment of back wages, or order other equitable remedies; or

     (3)  Revoke or suspend the hospitality employer's business license if the employer commits egregious or repeated violations."

     SECTION 3.  The department of labor and industrial relations shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to effectuate the purposes of this Act, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints under chapter      .

     SECTION 4.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050; provided that all hospitality employers shall be in compliance with this Act no later than January 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DLIR; Hospitality Employers; Hospitality Workers; Harassment; Panic Buttons; Training

Description:

Requires employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip certain workers with panic buttons.  Prohibits retaliation against a hospitality worker who files a complaint, uses the provided panic button, or participates in an investigation or proceeding related to a harassment complaint.  Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints.  Requires all hospitality employers to comply no later than 1/1/2026.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to employment.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that hospitality workers frequently work in isolated conditions, placing the workers at increased risk of harassment and assault.  Media reports have documented cases in which workers were targeted due to a lack of adequate protections.  In 2019, the State of Washington enacted legislation to address these concerns by requiring employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip workers with panic buttons.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to implement similar protections for hospitality workers in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

HOSPITALITY WORKER PROTECTIONS

     §   -1  Definitions.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

     "Harassment" means unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics including sex, race, national origin, or sexual orientation, that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working environment.

     "Hospitality employer" means a person or entity licensed in the State to operate a hotel or similar lodging.

     "Hospitality worker" means a person employed by a hospitality employer to:

     (1)  Clean guest rooms or restrooms;

     (2)  Deliver meals to private rooms; or

     (3)  Perform maintenance or front desk operations.

     "Panic button" means a portable emergency communication device that allows a hospitality worker to immediately summon on-site assistance if the worker reasonably believes they are in danger.

     "Retaliation" means any adverse employment action taken against an employee for reporting harassment, utilizing a panic button, or participating in an investigation or proceeding under this chapter.

     §   -2  Employer responsibilities.  Each hospitality employer shall:

     (1)  Adopt a written policy prohibiting the harassment of hospitality workers.  The policy shall:

          (A)  Include procedures for a hospitality worker to report incidents of harassment or retaliation;

          (B)  Require a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported incidents; and

          (C)  Ensure confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law, for persons involved in complaints or investigations;

     (2)  Provide mandatory annual training for all hospitality workers, including managers and supervisors, on:

          (A)  Recognizing, preventing, and addressing harassment in the workplace; and

          (B)  The proper use and limitations of the panic button provided under paragraph (3);

     (3)  Supply a panic button to each hospitality worker who works in guest rooms, restrooms, or other isolated conditions.  The panic button shall be portable and shall:

          (A)  Immediately summon assistance from a security guard, another worker, or a supervising employer; and

          (B)  Be designed to function effectively in the worker's physical environment;

     (4)  Provide hospitality workers with a list of resources, including contact information for:

          (A)  The department of labor and industrial relations;

          (B)  The equal employment opportunity commission; and

          (C)  Local advocacy groups specializing in harassment prevention and victim support; and

     (5)  Display, in a conspicuous and accessible location, a notice summarizing the rights and protections provided under this chapter and providing information about how to report a violation.

     §   -3  Retaliation prohibited.  (a)  No hospitality employer shall retaliate against a hospitality worker who:

     (1)  Reports, in good faith, any incident of harassment or retaliation;

     (2)  Uses a panic button or other safety device as provided under this chapter;

     (3)  Participates in an investigation, hearing, or other proceeding related to harassment or retaliation; or

     (4)  Refuses to perform work in an area where the hospitality worker reasonably believes there is a risk to the worker's safety due to harassment or other threats.

     (b)  Retaliation prohibited under this chapter includes:

     (1)  Terminating or suspending the person's employment;

     (2)  Providing a negative performance evaluation;

     (3)  Transferring the person to a less desirable position or work location; or

     (4)  Taking any other adverse employment action that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activities that are protected under this chapter.

     (c)  A hospitality worker who is subjected to retaliation in violation of this chapter may:

     (1)  File a complaint with the department of labor and industrial relations; and

     (2)  Seek any remedies available under section   -5, including reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages.

     (d)  The department of labor and industrial relations shall:

     (1)  Establish procedures for receiving and investigating complaints of retaliation or other violations of this chapter;

     (2)  Develop and distribute guidance for hospitality employers including best practices for complying with this chapter;

     (3)  Conduct random and targeted audits of hospitality employers to ensure compliance; and

     (4)  Publish on the department's website an annual report on the department's enforcement activities under this chapter, including the number and types of complaints received, resolutions achieved, and penalties imposed.

     §   -4  Complaints.  (a)  A complaint alleging retaliation or a violation of this chapter may be filed by:

     (1)  An affected hospitality worker or the worker's authorized representative; or

     (2)  A third party having knowledge of a violation.

     (b)  Any person aggrieved by a decision of the department of labor and industrial relations pursuant to this chapter may seek judicial review pursuant to chapter 91.

     §   -5  Penalties.  If a hospitality employer violates this chapter, the department of labor may:

     (1)  Impose civil fines of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000 per violation, with repeat offenses subject to files of up to $10,000 per violation;

     (2)  Require the reinstatement of a hospitality worker, payment of back wages, or order other equitable remedies; or

     (3)  Revoke or suspend the hospitality employer's business license if the employer commits egregious or repeated violations."

     SECTION 3.  The department of labor and industrial relations shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to effectuate the purposes of this Act, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints.

     SECTION 4.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that all hospitality employers shall comply with this Act no later than January 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DLIR; Hospitality Employers; Hospitality Workers; Harassment; Panic Buttons; Training

Description:

Requires employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip certain workers with panic buttons.  Prohibits retaliation against a hospitality worker who files a complaint, uses the provided panic button, or participates in an investigation or proceeding related to a harassment complaint.  Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints.  Requires all hospitality employers to comply no later than 1/1/2026.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 976

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1660

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 1660, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip certain workers with panic buttons;

     (2)  Prohibit retaliation against a hospitality worker who files a complaint, uses the provided panic button, or participates in an investigation or proceeding related to a harassment complaint;

     (3)  Require the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints; and

     (4)  Require all hospitality employers to comply no later than January 1, 2026.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and one individual.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission.

     Your Committee finds that harassment is a significant issue in the hospitality industry, which is critical to the State's economy.  Workers in hospitality and food services account for fourteen percent of all harassment charges, a significantly higher portion than the sector's share of total employment.  This measure will protect hospitality workers and aid the industry's long-term employment outcomes by requiring employers to establish certain anti-harassment procedures and safeguards.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1660, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 355

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1660

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 1660 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures for the protection of their workers, including annual training, equipping various workers with panic buttons, providing a list of resources such as contact information for government and agencies and advocacy groups, and displaying a notice of an employee's right, legal protections provided, and how to report violations;

     (2)  Prohibit retaliation against a hospitality worker who files a complaint, uses the provided panic button, or participates in an investigation or proceeding related to a harassment complaint;

     (3)  Require the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints; and

     (4)  Require all hospitality employers to comply with the requirements of this measure no later than January 1, 2026.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and Pride at Work-Hawaiʻi.

     Your Committee finds that hospitality workers are often uniquely vulnerable to harassment and sexual violence because of the isolated nature of their work.  Given tourism's vital role in the State's economy, protecting the hospitality workforce to improve retention and maintain staffing is especially critical.  Other states, such as Washington, have found success reducing violations by instituting more comprehensive anti-harassment legislation.  This measure mirrors those remedies by establishing stronger anti-harassment training, protections, procedures, and penalties for the protection of workers in the State's hospitality industry.

     Your Committee notes the request from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women that the required training and resources proposed in this measure also include contact information for statewide hotlines and that the notices be displayed in other languages as appropriate to best inform and protect hospitality employees.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Including the contact information for certain support service providers in the required material for the annual training and resource list;

     (2)  Inserting language requiring notices to be posted in any language that the employers deem necessary;

     (3)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1660, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1660, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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