Aloha State News

The 2023 Hawaii State Legislative Session began on January 19 and concluded on May 4. During this period, NFIB State Director Michael Iosua and the team at MK Advocacy successfully managed to halt or delay several bills that would have imposed additional regulations and mandates on small businesses in Hawaii. Governor Josh Green has until July 11 to decide whether to sign or veto the legislation passed during this session.

Among the defeated bills were House Bill 111 and Senate Bill 230, which aimed to allow each county to set a minimum wage higher than the state level. Another bill, HB 207, sought to mandate rest breaks for employers with five or more employees under certain conditions.

Additionally, multiple bills proposing mandatory paid sick leave and family leave did not pass. HB 745, which would have required employers to disclose wage ranges to employees and prospective employees, was also halted.

Senate Bill 42 proposed requiring employers to provide written notice of shift schedules at least ten days in advance. It also suggested that certain employers pay double the regular rate for time worked without timely schedule notification.

For those interested in a more detailed summary of the legislative session, further information is available online.