Labor & Employment (Workplace Safety)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate May 26, 2026

GM 1141: Informing the Legislature that on May 26, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3144 SD1 HD2 (ACT 041).

This bill, signed into law as Act 041, amends Hawaii's occupational safety and health statutes to update definitions and strengthen enforcement powers. It removes the specific legal definitions for "hoisting machine" and "hoisting machine operator," while simultaneously granting the state department the authority to issue emergency temporary safety standards without a public hearing if workers face immediate danger. The legislation also clarifies the process for employers to request variances from safety rules and allows the department to extend compliance deadlines for those who cannot meet standards immediately. These changes directly affect employers, employees, and the state agency responsible for workplace safety regulations.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety enforcement and grants authority to issue emergency standards to protect workers from immediate danger.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2324: RELATING TO THE HAWAII OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LAW.

Repeals the requirement that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations regulate hoisting machines and certify their operators and the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board, including its rules requiring a separate state crane operator certificate. Allows additional time for the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to complete an investigation of a discharge or discrimination complaint pertaining to employees exercising rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Law without formal extension. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExtends investigation time for OSHA complaint cases, strengthening worker protection under safety law by allowing more time to address discharge/discrimination claims.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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signed · Hawaii · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 3144: RELATING TO THE HAWAII OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LAW.

Repeals the requirement that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations regulate hoisting machines and certify their operators and the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board, including its rules requiring a separate state crane operator certificate. Allows additional time for the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to complete an investigation of a discharge or discrimination complaint pertaining to employees exercising rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Law without formal extension. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves certification barrier for crane operators and extends investigation time for OSHA complaint investigations, strengthening worker protection under safety law.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2017: RELATING TO HEALTHY WORKPLACES.

Prohibits any employer or employee from subjecting an employee to abusive conduct. Requires employers and certain employees to take all reasonable preventative and responsive measures to ensure a safe work environment free of abusive conduct. Prohibits employers and certain employees from taking retaliatory actions against employees who engage in certain protected acts. Establishes a penalty, private cause of action, and remedies. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits abusive workplace conduct, mandates employer safety measures, and bans retaliation - directly strengthening worker protections under Labor & Employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 1791: RELATING TO WAREHOUSE WORKERS.

Establishes the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. Requires certain warehouse employers to provide written descriptions of quotas to employees and maintain records of quotas and employee work speed data. Protects employees from quotas that would prevent compliance with meal or rest periods or the use of bathroom facilities. Allows employees to request a written description of their quota and employee work speed data. Requires the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the Act.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates quota transparency, prohibits unsafe work speed quotas, and protects employees' right to meal/rest breaks per Warehouse Worker Protection Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 2562: RELATING TO WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS.

Establishes statewide health care worker safety and workplace violence prevention requirements for health care facilities. Requires enforcement by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in coordination with the Department of Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes mandatory workplace violence prevention for healthcare facilities, directly protecting medical professionals and enhancing healthcare worker safety within the healthcare system.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes mandatory workplace violence prevention for healthcare workers with DLIR enforcement, directly enhancing worker safety standards under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 3179: RELATING TO THE SAFETY OF EDUCATIONAL WORKERS.

Requires the Department of Education and public charter schools to take certain steps regarding incidents of harassment and implement procedures for handling harassment of educational workers. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates harassment reporting and safety procedures for educational workers, directly protecting staff in schools.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates harassment reporting and safety procedures for educational workers, directly strengthening workplace safety protections under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Employment Discrimination Workplace Safety

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