Hawaii HB 477 Change Notification
Several things are changing as a result of this bill in Section 2 of Section 383-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes
- The word “partially” was added to section 383-29.7 so it reads “Partially employed individuals pursuant to section 383-29.8”;
- Union members in good standing and who are being referred to jobs through the union job placement service; provided that the union agrees to report to the department all individuals who refuse job referrals or offers of work and all individuals not ready, willing, and able to work, and the union is approved by the department for the purpose of waiving work registrations;
- Individuals involved in a labor dispute and for whom an employer/employee relationship continues to exist;
- Individuals who are suspended from work and for whom an employer/employee relationship continues to exist; provided that the waiver shall apply only to the period of suspension and shall not exceed more than four consecutive weeks of unemployment immediately following the week in which the individual has been suspended;
This bill also allows the state to send certain claim documents via electronic notification starting April 1, 2027.
Effective Date
Immediately for some and April 1, 2027 for others
Hawaii House Bill 477 Implication to Stakeholders
Changes to Section 2, Section 383-29 can impact employers negatively because it allows benefits to claimants on issues that it previously did not. For example, allowing benefits during a labor dispute has historically been a disqualifying reason. Now it is not. Allowing the state to send determinations, redeterminations and hearing notices electronically could present a problem for employers if they set up a recipient for such documents but that individual later leaves the company, and an updated email address is not provided to the state for communication electronically.
Recommended Action
It is imperative employers audit the benefit charge statements mailed to employers by the Hawaii Department of Labor. More than ever, this will be important since the state is allowing benefits for separation issues they historically have not.
