← Back to search

HRS §621-10.5

Protecting employees who go to court

This law stops employers from firing, suspending, or threatening employees for jury duty, being a witness, or going to court. If an employer breaks this rule, the employee can sue for lost wages and get their job back. The law also sets a penalty for employers who violate it.

employeesemployers

The statute, as written — Unlawful suspension or discharge from employment; penalty; right of action

(a) An employer shall not deprive an employee of the employee's employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce the employee with respect thereto, because the employee receives a summons, responds thereto, serves as a witness or attends court as a prospective witness. (b) Any employer who violates subsection (a) is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. (c) If an employer discharges or suspends an employee in violation of subsection (a) the employee within ninety days from the date of discharge or suspension may bring a civil action for recovery of wages lost as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employee. Damages recoverable shall not exceed lost wages for six weeks. If the employee prevails, the employee shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the court.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.