Hawaii's Whistleblower's Protection Law
Similar to Hawaii's Workplace Retaliation law, Hawaii's Whistleblowers' Protection Act shields workers who report violations of the law internally to the company or to an outside law enforcement agency.
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"Outside" agencies may include:
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Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
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Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR)
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United States Department of Agriculture
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Equal Employment Opportunities Commisson
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Hawaii Civil Rights Commission
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Local, State or Federal Law Enforcement
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Employers are prohibited from firing, threatening, or otherwise discriminating against whistleblowers who report the unlawful conduct of their bosses. This law is meant to encourage employees to report illegal activity without fear of retaliation. These protections apply to employees in the private sector as well as State and County employees.
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Having the courage to speak out against your employers can be difficult, but when it is done in the face of unlawful discrimination or illegal conduct, it is an absolute necessity. If you are in a situation that calls for protection under this law, contact the Sapolu Law Office or submit a message below to schedule a free case evaluation.
What can you do?
If your employer has taken adverse action(s) against you as a whistleblower, your next steps may depend on whether you have been terminated or still remain on the job.
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If you're still employed:
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Follow the company's internal protocols for submitting complaints;
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Make sure that your complaint is submitted in writing;
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Your written complaint should be worded as polite as can be (avoid lashing out) and specifically identify the relevant facts and actions taken against you;
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Be the best employee you can be. Do not give your employer a reason to fire you; and
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Document everything that happens. A successful case will depend in large part on a clear timeline of events
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If you need additional assistance, or have questions, feel free to contact the Sapolu Law Office or submit a message below to schedule a free case evaluation.
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If you were discharged or terminated from employment:
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Call an attorney as soon as possible;
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Don't sign any waivers or severance documents which may prevent you from filing a claim.
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If the company insists that you sign their paperwork, ask for more time to consult an attorney. At a minimum, you could always say "I need some time to review this with my family and will get back to you within a few days." Then make sure you follow up with an attorney.
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Timing Limitations
There are important limitations as to when you can file a legal claim in Court. Contact an attorney ASAP to determine the potential of bringing an action against the company.
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