Reporting Wrongdoing at Work
HRS 378-62 — no firing or threats for reporting a violation of law, and two years to sue
An employer may not discharge, threaten or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee reports, or is about to report, to the employer or a public body a violation or suspected violation of a law, rule or ordinance, or of a government contract, unless the employee knows the report is false. The same goes for taking part in a public body's investigation or a court action at its request.
Who handles this in Hawaii: Hawaii Civil Rights Commission; and legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Hawaii directory.
A civil action for an injunction, actual damages, or both may be brought within two years after the violation, in the circuit where it happened or where either side lives or does business. Damages include reasonable attorney fees.
Sources for this section (2)
- HRS 378-62 — Discharge of, threats to, or discrimination against employee for reporting violations of law
- HRS 378-63 — Civil actions for injunctive relief or damages
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Hawaii attorney.