by Marti Cardi, Esq. - Senior Compliance Consultant and Legal Counsel
& Gail Cohen, Esq. - Assistant General Counsel,
July 13, 2018
Hawaii is moving closer to a paid family leave program with legislation signed by the Governor on July 5. The law does not enact a PFL law but requires the state Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct an analysis to assist the legislature in determining the most appropriate framework or model for the establishment of paid family leave for the state.
The analysis will include a comparative analysis of other state paid leave models, including temporary disability insurance models. Factors to 
be considered include scope of coverage; gender equity; ease of making applications or claims; speed of benefit payment; and financial sustainability. The analysis will also assess cost and other impacts on employers and employees. The Bureau’s final report must include its findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than September 1, 2019.
Hawaii currently has paid temporary disability benefits for up to 26 weeks per benefit year for an employee’s own disability and an unpaid family leave law that provides up to 4 weeks per calendar year of job-protected unpaid time off.
MATRIX CAN HELP! Matrix provides leave, disability, and accommodation management services to employers seeking a comprehensive and compliant solution to these complex employer obligations. We monitor the many leave laws being passed around the country and specialize in understanding how they work together. For leave management and accommodation assistance, contact us at ping@matrixcos.com.