Hawaii Sexual Harassment Training Requirements

The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission strongly recommends employers provide sexual harassment training. See Hawaii Civil Rights Commission on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (to prevent workplace harassment, employers should adopt a prevention program that includes “training of supervisory personnel about their specific responsibilities, and training of all employees about the sexual harassment policy and grievance procedures”); see also Admin. Rules 4 §12-46-109 (g).

Additionally, EEOC guidelines and court decisions from around the country have made clear that employers should workplace harassment training to all employees periodically.

The training should cover sexual harassment and all other forms of unlawful harassment related to federal and state protected characteristics.

The Hawaii Employment Practices Act prohibits workplace harassment and employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, and status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence.

Local ordinances may provide broader protections, so you should check the local Civil Rights Commission regulations applicable to your workplace.

For more information on Hawaii equal employment opportunity requirements, see Hawaii Civil Rights Commission Publications.