HI HR219

Requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to jointly conduct a study on inequities in workers' compensation costs between small and large businesses in Hawaii.

Directs the two departments to submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012.

Acknowledges that Hawaii's 25,000 small businesses provide 80 to 90 percent of jobs in the state but face challenges including high land and labor costs, high taxes, and economies of scale issues.

Recognizes workers' compensation as a significant labor expense for employers and notes small businesses are reported to face inequities compared to large businesses in compensation costs.