HI SB229

Adds "domestic or sexual violence victim" as a protected class under Hawaii employment discrimination law, effective when the employee provides notice or employer has actual knowledge of the status.

Prohibits employers from refusing to hire, discharging, or otherwise discriminating against employees based on their status as domestic or sexual violence victims.

Requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for affected employees, including changing contact information, screening calls, restructuring job duties, changing work location, installing security devices, and allowing flexible hours, unless such accommodations cause undue hardship to business operations.

Allows employers to verify victim status through signed statements from victim service organizations, attorneys, advocates, healthcare providers, clergy, or police/court records, and to re-verify no more than once every six months except when a protective order is in effect.

Creates a civil action remedy allowing employees denied reasonable accommodations to sue for damages and recover reasonable attorney's fees; effective January 1, 2012.