HI HB2722

Creates a temporary state additional benefits program limited to Maui County to extend unemployment insurance benefits for workers affected by recent mass layoffs, including from the state's last large-scale sugar operation.

Eligibility requires: benefit year beginning on or after March 1, 2015; at least two quarters of insured employment in Maui County; exhaustion of regular benefits between September 4, 2016 and October 28, 2017; and continued claim certifications during the program period.

Provides weekly state additional benefits equal to the individual's weekly benefit amount in their current or most recently expired benefit year, with a maximum of 13 weeks of payments per eligible individual.

Funds for benefits will be withdrawn from the unemployment compensation trust fund, with administrative expenses paid from the state general fund; program terminates on October 28, 2017.

Appropriates $650,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for administration and payment of state additional benefits.