H.B. 2374 Summary

• Establishes a Labor Law Enforcement Special Fund to collect penalties from violations of Hawaii labor law, with deposits from penalties under sections 388-9.7, 388-10, and 396-10, plus legislative appropriations and fund earnings.

• Fund moneys may be used for personnel and operating expenses, staff development and training, and litigation expenses including transcripts, interpretation, and translation services.

• Redirects civil penalties collected under section 388-10 (wage and hour violations) and section 396-10 (occupational safety and health violations) from the general fund to the labor law enforcement special fund.

• Authorizes the attorney general to establish two new positions—an attorney and legal assistant II—to enforce labor law penalties without regard to state civil service requirements.

• Any unencumbered balance exceeding $500,000 at fiscal year end shall be deposited into the general fund by June 30 each year.