HI HB1267

Clarifies that Hawaii's anti-discrimination law does not prohibit employers from refusing to hire, refusing to refer, or discharging employees for reasons unrelated to unlawful discriminatory practices under sections 378-2, 378-2.3, 378-2.5, or 378-2.7.

Amends section 378-3 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to explicitly state that employment decisions based on ability to perform work or reasons unrelated to protected class discrimination are permissible.

Responds to the Hawaii Supreme Court decision in Adams v. CDM Media USA, Inc. by allowing employers to decline applicants who do not meet non-mandatory job functions without facing costly litigation.

Maintains that the law continues to prohibit discrimination based on protected classifications while clarifying the law was not intended to prevent legitimate, non-discriminatory employment decisions.

Takes effect upon approval.