HI HB1601

Removes the phrase "at the time of the personal injury" from Section 386-51 of Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding computation of average weekly wages for workers' compensation claims.

Clarifies that average weekly wages shall represent fairly the injured employee's average weekly wages from all covered employment based on employment pattern and disability duration, rather than wages specifically at the time of injury.

Maintains existing provisions for minimum wage calculations (35 hours multiplied by hourly rate) and special calculations for part-time employees based on average hours worked in the preceding 52 weeks.

Preserves existing rules for computing wages in various circumstances, including when employees earned higher wages during the preceding 12 months, when casual or short-term employment makes calculation infeasible, and when employees under 25 years old sustain permanent disability or death.

Takes effect upon approval.