HI HB1605

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 481B-14 to require hotels and restaurants applying service charges for food or beverage services to distribute those charges directly to employees as tip income.

Prohibits hotels and restaurants from using service charges for food or beverage services to pay for costs or expenses other than employee wages and tips.

Maintains existing requirement for hotels to distribute porterage service charges (for moving luggage and parcels) directly to employees.

Defines "porterage" as moving luggage, bags, or parcels between guest rooms and lobbies, front desks, or vehicular access areas at hotels and condominium-hotels.

Takes effect upon approval; does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.