HI HB2273

Reclassifies violations of Hawaii's wages and hours laws from misdemeanor to class C felony offense.

Amends HRS section 387-12(a) to make employers who knowingly pay employees less than required compensation guilty of a class C felony instead of misdemeanor with fines of $50-$500 or up to one year imprisonment.

Amends HRS section 388-10(b) to make employers who knowingly fail to pay wages in accordance with chapter requirements guilty of a class C felony instead of fine of $100-$10,000 or up to one year imprisonment.

Adds "knowingly" requirement to wage theft violations in both sections to establish criminal intent standard.

Takes effect January 1, 2050; does not affect rights, duties, or penalties incurred before the effective date.