H.R. 135 Summary

• Requests Hawaii establish a paid family leave program for all workers by 2025, covering employees currently lacking access to paid leave benefits.

• Notes 42 percent of private sector employees lack any paid leave, with low-wage workers least likely to have access to family leave despite greatest financial need.

• Identifies Hawaii's specific challenges including high cost of living, highest percentage of multi-generational households, and fastest-growing elderly population in the nation.

• Cites existing unpaid leave limitations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act covers only 12 weeks for businesses with 50+ employees, and state law extends only 4 weeks for employers with 100+ employees, leaving 40 percent of workforce uncovered.

• References completed feasibility studies (2017 Paid Family Leave Grant Analysis Report and 2019 Paid Family Leave Program Impact Study) concluding sustainably-funded paid family leave is needed and affordable.