HI HB1704

Amends Section 46-13.1 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify that volunteer firefighters' average weekly wages for workers' compensation benefits shall be computed as set forth in section 386-181(c).

Modifies Section 386-181(c) to allow wages of other employees in comparable employment to be considered (rather than prohibited) when computing average weekly wages for injured volunteer firefighters and other volunteer public safety personnel.

Applies the wage computation method to public board members, reserve police officers, police chaplains, sheriffs' chaplains, volunteer firefighters, volunteer boating enforcement officers, and volunteer conservation and resources enforcement officers.

Maintains that injured volunteer personnel shall be considered employees of the county for workers' compensation purposes and shall earn no less than the minimum hourly wage prescribed in chapter 387.

Takes effect upon approval.