HI HB603

Repeals exemption from minimum wage requirements for persons with disabilities under Hawaii law, eliminating special certificates that allowed lower wages for individuals with impaired earning capacity due to age, physical or mental deficiency, or injury.

Amends the definition of "qualified community rehabilitation program" to remove the requirement for a federal Department of Labor certificate under Fair Labor Standards Act Section 14(c) and instead requires maintaining a disabled to non-disabled employee ratio of at least three-to-one across all employment levels.

Modifies Section 387-9 to remove "handicapped workers" from the list of workers who may receive subminimum wages, keeping only learners, apprentices, full-time students, and paroled youth correctional facility wards eligible for special minimum wage certificates.

Takes effect on January 1, 2022.

Declares that this change is cost-neutral and intended to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities while supporting their integration into competitive employment.