HI HB616

Prohibits educational workers from being required to work under conditions involving harassment as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes section 711-1106 based on their position as an educational worker.

Requires educational workers to report harassment to their immediate supervisor, who must take appropriate action using established procedures.

Entitles educational workers seeking judicial protection from harassment to paid leave to attend court proceedings related to temporary restraining orders and other legal actions.

Mandates the Department of Education and public charter schools to conduct formal investigations of harassment incidents, report threats of physical harm to law enforcement within 48 hours, implement harassment handling procedures, and develop written emergency safety plans.

Requires annual training for all educational workers on de-escalation techniques and handling harassment from outside actors, with procedures posted on department and charter school websites and included in opening of school year materials.