Discrimination Under Hawaii Law
Both Hawaii and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Hilo, whether public or private, may be held liable under federal and state laws depending on the type of trait first prompted the discrimination.
How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?
An employer will be found guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a class that is legally protected. Employers are prohibited from using certain traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Hilo, Hawaii plaintiff must show that his (or her) employer actively intended to treat him differently because of his protected status.
How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Hawaii?
This may be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Furthermore, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.
Because it involves filing a claim with specified agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An Hilo, Hawaii attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.
