What is Sexual Harassment under Hawaii Law?
Hawaii law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Employers are most often involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.
How does Hawaii Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in Pearl City can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.
Additionally, federal and Hawaii laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Pearl City to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Hawaii attorney help?
Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Because of this, working with a Pearl City attorney might be the best way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.
