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 Kailua can be required to establish 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.

There are also federal and Hawaii laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Kailua workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Hawaii attorney help?

Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. Federal investigators are often very overworked. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Kailua, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Hawaii.