Hawaii law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Employers are most frequently involved in the following forms 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 Lahaina can be required to implement 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 policies to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

Furthermore, federal and Hawaii laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Lahaina to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Additionally, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a Hawaii attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and establish a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in Lahaina can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Hawaii has defined.