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 Lihue 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 Lihue to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Also, 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?

If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Lihue, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Hawaii.