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 Wailuku can be required to formulate 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 Wailuku to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Additionally, 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?

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