Subsection (a) had prospective effect only. 76 H. 454, 879 P.2d 1037.

Chapter 386 does not bar relief on claims filed with the commission. 85 H. 7, 936 P.2d 643.

Section permits court to award compensatory and punitive damages in civil actions brought under part I of chapter 378. 85 H. 7, 936 P.2d 643.

Employer was entitled to a jury trial, under article I, §13 of the Hawaii constitution, with respect to employees' allegation of sexual discrimination and retaliation, as subsection (a) empowered the Hawaii civil rights commission to award legal forms of relief, and, in proceedings before the commission, the employees and executive director claimed legal relief in the form of monetary damages of $400,000 for each employee. 101 H. 438, 71 P.3d 389.