Senator Les Ihara, Jr., Vice Chair

RELATING TO WAGES.

Clarifies when the director of DLIR shall commence proceedings for penalties for violations of the law relating to payment of wages and other compensation. Imposes a fine of not less than $500 for violations and not less than $1000 for wilful or repeat violations.

RELATING TO THE HAWAII LABOR RELATIONS BOARD.

Extends the HLRB members terms from six to ten years. Provides for the chairperson's salary to be at least equal to that of the deputy director of DLIR, and for the other members to be 95% of the chairperson's salary.

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR JOB TRAINING.

Appropriates funds for the department of labor and industrial relations to provide job training to underemployed and unemployed persons. Specifies that the department focus training on construction industry and other skilled trades, high tech, maritime, culinary arts, GED, and labor shortage areas.

RELATING TO THE SPECIAL FUND FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS.

Allows the use of available funds for automation purposes. Appropriates $5 million dollars from the Special Fund for Disability Benefits for automation of the Disability Compensation Division.

RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW.

Simplifies the method for the reduction of unemployment benefits paid to an individual who is receiving a pension or other type of retirement income pursuant to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act.

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY.

Appropriates $20 million in Reed Act funds for services of the unemployment insurance and workforce development divisions. Provides additional funding to the local workforce investment boards for employer outreach and services, labor force pool expansion and capacity building

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY.

Lowers the maximum taxable wage base from $32,300 to the federal minimum of $7,000, for calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007.

RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW.

Improves the administration of unemployment taxes and eliminates the practice of "dumping" whereby some employers and financial advisors use acquisitions or restructuring schemes, including shifting of workforce and payroll, to pay lower state unemployment taxes.

RELATING TO THE WHISTLEBLOWERS' PROTECTION ACT.

Amends the whistleblowers' protection act to include protection for public employees reporting the misuse or waste of public funds or the commission of fraud by other public employees or public bodies.

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.

Amends the whistleblowers' protection act by expanding protected activities and extending the limitations period.

RELATING TO THE HEALTH FUND.

Short form bill.

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW.

Amends workers' compensation law, including but not limited to mandating further requirements for vocational rehabilitation providers, limiting the director's rulemaking authority, and specifying procedures for filing of claims.

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

Proposes reforms to the State's worker's compensation system.

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION REFORM.

Prohibits an employer from suspending workers' compensation benefits to an injured employee without an order from the director of labor and industrial relations. Provides compensation to permanently or temporarily disabled employees within 30 days of injury. Requires that an employer receive prior authorization from the director of labor and industrial relations prior to requesting an employee to submit to a medical examination by an employer's physician.

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Senator Brian Kanno