Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 106, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of working people in Hawaii by urging Hawaii employers to develop and implement standards of conduct and policies for managers and employees to reduce workplace bullying and promote healthful and safe work environments.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii Federation of Business and Professional Women, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this concurrent resolution. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) supported this measure but had concerns regarding the requested submission of a report to the Legislature.

Workplace bullying, abuse, and harassment are prevalent occurrences in many businesses nationwide. Your Committee finds that this type of behavior has a negative impact, not only on employees, but on employers as well. Reducing workplace harassment and bullying promotes a healthy and safe work environment.

However, your Committee understands the concerns raised by DLIR regarding the request that it report to the Legislature on Hawaii employers that have developed and implemented policies for reducing workplace bullying. While it may appear that this request would entail DLIR having to conduct a survey of all employers throughout the state, this is not the intent of your Committee. Rather, your Committee believes that this measure is requesting DLIR to submit a report to the Legislature on employers that have reported to DLIR on the development and implementation of standards of conduct and policies for the reduction of workplace bullying.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 106, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.