STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3207

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2641

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2641, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to adjust the method of calculating average weekly wages for workers' compensation claims by removing reference to the time of injury.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Hawaii Iron Workers Local 625, ILWU Local 142, LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and Pride @ Work - Hawaii.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and Hawaii Insurers Council.

Your Committee finds that this measure will enable the calculation of average weekly wages to be based upon a salary or wage rate applicable at the time of treatment or determination of a compensation award, which may take place months or years after the time of injury, thereby providing more equitable support for workers and their families.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2641, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair