Hawaii Workers' Compensation Laws

For injuries caused by compressed air or occupational exposure to asbestos, benzene, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, fluorine, X-rays, or radioactive substances, the claim must be filed within 2 years after the employee knows the injury was caused by employment.

Report the work injury to your employer as soon as possible. Written notice is recommended. Timely reporting is important to preserve your rights.

If benefits are denied or disputed, file a written claim with the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Disability Compensation Division.

Virtually all employers with one or more employees, whether full-time, part-time, permanent, or temporary, must provide workers' compensation coverage. Failure to maintain required coverage is a misdemeanor.

TTD benefits pay two-thirds of the injured worker's average weekly wages, subject to a maximum of $871 per week (2026). Benefits begin after a 3-day waiting period and continue while the worker is temporarily unable to work due to the injury.

Injured workers may select any licensed physician practicing on the island where the injury occurred. If specialist care is needed, the employee may select any physician practicing in the state. The employer's insurer must pay for reasonable and necessary treatment.

Workers with permanent impairments that are not totally disabling receive benefits based on a schedule of impairment ratings. Benefits are calculated as a percentage of the scheduled benefit for the affected body part.

Employers cannot discharge, suspend, or discriminate against an employee for filing or intending to file a workers' compensation claim, or for testifying in a workers' compensation proceeding.