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Char Sakamoto Ishii Lum & Ching
Honolulu, United States

11 people in their team
English
Char Sakamoto Ishii Lum & Ching is a Honolulu-based law firm that handles civil and commercial litigation and related dispute resolution matters. The firm is described as delivering high quality, responsive, and efficient service, with an emphasis on vigorous representation and pursuit of favorable...
Honolulu, United States

English
Sapolu Law Office is a Honolulu, Hawaii law firm focused on personalized advocacy for clients facing complex legal matters. The firm emphasizes an approach tailored to each client, highlighting that the legal system can be overwhelming and that early, informed representation is important for...
Haiku, United States

Founded in 1982
English
The Law Office of Eric Gregory Ferrer is a trial-focused practice built around substantial courtroom experience and a reputation for pursuing major verdicts and settlements for clients. The firm highlights a long career managing complex matters and references a record that includes...
ES&A, Inc., A Law Corporation
Honolulu, United States

English
ES&A, Inc., A Law Corporation advises employers and business owners throughout Hawaii with a focus on helping clients envision, strategize, and actualize their business goals. The firm describes its approach as collaborative, cloud-based, and client-forward, with an emphasis on straight talk and...
Honolulu, United States

English
Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson focuses on representing injured workers in Hawaii, with the firm emphasizing workers' compensation claims and related employment issues that arise when injury and workplace treatment intersect. The firm highlights its long-standing experience, describing a practice...
KOBAYASHI SUGITA & GODA, LLP
Honolulu, United States

Founded in 1971
39 people in their team
English
Since its inception in 1971, Kobayashi Sugita & Goda (KS&G) has been the law firm of choice for Hawaii’s most successful businesses, and has routinely guided the biggest companies in the world through Hawaii’s unique business environment. We’ve built a reputation for tackling the...
Legal Aid Society
Kaunakakai, United States

Founded in 1950
100 people in their team
English
The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is a public interest, non-profit law firm dedicated to achieving fairness and justice through legal advocacy, outreach, and education for people in need. Established in 1950, it operates as Hawai‘i’s oldest and largest non-profit public interest law firm,...
Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation
Honolulu, United States

Founded in 1947
16 people in their team
English
Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation is a Hawaii-based business law firm with offices in Honolulu and Hilo. Founded in 1947, the firm advises employers, businesses, closely held companies, professionals, multinational corporations, and individuals on complex legal matters involving labor and...
Law Office of Sara Jo Buehler
Honolulu, United States

2 people in their team
English
Law Office of Sara Jo Buehler is a Honolulu, Hawaii firm focused primarily on family law and guardianship matters. The firm represents clients in divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, alimony, property division, domestic violence, post-divorce disputes, and the modification or...

2 people in their team
English
Timothy P. McNulty, A Law Corporation, is a Maui based law practice with a primary focus on workers' compensation and injury claims for employees. The firm represents claimants in Maui and Kauai in matters involving workplace injuries, medical benefits, and entitlements, drawing on decades of...
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About Wrongful Termination Law in Hawaii, United States

Wrongful termination in Hawaii refers to a situation where an employer illegally fires or dismisses an employee. While Hawaii follows the at-will employment doctrine, which means employers or employees can end the employment relationship at any time for any reason, there are important exceptions. Employers cannot terminate employees for reasons that violate federal or state laws, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. Wrongful termination claims can arise from violations of anti-discrimination statutes, employment contracts, or public policy.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

If you believe you were fired unfairly, consulting a lawyer can be crucial. You may need legal assistance in situations like:

  • Being fired due to your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics
  • Losing your job in retaliation for reporting workplace harassment, discrimination, or illegal activities
  • Being dismissed for taking medical leave, military leave, or fulfilling jury duty
  • Having an employment contract that your employer breached by terminating you without just cause
  • Dealing with complex workplace policies or unclear employment terms

A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, communicate with your employer, and seek damages or reinstatement if your termination was unlawful.

Local Laws Overview

Hawaii employment law has several important provisions regarding wrongful termination:

  • The Hawaii Fair Employment Practices Act protects employees from discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, and more.
  • Hawaii law prohibits employers from firing employees in retaliation for filing complaints under whistleblower protection statutes, refusing to participate in unlawful acts, or asserting their legal rights.
  • If you have an employment contract that specifies reasons or procedures for termination, those terms take precedence over at-will employment rules.
  • Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also offer protection to Hawaii employees.
  • There are time limits-known as the statute of limitations-for filing wrongful termination claims with state or federal agencies.

Understanding these local and federal protections is essential to determining whether your termination was indeed wrongful under the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered wrongful termination in Hawaii?

Wrongful termination occurs when you are fired for reasons that violate state or federal laws, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.

Can I be fired without cause in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii is an at-will employment state, so employers generally do not need a reason to terminate employment. However, they may not fire you for illegal reasons.

What are examples of illegal reasons for termination?

Illegal reasons include discrimination based on protected characteristics, retaliation for reporting legal violations, or dismissal for taking protected leave.

How do I know if my firing was discriminatory?

If you were treated differently from others or terminated after reporting or experiencing discrimination based on race, sex, age, or other protected traits, you may have a case for wrongful termination.

Do I need evidence to prove wrongful termination?

Yes, documentation like termination letters, emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and other records can support your claim.

How long do I have to file a wrongful termination complaint?

The deadline varies based on the type of claim. For many discrimination claims, you must file with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission within 180 days. Other time limits may apply, so act quickly.

What can I recover if I win my wrongful termination claim?

Remedies may include reinstatement to your job, back pay, compensation for lost benefits, damages for emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages.

Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination?

You may be able to file a lawsuit, but many claims must first be filed with a government agency like the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

What should I do if I think I was wrongfully terminated?

Gather all relevant documents, make a timeline of events, and consult with an attorney experienced in employment law. You should also consider filing a complaint with the appropriate agency.

Are there protections for whistleblowers in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii law prohibits employers from firing employees who report legal violations or refuse to participate in unlawful activities.

Additional Resources

  • Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) - Handles complaints about employment discrimination
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Processes federal discrimination claims
  • Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations - Provides resources about labor laws and workplace rights
  • Legal Aid Society of Hawaii - Offers legal help and guidance for workers
  • Community legal clinics and local nonprofit organizations - Can provide assistance or referrals to employment lawyers

Next Steps

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated:

  1. Document everything related to your termination, including communications, notices, and workplace incidents.
  2. Review your employment contract and employee handbook for relevant policies or procedures.
  3. File a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or the EEOC if you suspect discrimination or retaliation.
  4. Contact a lawyer who specializes in employment law in Hawaii to discuss your rights and potential legal remedies.
  5. Act quickly, as legal deadlines for filing claims are strict.

Seeking legal advice early can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and increase your chances of a fair outcome.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Hawaii through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Wrongful Termination, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.