With an EEOC office located in Honolulu, Hawaii provides a legal outlet for workers in the state to file discrimination claims against their employers.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the EEOC to close all of its offices in the United States. Until further notice, workers should schedule a telephone interview with a representative from the EEOC to initiate the claim process.
The EEOC suggests Hawaii workers should visit the the EEOC's website to schedule an interview. All you have to do is sign up to access the sign-in page.
If you scheduled an onsite interview, you should verify that the interview is now done over the phone. Claimants that need more time to contact the EEOC should request an extension by calling 1-800-669-4000.
What Does the EEOC Do?
Before your telephone interview with an EEOC representative, you should schedule a free initial consultation with a Hawaii employment lawyer to learn more about the federal agency.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) processes workplace discrimination claims at EEOC offices located throughout the United States.
As the enforcer of anti-discrimination laws, the EEOC processes claims that allege discrimination because of factors like color, gender, and sexual orientation.
The EEOC enforces anti-discrimination laws against employers that have at least 15 workers on their payrolls.
How many days do you have to contact the Honolulu EEOC office? The EEOC stipulates that workers have 180 calendar days to get in touch with an EEOC representative.
You might be eligible to extend the contact deadline if your attorney can show that Hawaii has enacted discrimination laws that reflect the intent of discrimination laws passed at the federal level.
Deadline rules differ for age discrimination claims, which means you should consult with a lawyer to determine how long you have to contact the EEOC if you want to file an age discrimination claim.
Where to File an EEOC Claim in Hawaii
Honolulu Local Office
- Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building
- 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 4-257
- Honolulu, HI 96850
- Office Hours: M-F 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Phone: (808) 541-3120
- Director: Glory Gervacio
- Regional Attorney: Anna Y. Park
Hawaii Employment Laws
Hawaii's anti-discrimination law expands the number of protected groups established by federal law. In addition to factors such as age and race, employers operating in Hawaii cannot discriminate based on ancestry and National Guard obligations.
Hawaii discrimination law also includes a provision that forbids the use of lie detectors. Hawaii's anti-discrimination statutes apply to all public and private employers regardless of size.
Following the lead of many states, Hawaii prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. Hawaii defines sexual harassment as “unwanted sexual advances or other unwanted or offensive visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.”
Another employment law category that receives the attention of attorneys in Hawaii is wage theft. The state gives workers the right to file a formal complaint to recover the money lost because of stolen wages.
Speak with an Employment Lawyer
An attorney can help you file a discrimination claim against your employer at both the state and federal level. With the key to winning a claim depending on the strength of the evidence that you submit, your employment attorney can help you collect and organize convincing evidence.
A lawyer also ensures you meet every deadline mandated by the EEOC. With all interviews held over the phone until further notice, an experienced employment attorney can prepare you for a telephone interview.
