MEDIA RELEASE

As October is being recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the United States, individuals gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda on Oct. 4, 2011 to recognize domestic violence awareness in Hawaii.

Sen. Michelle Kidani (District 17) presented the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence with a certificate of recognition from the State Senate for its many accomplishments and commitment to reduce domestic violence in Hawaii. The certificate also recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a private, not-for-profit organization, and was formed in 1980. The coalition’s mission is to ensure the safety and protection of women in intimate relationships by coordinating domestic violence prevention and intervention services, affecting public policy, and establishing coordinated and consistent procedures and actions by the civil and criminal justice systems in Hawaii.

Act 206

During the 2011 legislative session, senators from the Women’s Legislative Caucus, which includes Sens. Baker, Chun Oakland, Tokuda, Fukunaga, Kidani, Kim, Ryan, and Shimabukuro, introduced Senate Bill 229.

It makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against victims of domestic or sexual violence in certain employment-related situations, if the victim notifies the employer of such status or the employer has actual knowledge. The governor signed Senate Bill 229 into law as Act 206 on July 8, 2011.

Act 206, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012, requires an employer to make reasonable accommodations for an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence; provided that it does not cause undue hardship to the operations of the employer.

It allows an employer to request verification of an employee’s continued status within specified time frames. Further, the Act creates a civil remedy for employee-victims denied reasonable accommodations.

For more information about the ACT 206, visit:
www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=229