In a recent case pending in Hawaii state court, a husband and wife sued a tobacco company defendant for various claims related to its manufacturing and marketing of tobacco cigarettes, including strict products liability,...more
Introduction A divided Ninth Circuit panel ruled that Hawaii cannot enforce laws that (1) allow acquisition of a handgun only within 30 days of obtaining the necessary permit and (2) require physical inspection of a firearm...more
Given that Hawaii is often considered synonymous with “hang loose” counterculture, perhaps it is unsuprising that the state’s consumable hemp product market has crested in recent years as legislators continue to balk at...more
Hawaii’s State Data Office recently issued a series of guidance documents for its state agencies on how to handle artificial intelligence. This includes guidance on data protection, data retention and use of Generative AI....more
The recent issuance of guidance regarding digital currency activities in Hawaii marks a significant milestone for Fintech companies and startups operating in or considering expansion into the Aloha State. Effective July 1,...more
The Department of Transportation is allowing Alaska Airlines (“Alaska”) and Hawaiian Airlines (“Hawaiian”) to close their merger—as long as the airlines protect their passenger rewards program against devaluation and ensure...more
On October 7, 2024, the Hawaii Supreme Court, responding to questions certified by the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, determined that insurers had no duty to defend Aloha Petroleum ("Aloha") in two...more
This week, the Hawaii Supreme Court--in response to certified questions of law from the federal district court in Hawaii--held that the insurance policies purchased by fossil fuel companies in Hawaii would not provide...more
On June 24, the State of Hawaii entered into a settlement agreement with a group of thirteen plaintiffs, all minor children, concerning the impact of climate change and the efforts the State of Hawaii would make to reduce its...more
Under current federal law, employers may legally require workers to attend meetings during working hours that concern the employer’s views on politics, religion and similar matters. Hawaii recently joined several states,...more
Governments are increasingly discussing climate change, including resilience to climate impacts and how to promote the energy transition. Less common are governmental commitments to take concrete steps to address climate...more
Hawaii recently joined the growing list of states expanding pay discrimination protections and requiring pay transparency from employers. Hawaii passed legislation that (1) expands the protections against pay discrimination...more
Hawaii AG Anne E. Lopez filed a lawsuit against 25 manufacturers of aqueous firefighting foam (AFFF) products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alleging that for decades the companies violated state...more
On November 20, with no fanfare at all, not even a press release, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its Draft Guidance: Applying the Supreme Court’s County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund Decision in the Clean...more
On August 30, 2023, a Hawaii court ruled on 3M’s motion to compel blood sampling for the purposes of genetic testing in an asbestos matter. Hawaii First Circuit Judge James H. Ashford granted 3M’s motion in the McCabe v. 3M...more
As we’ve discussed, the federal government seems to be getting on board with the legal use of psychedelics. So are many states. While states across the country are moving towards expanding legal (or at least decriminalized)...more
1. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Launched Online Appointment Request Form - On August 21, USCIS launched a new online form for individuals to request in-person appointments at their local field offices....more
On August 17, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Division of Financial Institutions, the NCUA, and the OCC issued a joint interagency statement covering supervisory...more
Earlier this month, wildfires tore through the Island of Maui. While the fires affected an estimated 17,000 acres, the town of Lahaina was hit the hardest, leaving over 114 people dead and another 850 missing. More recently,...more
On August 8, 2023, a wildfire exploded on the west coast of Maui and quickly spread due to high winds. The fire’s ignition was just to the east of the historic town of Lahaina (affectionately referred to by locals as...more
A new pay transparency law in Hawaii will require large employers in the state to disclose certain pay information in job postings. Governor Josh Green signed the bill into law last month, and it will take effect on January...more
On July 3, 2023, Hawaii joined eight other states, as well as eight cities/counties, by enacting SB 1057, which requires that certain job listings disclose the hourly rate or salary range that “reasonably reflects the actual...more
On July 3, the Hawaii governor signed HB 1027 (the “Act”) into law, amending several provisions relating to the Money Transmitters Modernization Act. The Act adds and amends several definitions. Changes include defining...more
On July 3, 2023, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed S.B. 1057 into law, expanding equal pay protections and making Hawaii the latest state to require certain employers to disclose salary information in their job...more
Governor Josh Green has signed the newest pay transparency bill into law for the state of Hawaii. SB 1057, which goes into effect on January 1, 2024, will require Hawaii employers with at least 50 employees to disclose an...more