If you are employed and expecting a child, you may worry about how you will find the time to both recover from childbirth and provide the extra care and bonding that a newborn needs without losing your job.
However, in Hawaii, the Family Leave law offers important protections for both new mothers and fathers, including allowing for several weeks of job-secure leave.
1. Who is eligible for HFL?
Generally, you may be eligible for HFL if your company employs at least 100 workers in the state and you have worked for your employer for a minimum of six consecutive months. You may be eligible for leave whether you are the parent giving birth or you are the father, partner or adoptive/foster parent.
2. How long does HFL last?
Under HFL, you may be able to take up to four weeks of protected time off to care for a newly born or newly adopted child.
3. Do you receive pay while on leave?
You do not receive pay during your leave period. However, if you have accrued sick leave or vacation time, you may choose to claim those paid days off at any time during your pregnancy leave.
4. Does HFL offer job protection?
Yes. The Hawaii Family Leave law may require that your employer allow you to return to the same position or a very similar position once you have finished your leave.
You may be able to take advantage of both Hawaii’s family leave law and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Under the FMLA, you may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Once you have spent your first four weeks of leave under both the HFL and the FMLA, you may be able to take several additional weeks under the FMLA alone.