Hawaii Senate Bill SB452

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Relating To Meal Breaks.

Impact

If enacted, SB452 will amend Section 387-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. This change would mean that employers must ensure all employees receive a scheduled interval of at least thirty consecutive minutes for meal breaks after working five consecutive hours. The bill's objective is to promote worker welfare by acknowledging that regular breaks contribute to improved focus, morale, and overall productivity, especially in demanding work environments.

Summary

SB452 aims to mandate meal breaks for employees in Hawaii, specifically prohibiting employers from requiring employees to work more than five consecutive hours without a meal break. This legislation reflects a growing trend among some states that ensure meal and rest breaks for employees working extended hours. Currently, Hawaii's laws only require meal breaks for minors, thereby allowing adults over 16 to work without any mandatory breaks, which has raised concerns about worker welfare and productivity. The bill seeks to align state legislation with practices in states like California and Colorado, where meal breaks are more commonplace.

Contention

The measure may face some pushback from business owners concerned about operational impacts, particularly in sectors where shifts are tightly scheduled. Some opponents might argue that mandating breaks could disrupt workflow, especially in environments where staffing is limited and flexibility is key. However, proponents of the bill assert that ensuring meal breaks is crucial for maintaining employee health and efficiency, encouraging a balance that benefits both workers and employers.