The legislative session opened on January 15 and is in full swing at the Capitol. The deadline for legislators to introduce bills was January 23, and HEC is closely monitoring those that are of interest to members. The

Dennis Brown, President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, was recently appointed Chairman of the Hawaii Employers Council Board of Governors for 2014. Dennis brings 15 years of experience of leading a nonprofit

HEC was pleased to welcome Lori Fukumae on January 27 as its new Director of Membership Development. Lori will be replacing Vice President and Director of Membership Karen Honma, who will be retiring at the end of February

HEC members can access to a host of valuable compensation and benefits surveys that will help ensure accurate decision-making. In response to feedback that it is challenging for members to work on surveys in the latter part

During his State of the Union Address, President Obama announced plans to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour for those working on new federal contracts for services. The President will sign an Executive Order

Beginning on March 24, federal contractors should use the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs' Section 503 Self-Identification Form to invite applicants and employees to self-identify as being an individual with a

Attorney Paul Saito of Cades Schutte LLP will present a morning program entitled "EPLI: Are You and Your Company Sufficiently Protected" at HEC on February 26.  Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) provides coverage for employers to defend employment law claims and provides indemnification benefits if the case is settled or a verdict is obtained against the employer.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the maximum allowed pre-tax mass transit benefit is reduced from $245 per month to $130 per month in 2014. The maximum allowed pre-tax parking benefit will increase from $245