Hawaii Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Does Hawaii Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Hawaii’s child labor laws have specific provisions that differ from federal regulations, particularly concerning work permits and certain employment restrictions for minors. 

What is the Legal Age to Work in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the minimum age for employment is 14 years old. However, exceptions exist for minors under 14 in specific situations, such as theatrical work and coffee harvesting, under conditions prescribed by the director.

Are There Any Requirements or Permits for Employers to Hire Minors in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii law mandates that all minors under 18 obtain a child labor certificate, or work permit, before starting employment. This ensures that the work is not hazardous and does not interfere with the minor’s education. ​

For minors aged 14 and 15, employers must obtain and keep on file a valid Certificate of Employment (CL-1) before the minor begins work. This certificate is employer-specific, and a new one is required if the minor changes employers. 

Minors aged 16 and 17 must obtain a Certificate of Age (eCL-3) from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) Child Labor Office before starting work. This certificate verifies the minor’s age and can be used for multiple employers until the minor turns 18.

Are There Any Industries or Occupations That Have Different Minimum Age Requirements in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations, including but not limited to:​

• Occupations in roofing operations
• Occupations in wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations
• Occupations involved in excavation operations​

These restrictions align with federal hazardous occupation orders.

Are There Different Age Requirements for Employment in Cities or Municipalities Across Hawaii?

No, Hawaii’s child labor laws are enforced uniformly across the state, with no variations in minimum age requirements between different cities or municipalities.​

Does Hawaii Have Child Labor Laws That Differ from Federal Child Labor Laws?

While Hawaii’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional requirements, such as mandatory work permits for all minors under 18 and specific working hour limitations for different age groups. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii has specific regulations governing the working hours of minors:​

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • Cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day​
  • Cannot work more than 8 hours on a non-school day​
  • Cannot work more than 18 hours in a school week​
  • Cannot work more than 40 hours in a non-school week​
  • Cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (after 9 p.m. during authorized school breaks)
  • Cannot work more than 6 consecutive days
  • Must be given a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work​

• Minors Aged 16 and 17:
  • Cannot work more than 10 hours consecutively or more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period
  • Cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (after 9 p.m. during authorized school breaks)​

What Requirements Are There for Employment During School Hours in Hawaii?

Minors under 16 are generally prohibited from working during school hours unless they have completed high school or have been excused from attendance by the appropriate school authority. ​

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Hawaii?

Employers in Hawaii must adhere to additional requirements when employing minors:​

• Breaks: Minors aged 14 and 15 must be given a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work. ​
• Prohibited Occupations: Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in certain hazardous occupations as defined by state and federal law. 
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain records of each minor employee’s work permit and proof of age. ​

Employers must comply with both federal and state regulations when employing minors. In cases where state laws are more restrictive than federal laws, the more stringent standard applies.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s child labor laws establish clear protections to ensure minors are employed in safe, age-appropriate roles that do not interfere with their education. With mandatory work permits, strict hour limits, and occupation-specific restrictions, employers must follow both state and federal laws to remain compliant. These safeguards support the well-being and development of young workers across the state.