Hawaii has enacted a new law expanding the state’s family leave law to better support military families. Hawaii’s family leave statute will allow eligible employees to take unpaid family leave for qualifying military exigencies connected to a family member’s active-duty service.
What the New Law Does
Starting July 1, 2026, in addition to the birth or adoption of a child or caring for certain family members with a serious health condition, eligible employees in Hawaii may take up to four weeks of family leave in a calendar year for a qualifying military exigency. Eligible employees include any person who performs services for hire for not fewer than six consecutive months for the employer from whom the employee requests leave.
A qualifying military exigency refers to certain urgent or practical needs arising from a family member’s active-duty military service as outlined in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (29 C.F.R. 825.126), including for issues related to:
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