Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB477 HD1 SD2 (ACT 214).

This bill (HB477, Act 214) amends Hawaii’s unemployment benefits law, effective June 25, 2025. It requires unemployed individuals seeking benefits to register for work by providing specific details to the employment office, including job skills, education, work history, availability, and other relevant occupational information. To qualify for benefits, claimants must maintain this registration and report updates, though exemptions apply for union members, those in labor disputes, or individuals suspended from work (for up to four weeks). The law updates eligibility rules to link benefit access directly to this registration process, with limited waivers for specific cases.