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You witness or experience behavior that may be discriminatory, harassing, and/or retaliatory based on a protected class, in violation of the EEO Policy.
The State of Hawaii is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment free of protected class-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Internal complaints regarding EEO concerns occurring in State Executive Branch departments within DHRD’s jurisdiction can be filed by following the steps below.
EEO complaints are kept as confidential as possible; however, complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. After a department is notified of alleged conduct that would violate the EEO policy if proven to have occurred, the department must promptly investigate the allegation. Under the EEO policy, retaliation against any individual who files an EEO complaint or participates in the investigation process is prohibited.
External Complaints
The process outlined above relates to EEO complaints filed internally with State Executive Branch departments within DHRD’s jurisdiction. Instead of or in addition to filing internal complaints, individuals may also choose to externally file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC). If you have questions about external filing processes, contact the EEOC or HCRC. Your department and the DHRD EEO Office will not be able to assist you with complaints filed with the EEOC and HCRC.
Other Jurisdictions
If you would like to report an EEO concern relating to the Judiciary, Department of Education (DOE), or the University of Hawaii, which are State agencies outside DHRD’s jurisdiction, please contact the offices below:
To report EEO concerns regarding a County department, please contact the EEO designees for the City and County of Honolulu, County of Kauai, County of Maui, or County of Hawaii, as appropriate.
Public Accessibility
If you are a member of the public with questions or concerns regarding the accessibility of State of Hawaii programs and services, please contact the Disability and Communication Access Board, at (808) 586-8121 (voice) or (808) 586-8162 (TTY).
Private Employers
Individuals with EEO concerns regarding private employers should contact the EEOC or HCRC. DHRD EEO is not able to assist employees of private employers with their complaints.