No, child labor under age 14 is not legal in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) enforces strict prohibitions under the Hawaii Child Labor Law (HRS §390), aligning with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or entertainment work with DLIR permits, and even then, stringent parental and educational requirements apply. Violations trigger DLIR investigations and potential civil penalties.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Hawaii
- Permissible Work Exceptions: Minors under 14 may engage in limited agricultural tasks (e.g., hand-harvesting crops) or entertainment work (e.g., acting, modeling) only with a DLIR-issued permit. Non-agricultural employment remains prohibited.
- Educational and Parental Consent: DLIR mandates written parental consent and proof of school enrollment or homeschool compliance. Permits require verification that work does not interfere with mandatory schooling hours.
- Hour Restrictions and Prohibited Occupations: Even with permits, minors under 14 face strict hour limits (e.g., no more than 3 hours on school days) and are barred from hazardous occupations (e.g., manufacturing, mining, or operating power-driven machinery). DLIR’s 2026 compliance updates tighten enforcement of these restrictions.