English
EspañolHow much notice do I have to give my employer before taking time off?
Generally, you must give your employer “reasonable notice” that you need to take time off from work to deal with a situation involving domestic or sexual violence.1 For example, if you find out on a Tuesday that you have to go to court on Friday afternoon to testify against the abuser, you should tell your employer on Tuesday, or as soon as possible, that you will need Friday off – don’t wait until Friday morning.
However, there is an exception to the “reasonable notice” requirement for emergency situations where you or your child are facing immediate danger.1
Note: It might be a good idea to ask in writing for the time off to deal with domestic or sexual violence issues. You may also want to keep a copy of the letter. This way, if the employer denies you the time off, you have some proof that you asked for it in case you decide to bring legal action against the employer for violating the law.
1 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 378-72(f)
