Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Evaluate Ways To Expand Remote Employment Opportunities For Hawaii Residents And Reduce Barriers That May Discourage Out-of-state Employers From Hiring Individuals Who Live In The State.
Summary
H.R. 143 is a House Resolution that asks the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to study ways to expand remote work opportunities for Hawaii residents and reduce barriers that may discourage employers outside the state from hiring people who live in Hawaii. The resolution frames remote employment as a tool to help diversify Hawaii’s economy, retain local talent, support working families, and increase household income in a state that has historically relied heavily on tourism.
The resolution directs DBEDT to evaluate several policy options, including clarifying tax and regulatory compliance expectations for out-of-state employers, simplifying employer onboarding and registration processes, improving coordination among state agencies, and considering ways to preserve worker protections while making remote hiring easier. It also asks the department to consider policies that prioritize long-term Hawaii residents and people educated in Hawaii, and to report findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature before the 2027 session.
Impact
Because H.R. 143 is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not itself change state law. Its practical effect is to initiate an executive-branch review of Hawaii’s remote work, tax nexus, labor compliance, and employer registration framework, with the possibility of future legislation based on DBEDT’s findings. The resolution specifically involves the Department of Taxation and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, signaling that any later policy changes could affect employer compliance obligations, worker protections, and the treatment of out-of-state employers hiring Hawaii residents.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of remote work and workforce retention. The measure presents remote employment as a positive economic development strategy that could reduce outward migration, broaden high-wage opportunities, and make Hawaii’s economy more resilient and diversified. No committee testimony or vote record is provided, so there is no recorded opposition or amendment history in the materials supplied.
Contention
The main policy tension in the resolution is between encouraging remote hiring and preserving state oversight. The bill highlights concerns that out-of-state employers may be deterred by uncertainty over Hawaii tax nexus rules, registration requirements, and compliance duties, while also emphasizing that any reforms must maintain worker protections and compliance with labor and tax laws. Another potential point of contention is the suggestion to prioritize long-term residents and Hawaii-educated individuals, which could raise questions about fairness, implementation, and whether such preferences would be legally or administratively feasible.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Evaluate Ways To Expand Remote Employment Opportunities For Hawaii Residents And Reduce Barriers That May Discourage Out-of-state Employers From Hiring Individuals Who Live In The State.
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.