Hawaiʻi projects a late December 2026 launch. Board planning materials point to phased employer deadlines in 2027. Check official updates for your deadline.
The law can apply to private-sector businesses with one or more employees. An employer that offered or maintained a qualifying plan for some or all employees at any time in the prior two years is generally outside the mandate. Examples include a qualifying 401(k), 403(b), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA. Covered businesses can facilitate HISavers or establish a qualifying plan, such as a 401(k) or pooled employer plan.
Covered workers generally are Hawaiʻi residents age 18 or older with wages taxable as Hawaiʻi pay. Employers give written opt-out notice before automatic enrollment. The default is 5% of wages through after-tax payroll deductions. Employees can opt out or change their rate. Federal IRA limits apply. Employees own their Roth IRAs and keep them when changing jobs. Employers cannot contribute or match.
$25 per employee per month without equitable justification, then $50 per month while the employee remains unenrolled after a penalty is assessed. The employer may also owe missed contributions plus 6% annual interest, paid into the employee’s IRA.
Hawaiʻi wage-withholding sanctions and penalties may apply.
At least $500 per violation, with a $5,000 calendar-year cap for this category.
Limited relief may apply under HRS § 389-14. An employee denied enrollment may seek a court order and recover costs, including reasonable attorney fees.
CalSavers and Connecticut’s MyCTSavings show how an established program handles payroll. Hawaiʻi joined Connecticut’s partnership. Follow Hawaiʻi’s launch instructions for its portal, payment methods, integrations, and when to begin deductions.
Use the official employer portal to add eligible workers. Decide who will manage employee notices, payroll deductions, and payments.
Provide the required written notice and use the program’s records to apply opt-outs and rate changes. Update the roster for hires and departures.
Set up an after-tax payroll deduction. At the 5% default, $1,000 in wages means $50 withheld. Report each employee’s deduction through the portal, a payroll file, or a supported integration.
CalSavers lets employers authorize an electronic debit from a business bank account. The contribution report tells the administrator how much to credit to each IRA. Confirm the payment posted and resolve rejected transfers.
Send deductions as soon as the money can reasonably be separated from business funds, and no later than the 15th of the following month. For March deductions, April 15 is the outside deadline.
Compare your retirement plan options with Drew Schnelker Discuss HISavers and employer-sponsored options such as a 401(k) or pooled employer plan, including costs, employer contributions, and payroll responsibilities.
Hawaiʻi resources Program and updates · State FAQs · Eligibility statute · Act 113
Other states CalSavers · MyCTSavings · Washington Saves (scheduled for July 2027)
Andrew (Drew) Schnelker, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life Company, 733 Bishop Street, Suite 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 529-6300. NYLIFE Securities LLC and its affiliates do not own or operate Keene Financial Group LLC.