Newsletter
March 2026
President's Report
Aloha SHRM Hawaii,
One of the best parts of being in the SHRM community is the dual support you receive from both SHRM National and our local SHRM Hawaii chapter. National resources give you access to expert advisors, career tools, certification discounts, and the latest research shaping our profession. Here at home, SHRM Hawaii brings it all closer to the ground - programming tailored to our state, local HR insights, and a community of professionals who understand the unique landscape we navigate in Hawai'i.
When you pair these memberships together, you’re not just joining two organizations, you’re building a strong foundation of support for yourself and your work.
This year, our chapter is focused on deepening connection and creating more meaningful spaces for our HR community to come together. We’re kicking things off with our first networking event of the year: Tap into HR, happening this Thursday, April 2, from 5:30 - 8:30 PM at Off the Wall Craft Beer & Wine.
Events like this are a great way to expand your professional circle, reconnect with familiar faces, and build new relationships. To help you make the most of the evening, here are my top three tips for effective (and comfortable!) networking:
Get Outside Your Circle: We love that many of you attend with colleagues - and we hope you enjoy catching up! But try to challenge yourself to meet at least a few new people. You never know what connection might spark something meaningful.
Set Goals: Heading into an event with a purpose can make networking feel much more intentional. Whether you’re exploring a career move, interested in a new industry, or curious about the latest HR trends, having a goal helps guide your conversations.
Stay Connected: Business cards are still a classic for a reason - bring a stack and jot down quick notes as reminders. Prefer to stay paperless? Connect on LinkedIn on the spot and send a short message highlighting something you discussed. It makes follow-up so much easier (and more personal).
We’re excited to connect, and reconnect, with you this Thursday. We hope to see you there!
Shanyn Kanemori, SHRM-CP serves as SHRM Hawaii's President and has been a board member since 2019. She is the Workforce Development & Compliance Manager with Hawai'i Pacific Health.
Legislative Affairs Update
2026 Hawai'i State Legislative Session
Throughout the 2026 Hawai'i State Legislative session to date, SHRM Hawaii Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) has provided testimony on several key labor and employment measures, consistently advocating for clarity in statutory language, balanced policy frameworks, and practical implementation standards that reflect the operational realities faced by employers of all sizes and their employees.
Many of the bills monitored by the LAC have stalled and will not move forward this session, including:
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SB 2017, relating to healthy workplaces A bill addressing abusive conduct in the workplace that lacked sufficient clarity in its provisions.
The LAC continues to monitor active measures, including:
- HB 2360, relating to paid family leave. The LAC testified that this measure is premature, given the ongoing work of a paid family leave implementation working group.
- Multiple bills related to workers’ compensation and workplace injury measures, including:
- HB 1509 – Would shorten employer response timeframes for workers’ compensation claims and increase penalties for noncompliance.
- HB 1514 – Would automatically approve vocational rehabilitation services without employer review or coordination.
- HB 1515 – Would authorize attending physicians to request functional capacity examinations without employer approval.
The LAC submitted testimony in opposition to these bills in their current form.
The LAC will continue to monitor and testify on these measures, emphasizing the need to preserve an effective and equitable balance between employee needs and employer responsibilities within the workers’ compensation system.
SHRM Hawaii encourages members to stay informed and engaged as these measures continue to move through the Legislature.
Members with questions, concerns, or interest in participating in advocacy efforts are encouraged to contact the SHRM Hawaii Legislative Affairs Committee Co-Chairs, Maggie Batangan and Erin Kogen, to share feedback or learn more about how to get involved.
Erin Hisano Kogen is the owner of Hisano Kogen LLLC, an employment and labor law practice, and Maggie Batangan is the Chief Administrative Officer at Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. Erin is serving her second year as Legislative Affairs Co-Chair, while Maggie is in her first year in the role.
Advancing the Profession
Key Legislative Updates Impacting Hawai'i Workplaces
The SHRM Hawaii Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) continues to monitor key state legislation, including HB1878 HD2 and SB2871, both of which relate to discrimination.
These measures would prohibit discrimination based on:
- The perception that an individual possesses certain characteristics;
- The perception that an individual is associated with someone who possesses, or is perceived to possess, certain characteristics; and
- The intersection or combination of two or more protected characteristics.
Preventing discrimination and fostering inclusive workplaces remain core priorities for HR professionals. However, understanding how these bills define “perceived characteristics,” “perceived associations,” and “combinations of characteristics” will be critical.
SHRM National is also monitoring developments at the federal level involving the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Recent actions include:
- Title VII enforcement reminder: EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas sent a letter to Fortune 500 leaders, emphasizing the commission’s intent to investigate DEI policies that may result in discrimination.
- Gender identity ruling: The EEOC recently ruled that federal agencies may restrict employees to using restrooms aligned with their biological sex rather than their gender identity. Although this applies only to federal agencies, the decision raises concerns about conflicts with state laws protecting gender identity.
- Withdrawal of harassment guidance: The EEOC rescinded its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. The move creates uncertainty about employers’ obligations regarding harassment based on gender identity. Despite this, two dozen states, including Hawai'i, maintain laws expressly prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation sexual orientation (with most of those states also prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on gender identity). As SHRM noted with the guidance now rescinded, employers and employees alike return to a landscape where courts, statutes, and individual EEOC enforcement decisions shape harassment law without a single comprehensive interpretive framework from the agency.
- A new Executive Order issued on March 26, 2026 places immediate scrutiny on federal contractors’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. It directly links DEI compliance with eligibility for federal contracts, authorizing agencies to suspend, cancel, or debar contractors based on related practices. This marks a significant shift in both the scope and enforcement of federal oversight.
Recommended Action Items:
- Continue monitoring active state and federal legislative developments and provide testimony or feedback when possible.
- Conduct an inventory of existing anti-harassment, equal employment opportunity, and disciplinary policies including employee handbooks, training materials, and internal communications.
- Review DEI programs, training, and investigation practices; adjust as needed to align with evolving legal standards.
- Consult with legal counsel before implementing any policy changes.
Diana Merantza, SHRM-SCP resides in Maui and currently serves as the VP for Advancing the Profession. She has been a board member since 2022 and in her day job, serves as the EEO & ADA Manager for the County of Maui.
Emerging Professionals Update
Emerging Professional's Mentorship Program
SHRM Hawaii is proud to celebrate a major milestone this year: the launch of the 10th cohort of its Emerging Professionals Mentorship Program.
For many years, our program has helped develop the next generation of HR leaders in Hawaii by connecting emerging professionals with experienced HR leaders across the islands. What began as a small initiative has grown into one of the chapter’s most impactful programs, creating meaningful relationships that support career growth, professional confidence, and deeper connections within the HR community.
Each year, the program pairs mentees with volunteer mentors who share their expertise, insights, and real-world experience over the course of six months. Participants engage in structured mentorship conversations, professional development activities, and networking opportunities designed to help emerging professionals expand their knowledge and build lasting relationships within the field.
The impact of the program extends beyond the mentorship period. Many past participants remain active in SHRM Hawaii, return as mentors themselves, and serve on committees.
As the program enters its 10th cohort, we celebrate not only a decade+ of learning and growth, but also the many professionals who have contributed their time and expertise to support others in their career journeys.
Whether you are an emerging HR professional or an experienced leader looking to give back, the Emerging Professionals Committee offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together.
Here’s to ten cohorts of mentorship - and many more to come.
Callie Lewis, SHRM-SCP, is the Director of Human Resources at HEMIC, and Lisa Barnes, SHRM-SCP, is an HR Consultant. This is Callie’s first year serving on the Board, and Lisa’s second year as Emerging Professionals Co-Chair.
Educational Foundation Update
Celebrating Our Spring 2026
Certification Scholarship Recipients
The SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation remains committed to advancing the HR profession by supporting education, certification, and professional development opportunities across our community.
One of the ways we do this is through the Certification Scholarship, which helps make the SHRM Certification Prep Course more accessible by reimbursing a portion of the cost. This investment supports HR professionals as they build knowledge, strengthen their skills, and take the next step in their professional journey.
We are proud to recognize our Spring 2026 scholarship recipients, who are actively investing in their growth and the future of HR in Hawai'i:
- Anna Ngo is a Benefits Administration Specialist at HMSA. She is eager to expand her HR expertise and continue supporting her team through thoughtful and impactful HR practices.
- Connie Aderinto serves as the Director of Human Resources at Kuki'o Golf and Beach Club. Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Connie brings a deep understanding of her community to her work, leading a wide range of HR functions and initiatives.
These outstanding professionals represent the passion, dedication, and leadership that continue to shape the future of HR in Hawai'i. We are honored to support them on their certification journey and look forward to all they will accomplish.
Please join us in congratulating Connie and Anna on this well-deserved achievement!
State Conference Update
2026 SHRM Hawaii Conference & Expo
Together We Will Thrive
Get ready to connect, learn, and be inspired at the upcoming SHRM Hawaii Conference & Expo!
This year’s theme, Together We Will Thrive, celebrates the power of unity, connection, and purpose-driven HR. In a rapidly evolving workplace, thriving isn’t an individual journey - it’s a collective one. This theme highlights collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and shared growth as the foundation for building workplaces where people and organizations flourish side-by-side.
Join HR professionals from across the islands for a dynamic experience featuring:
✨ Engaging keynote speakers
✨ Timely and relevant HR topics
✨ Opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders
Whether you’re looking to grow your expertise, gain fresh perspectives, or expand your network, this conference is designed with you in mind.
📅 Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
📍 Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village
Stay tuned - more details, including speakers and registration information, will be announced soon! We look forward to seeing you there.
