HR topics · How to write up an employee by state

How to write up an employee in Hawaii

No Hawaii law prescribes the form of a write-up, but a few Hawaii wage rules matter when discipline is involved.

What should a write-up include?

Common practice is the date of each incident, what happened in factual terms (what was seen or measured, not opinions), the policy or expectation involved, what needs to change and by when, what may happen if it continues, a place for the employee's comments, and an acknowledgment line. Our free Write-Up Builder follows four levels: conversational coaching, a verbal (documented) warning, a performance improvement plan and a final written warning.

Should a write-up mention anything positive?

Many managers include a few genuine strengths. It shows the review is balanced and helps the employee see what to keep doing. Our builder asks for three.

Can a write-up come with a pay deduction or fine in Hawaii?

Hawaii's wage and hour notice says employers may not deduct fines from wages (for example, for being tardy), or deduct for breakage or for losses from faulty workmanship, lost property or customer nonpayment unless those losses are due to the employee's willful or intentional disregard of the employer's interest.

What if the write-up leads to a firing?

Final pay is due at the time of discharge, or no later than the next working day. See the final paycheck page.

General information, AI-prepared and checked against the official sources listed, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities, contracts and union agreements can add rules. Last reviewed October 2026. How answers are made