Hawaii Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

Your quick guide to AED, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness laws in Hawaii.

Hawaii has no universal AED mandate for general workplaces, gyms, or public venues. However, Hawaii is currently moving toward statewide AED readiness in schools and state buildings through multiple 2025–2026 legislative actions. Hawaii also has one of the strongest Good Samaritan AED immunity laws in the country, protecting AED users, owners, employers, and physicians acting in good faith.

AED Required?

Yes, Industry Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for AED programs

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes — HRS § 663‑1.5(e)

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

2025

*This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.

Schools:
- Implement a full CERP with annual drills, staff CPR/AED certification, and AED placement near gyms, cafeterias, and high‑traffic areas.
- Integrate AED checks into monthly safety routines.
State Buildings:
- Prepare for the January 1, 2026 deadline by installing AEDs on each floor and documenting maintenance and EMS registration.
General Workplaces:
- Even without mandates, adopt voluntary AED programs with CPR/AED training and written emergency plans to align with Hawaii’s emerging statewide readiness standards.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii

Understanding Hawaii's specific safety mandates is the first step toward total workplace readiness. Here is a high-level summary of the critical requirements for employers in the state.

Schools:
- Beginning 2025–2026, all public middle, intermediate, and high schools must participate in a CPR/AED training pilot program.
- All public schools must establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) including AED placement, drills, staff training, and EMS integration.
- AEDs must be placed and routinely maintained within each school.
State Buildings:
- By January 1, 2026, every state building (including public schools) must have at least one AED on each floor, accessible to employees and the public.
- AED programs must include EMS notification, maintenance, and a cardiac emergency response plan.
Good Samaritan Protections:
- Hawaii provides broad immunity for AED users, employers, and physicians acting in good faith, except in cases of gross negligence.

Recommendations

Industry-Specific Requirements in Hawaii

Explore the specific safety and AED mandates tailored to Hawaii's diverse industries, ensuring local compliance and enhanced emergency preparedness.

Public Schools

Requirement: SB84 (2025)
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Mandatory CERP
Training: Key Personnel CPR

Hawaii requires all public schools to implement AED placement, CPR/AED training, emergency drills, and a cardiac emergency response plan beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

View Education Mandates

State Buildings

Requirement: SB92 (2025)
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Mandatory CERP
Training: Key Personnel CPR

By January 1, 2026, every state building must have at least one AED on each floor.
AEDs must be placed according to nationally recognized guidelines.
EMS must be notified of AED location and type.
A cardiac emergency response plan must be developed and integrated with county EMS protocols.

View Building Mandates