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In a landmark decision, Hawaii Governor John M. Sampson signed a new bill into law today that will significantly expand workers compensation benefits for injured workers across the state. The legislation, known as the Hawaii Workers Compensation Expansion Act of 2025, aims to ensure that employees who suffer injuries on the job are provided with the support and resources they need to recover and return to work.Under the new law, injured workers will now be entitled to receive up to 80% of their average weekly wage while they are unable to work due to their injuries. This increase from the previous 66.7% cap on wage replacement is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to workers who are struggling to make ends meet while recovering from workplace injuries.In addition to the wage replacement increase, the Hawaii Workers Compensation Expansion Act also includes provisions for increased benefits for permanent disabilities and vocational rehabilitation services for injured workers who are unable to return to their previous jobs. The legislation aims to ensure that injured workers are able to access the necessary medical care and support services to aid in their recovery and reintegration into the workforce.Governor Sampson praised the new legislation as a significant step towards protecting the rights and well-being of Hawaii's workers. "I am proud to sign this bill into law, which will provide critical support to injured workers and their families during some of the most challenging times in their lives," he said in a statement.The Hawaii Workers Compensation Expansion Act of 2025 comes after years of advocacy from labor unions, worker advocacy groups, and lawmakers who have pushed for reforms to the state's workers compensation system. The new law is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of workers who suffer injuries on the job each year in Hawaii.Employers across the state will be required to comply with the new provisions outlined in the Hawaii Workers Compensation Expansion Act, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026. The law is seen as a significant victory for worker rights and is expected to serve as a model for other states looking to improve their workers compensation systems.