EEO/Affirmative Action Formal Complaint Process

A formal complaint should be timely and filed within 180 days of occurrence.  A complaint of a general nature, which is a continuing practice, may be filed at any time.

The employee who is not satisfied with the results of the informal complaint process may:

  1. File a formal complaint with the Director within sixty (60) calendar days from the date the complainant receives the results (this may be waived by the Civil Rights Manager);

  2. File a grievance under collective bargaining or HDOT procedures;

  3. File a charge with the appropriated federal or state compliance or enforcement agency; and/or

  4. File a civil court action.

Upon receipt of a formal employee complaint, the Civil Rights Manager or designee shall investigate all aspects of the complaint.  The Director shall inform the complainant of the decision in writing.  The complainant who is not satisfied with the Director’s decision may, as appropriate:

  1. File a grievance under collective bargaining;

  2. File a charge with the appropriate federal or state compliance or enforcement agency; and/or

  3. File a civil court action.

The applicant for employment with the HDOT who alleges discrimination based on a protected group, may:

  1. File a written formal complaint within sixty (60) calendar days of the alleged discrimination action addressed to the Director, State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, 869 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaii  96813 (this may be waived by the Civil Rights Manager);

  2. File a charge with the appropriate federal or state compliance or enforcement agency; or

  3. File a civil court action.

The complaint shall include a statement of the problem, description of the event or events, dates, times and places and identification of principles present at the occurrence, specific relief sought and identity and mailing address of the complainant.

Upon receipt of the complaint from the applicant for employment, the Civil Rights Manager or designee shall investigate all aspects of the complaint.  The Director shall inform the complainant of the decision in writing.  The complainant who is not satisfied with the Director’s decision may, as appropriate:

  1. File a charge with the appropriate federal or state compliance agency, and/or

  2. File a civil court action.