U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Maui Apartment Complex Owner Paying $84,136 in Back Wages to 22 Employees

KIHEI, HI – After a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation, Piilani Gardens LLC, based in Kihei will pay $84,136 in overtime back wages to 22 employees performing maintenance and landscaping activities on Maui to resolve federal overtime pay and recordkeeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Division investigators determined Piilani Gardens LLC, doing business as Piilani Gardens Apartments, paid employees who resided at the complex straight-time rates when they worked overtime, rather than paying time-and-one half for those hours as the law requires. Additionally, the employer exceeded legal limits to a credit it claimed toward its payroll obligations for providing housing to employees.

“The resolution of this case protects workers and helps level the playing field so that employers that follow the rules do not face unfair competition,” said Division District Director Terence Trotter, in Honolulu. “We urge all employers to use the many tools our agency offers to avoid violations and to comply with the law.”

Workers and employers with questions about the FLSA or any of the federal wage laws administered by the Division should call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). All calls are confidential. More information is available online at http://www.dol.gov/whd/.