Is it our responsibility to plan travel to other islands?

Hawaii Law Forum
1

I’m a firefighter for Maui County in Hawaii. Our department covers three islands (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai), so sometimes we have to travel to a different island than the one we live on. Is it up to us firefighters to plan our own travel and cover those costs? :thinking: Any insight would be helpful!

2

Hey, good question! If there’s no written contract that says they’ll cover transportation, it sounds like it’s on you to pay for it. That’s how it works in a lot of cases. If you’re assigned to another island, you’re probably responsible for the travel costs. :roll_eyes:

3

@Kirin
Yeah, I had something similar happen with my job. If you’re required to travel while on duty, they should pay, but if it’s just an assignment thing, you’re covering it. Sucks, but that’s the way it goes. :grimacing:

4

@Kirin
Ugh, I don’t think that’s fair. If we’re needed somewhere else for work, they should pay for it, right? I mean, we’re on call for a reason.

5

Vivian said:
@Kirin
Ugh, I don’t think that’s fair. If we’re needed somewhere else for work, they should pay for it, right? I mean, we’re on call for a reason.

Yeah, I get that. If it’s work-related travel, they should cover it, but sadly, if it’s just an assignment without any rules or contracts about it, you’re on your own with the costs. :confused:

6

It’s definitely a gray area. But if you’re doing it for work, you might be able to deduct those expenses on your taxes! :woman_shrugging: Worth looking into.

7

Chen said:
It’s definitely a gray area. But if you’re doing it for work, you might be able to deduct those expenses on your taxes! :woman_shrugging: Worth looking into.

I didn’t even think about tax deductions! I guess I could look into that next time. Thanks for the tip! :bulb:

8

I think it depends on your department’s policies. If there’s no contract about it, then it might fall on you, unfortunately. :grimacing: Maybe ask your supervisor for clarification?

9

I agree with others, it seems like it’s on you unless you’ve got something in writing. If you’re required to travel, they should really cover it though. Maybe time to ask HR? :sweat_smile:

10

I had a similar situation with my work. They didn’t cover the costs unless it was considered ‘on duty’ travel. I guess they want to save money if it’s just a regular assignment. Kinda sucks, but it is what it is.