Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2820

Introduced
1/23/26  
Refer
1/30/26  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvi, Section 3.5, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Salary Increase Limits For Justices And Judges Of All State Courts, Members Of The Legislature, Department Heads Or Executive Officers Of Executive Departments And The Deputies Or Assistants To Department Heads Of The Executive Departments.

Impact

If passed, this constitutional amendment would impose a cap on salary increases for public officials to the higher of the average percentage increase provided to unionized state employees or a maximum of five percent annually. This would likely lead to a more consistent and predictable salary standard for public officials, which proponents argue will enhance public trust. The change is expected to mitigate disparities between the salaries of public officials and those of ordinary public employees, fostering a sense of fairness in government salaries.

Summary

SB2820 aims to amend Article XVI, Section 3.5 of the Hawaii State Constitution, introducing salary increase limits for various public officials, including justices, judges, state legislators, and executive department heads. The bill establishes a framework to govern salary adjustments for these officials, ensuring that any increases are reasonable and reflect fiscal responsibility. The aim is to align the salary increases of public officials with those negotiated by public employees through collective bargaining, improving the public's perception of fairness and transparency in government compensation policies.

Contention

There may be contention around the bill, particularly from groups concerned about the implications of capping salary increases. Opponents might argue that this could limit the state's ability to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified talent in public office. Additionally, any efforts to amend existing salary structures could face resistance from vested interests that benefit from the current compensation framework. The discussion around SB2820 is expected to delve into the balance between fiscal restraint and the need for attractive public sector wages.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB175

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI HB298

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI HB570

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI HB764

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI SB1594

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI HB287

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.

HI HB582

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish A School Board Comprised Of Appointed And Elected Members.

HI HB495

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB733

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

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