Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB3095

Introduced
1/28/26  
Refer
1/30/26  
Report Pass
2/20/26  
Refer
2/20/26  
Report Pass
3/5/26  
Engrossed
3/6/26  
Refer
3/10/26  
Report Pass
3/24/26  

Caption

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Investment Office Staff Salaries.

Impact

If enacted, SB3095 will result in amendments to Section 87A-24 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, empowering the board to determine the salaries of key investment staff. This change is expected to enhance the board's ability to manage the trust fund effectively by ensuring it can compete with private sector salaries. The proposed salary adjustments are aimed at improving staff recruitment, which is essential for effective fund management and investment performance.

Summary

SB3095 is a legislative proposal aimed at authorizing the Board of Trustees of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to establish competitive salaries for its investment office personnel. The need for this bill arises from the growing disparity between the salaries offered for investment professionals in the private sector and those in state employment, which has made it challenging for the trust fund to attract and retain qualified investment staff to manage its substantial investment portfolio, valued at approximately $10.1 billion. The bill seeks to address this issue by allowing the board to set salaries that are commensurate with the private sector standards.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB3095 appears to be supportive among stakeholders concerned about the professional management of the trust fund. Proponents argue that competitive salaries are vital for ensuring that the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund is managed by skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of investment. However, there may also be concerns regarding public perception about the appropriateness of salary levels in state employment, especially in times of budget constraints.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the public funding of state salaries, particularly if the salaries set by the board are perceived as excessively high compared to other state workers. While the board's ability to set competitive salaries is crucial for effective fund management, discussions may center on the balance between attracting talent and maintaining fiscal responsibility within the public sector. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 3000, which may also lead to discussions about the implications of delayed implementation.

Companion Bills

HI HB2276

Same As Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Investment Office Staff Salaries.

Previously Filed As

HI SB183

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

HI SB1586

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees.

HI HB1368

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees.

HI HB160

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

HI HB1040

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Base Composite Monthly Contribution.

HI SB1359

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Base Composite Monthly Contribution.

HI HB848

Relating To Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Contributions.

HI SCR224

Requesting The Hawaii Employer-union Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees And Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Ensure That All Offered Health Plans Provide Twelve Per Cent Of Monthly Insurance Premium Payments Directly To Each Respective Member-patient's Primary Care Provider.

HI SR199

Requesting The Hawaii Employer-union Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees And Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Ensure That All Offered Health Plans Provide Twelve Per Cent Of Monthly Insurance Premium Payments Directly To Each Respective Member-patient's Primary Care Provider.

HI HB410

Relating To The Budget Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.