Salary commission approves raises for hundreds of state officials

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Despite public outcry, the state Commission on Salaries approved Tuesday raises for hundreds of state officials.

But the pay hikes are not as high as first proposed.

The salary commission’s original draft proposal called for 50 to 60 percent raises over a six year period but after objections by the governor and public criticism, the commission lowered it to about 40 percent.

The raises would be incremental over a six-year period with most taking effect July 1.

Hawaii’s governor would see a 39% raise over the next six years, putting him at $275,000, while the lieutenant governor would make $268,000.

Hawaii Supreme Court’s chief justice would make $339,000 along 102 positions at the State Judiciary would see raises around 40 percent.

“It’s becoming increasing hard to recruit the very best lawyers to become judges. The top lawyers make a lot of money. We want the best lawyers to be our judges so I think there are good reasons to increase some of these salaries,” said Hawaii Political Analyst Collin Moore.

State lawmakers would also get a 40% raise with the first increment starting July 1, 2027, the first year they are allowed an increase under the state constitution.

Their salary would go up to $114,000. Controversial since they are only in session 4 months of the year.

It also comes after several lawmakers told the commission at a hearing last month that the raises were too high.

“I think to me see this seems a little ton def and particular for the legislatures I don’t understand the rationale,” said Moore.

“My hope would be that the salary commission would’ve proposed more modest cost of living raises for legislatures.”

But the commission pointed out that even by sixth year of raises, the salaries of state lawmakers would still not match what current Honolulu City Council members make now.

The commission plans to sign the final report on March 13 as a formality.

The salary commission convenes once every six years. If the Legislature blocks the raises, none of the 218 positions will get a raise until at least 2031.

The raises for state leaders comes two years after city leaders got a controversial 64% increase.

The Governor’s Office released a statement responding to the raises reading:

”Governor Green respects the decision of the State Salary Commission and the legislative process regarding salary adjustments for state officials. The commission, which reviewed salary schedules across the country, made its recommendations to ensure Hawai’i remains competitive in attracting and retaining public servants. However, Governor Green has advocated for a smaller raise, emphasizing that public service is a privilege and that his commitment to the people of Hawai’i remains unchanged regardless of his salary.”He understands that any increase in compensation must be balanced with accountability to taxpayers. Should the raise for the Governor’s office exceed what workers across Hawai’i normally receive, he will increase his personal donations to charitable causes to offset the difference. His focus remains on improving the lives of Hawai’i’s residents and addressing critical issues such as affordable housing, healthcare, and climate resilience. Governor Green believes that leadership is about service and remains dedicated to earning the trust and support of the community every day.”

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