Hawaii Senate Bill SB2362

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/24/22

Caption

Relating To Active Duty Military Entitlements.

Impact

The enactment of SB2362 is anticipated to significantl enhance the financial security of military personnel in Hawaii by ensuring timely payments and benefits reflective of their federal counterparts. This legislation will provide that service time during active duty is acknowledged in retirement calculations for state or county military employees. The provisions intend to ease the concerns of service members regarding financial instability during their deployment, ultimately promoting morale and readiness within the military community.

Summary

Senate Bill 2362 addresses the rights and entitlements of military personnel when called to active duty in Hawaii. The primary aim of the bill is to ensure that military personnel receive their pay without delay, comparable to their active duty counterparts, while also granting them a basic allowance for housing. The bill incorporates amendments to the Hawaii Revised Statutes that specifically recognize the contributions of state and county employees who are called to active duty, allowing them to receive service credit that counts towards retirement benefits while serving.

Contention

While the bill received broad support for its intentions to enhance military entitlements, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications of financial strain on state budgets due to the mandated allowances and pay guarantees. Stakeholders may debate the sustainability of these measures, especially in times of budget constraints. Additionally, there might be concerns from non-military personnel regarding equitable treatment in state employment practices and the prioritization of military benefits over civilian employee rights.