Hawaii House Bill HB2598

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To The Department Of Law Enforcement.

Impact

The legislation proposes an appropriation of $3,500,000 for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which would result in salary increases across various salary schedules for deputy sheriffs. For instance, deputies currently at salary schedule SR-18 will be moved to SR-22, while those at SR-20 will move to SR-24, and so forth. This adjustment aims to make the compensation for deputy sheriffs more competitive, thereby attracting better candidates and reducing turnover, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety in Hawaii.

Summary

House Bill 2598 aims to address the ongoing challenges related to the recruitment and retention of deputy sheriffs within Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement. The bill acknowledges a nationwide trend in which law enforcement agencies are facing significant difficulties in attracting new officers due to increasing retirements and resignations. Hawaii is not an exception to this trend, and the proposed legislation seeks to enhance the salaries of state deputy sheriff positions as a measure to improve recruitment and retention efforts in the state.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on increasing deputy sheriff salaries, it also acknowledges that this appropriated amount will exceed the general fund expenditure ceiling established for the fiscal year. The bill presents a case for why this increase is necessary—specifically citing that the appropriation serves the public interest and addresses an urgent need within law enforcement agencies. This aspect may lead to debates regarding budget allocation and the prioritization of funding within state expenditures.