Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Boiler And Elevator Inspection Branch To Increase Personnel Recruitment And Retention.
The resolution comes in response to notable staffing issues within the Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch, which has only nineteen authorized positions after a significant cut in 2021. This limited workforce has contributed to a concerning backlog in inspections; in 2024, out of over 10,000 required inspections, only approximately 2,600 were completed, resulting in a backlog of nearly 7,500 overdue inspections. Such delays raise public safety concerns and could hinder important construction projects, thereby affecting economic development.
Senate Resolution 37 (SR37) is a legislative request aimed at addressing the staffing challenges faced by the Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch of Hawaii's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. It highlights the importance of sufficient and qualified personnel for ensuring the safe operation of critical equipment like boilers and elevators. The resolution emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review by the Department of Human Resources Development to evaluate and propose improvements to the existing staffing and recruitment strategies in order to enhance operational efficiency.
A critical aspect of the resolution is its call for the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comparative analysis of similar regulatory branches in other states. This analysis aims to identify best practices for staffing and compensation, as current entry-level salaries for inspectors fall significantly below those in the private sector. By addressing these discrepancies, the resolution seeks not only to improve recruitment and retention but also to ensure a capable workforce that can effectively manage public safety through timely inspections.
The comprehensive review requested by SR37 is expected to include an assessment of the Branch's current organizational structure, personnel requirements, and salary scales. It is also aimed at identifying any deficiencies that may exist within the existing framework and offering recommendations for human resource improvements. The findings and any proposed legislation should be reported to the Legislature by December 31, 2025, highlighting the urgency of the matter.