Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 560 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide a $1,500 salary advancement to new Department of Education teacher hires within one week of employment to be recovered by deducting $125 from the first twelve salary payments.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Oral testimony was received from the Department of Education in support of the intent of the measure.

Your Committee finds that new teachers need a salary advancement because they do not receive their first paycheck until four to six weeks after the school year begins. This delay in payment happens due to an extensive background and criminal check. Although teachers would prefer timely payment, your Committee believes that this measure would prevent undue hardship and assist teachers while they wait for their final clearance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B.

No. 560 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.