Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1333, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Judicial Salary Commission to determine the salaries of: supreme court justices, intermediate court of appeals, circuit court, and district court judges; and appointed administrative officers of the Judiciary.

The measure further provides that this authority is effective July 1, 2004, and makes the Judicial Salary Commission's determination subject to a two-thirds legislative override.

Your Committee finds that the current system for determining judicial salary increases is subject to political and economic pressures. This measure will provide for a regular and equitable review of salary levels and ensure that the separation of powers and independence of the Judiciary are preserved.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1333, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.