HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2598
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the department of law enforcement.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that law enforcement agencies nationwide are struggling with recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers. Recruitment is down significantly while increasing retirements and resignations are creating a situation where recruitment of new officers is unable to keep pace. Hawaii is not immune from this nationwide problem. With the passage of Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, the creation of the department of law enforcement, and the goal of increasing public safety, recruitment and retention of deputy sheriffs is becoming increasingly difficult with law enforcement agencies competing for the same pool of candidates.

The purpose of this Act is to increase the salaries of state deputy sheriff positions to enhance recruitment and retention of good officers in the department of law enforcement.

SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for pay increases for deputy sheriffs as follows:

(1) Deputy sheriffs currently at a salary schedule of SR‑18 shall be moved to SR-22;

(2) Deputy sheriffs currently at a salary schedule of SR‑20 shall be moved to SR-24;

(3) Deputy sheriffs currently at a salary schedule of SR‑22 shall be moved to SR-26; and

(4) Deputy sheriffs currently at a salary schedule of SR‑24 shall be moved to SR-28.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DLE; Salaries; Salary Schedules; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to increase the salary schedules of deputy sheriffs within the Department of Law Enforcement. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.