Girl Scout Day; recognize February 6, 2025

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Davenport and 11 co-sponsors

SR 112 requests a study on CEO-to-worker pay ratios in Hawaii to address income inequality, impacting workers, employers, and policymakers for potential wage equity reforms.

Senate Read and Adopted

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SR 112
Title: Requesting the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to Conduct a Study of the CEO-to-Worker Pay Ratio in the State
Status: Referred to HRE/LBT
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: CEO-to-Worker Pay, Pay Inequality, Report, Study, UHERO

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SR 112 is to request the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) to conduct a comprehensive study examining the ratio of CEO pay to worker pay within the state of Hawaii. This resolution aims to address concerns regarding income inequality and the disparity between executive compensation and the wages of average workers.

Key Provisions

Study Focus: The resolution specifically calls for an analysis of the CEO-to-worker pay ratio, which will involve collecting data on compensation levels for CEOs in Hawaii compared to the average wages of workers across various sectors.

Data Collection: UHERO is tasked with gathering relevant data, which may include salary information, benefits, and other forms of compensation.

Reporting: The findings of the study are expected to be compiled into a report that will provide insights into the current state of pay inequality in Hawaii.

Impact

Stakeholders Affected: The study will impact a wide range of stakeholders, including:

Workers: Employees across various industries who may be affected by wage disparities.
Employers: Businesses and organizations that may need to address issues of pay equity.
Policymakers: State legislators and government officials who may use the findings to inform future legislation aimed at reducing income inequality.

Broader Implications: The results of the study could lead to discussions about potential policy changes or initiatives aimed at improving wage equity and addressing the growing concerns surrounding income inequality in Hawaii.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Actions:

March 7, 2025: The resolution was offered.
March 12, 2025: The resolution was referred to the Senate Committees on Higher Education (HRE) and Labor, Culture, and the Arts (LBT).

Related Bills: SR 112 has a companion resolution, SCR 133, which may address similar issues or objectives.

Conclusion

SR 112 represents a significant step towards understanding and addressing the disparities in compensation between CEOs and workers in Hawaii. By commissioning a study through UHERO, the resolution seeks to provide valuable data that could inform future discussions and actions regarding pay equity in the state.

Bill