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SB 2820

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVI, SECTION 3.5, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH SALARY INCREASE LIMITS FOR JUSTICES AND JUDGES OF ALL STATE COURTS, MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, DEPARTMENT HEADS OR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND THE DEPUTIES OR ASSISTANTS TO DEPARTMENT HEADS OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brenton Awa and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii constitutional amendment caps salary increases for judges, legislators, and executive officials through statutory limits rather than standard compensation processes.

Re-Referred to GVO, JDC/WAM.
#constitutionalamendment #stateofficialssalaryincreasecap(conam)
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Bill Summary · SB 2820

Legislative bill overview

SB 2820 proposes a constitutional amendment to Hawaii that would impose statutory limits on salary increases for state judges, justices, legislators, and executive branch officials. The bill would require any future pay raises for these officials to be subject to predetermined caps rather than determined through standard compensation mechanisms.

Why is this important

Judicial and legislative compensation directly affects government functionality and the ability to recruit qualified candidates. Strict salary caps could impact judicial independence, legislative effectiveness, and the state's competitiveness in attracting experienced administrators—while potentially reducing fiscal pressures on the state budget.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial independence concerns: Restricting judge salaries through constitutional amendment could create political leverage over the judiciary and undermine the separation of powers principle
  • Recruitment and retention: Capped salaries may make it harder to attract qualified legal professionals to judicial and high-level executive positions, potentially lowering government quality
  • Economic feasibility: Fixed limits don't account for inflation, cost-of-living changes, or economic conditions over time, potentially leaving officials with declining real wages
  • Legislative self-interest: The bill restricts legislators' own pay, raising questions about political motivations and whether it's a genuine fiscal measure or political theater

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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