Bill > SB1273

This bill addresses teacher retention and compensation in Hawaii by establishing automatic salary step increases for public school teachers and educational officers. The legislation stems from findings that Hawaii's teacher salaries are among the lowest in the nation when adjusted for cost of living, and that nearly half of the state's teachers leave the profession or the state within five years of starting. Specifically, the bill amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to provide two types of salary increases: annual increments for teachers who complete a year of satisfactory service and meet specific requirements, and longevity step increases for those who have served satisfactorily for three years at their maximum increment step. These increases apply to Bargaining Unit 5, which represents teachers and educational officers, and are part of a collective bargaining agreement. The bill aims to support current teachers and address the ongoing challenges of teacher recruitment and retention in Hawaii by providing a clear path for salary advancement based on years of service and performance. The legislation will take effect immediately upon approval.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1273&year=2026