Bill > HB1183

This bill modifies Hawaii's pension and retirement system to include certain law enforcement administrators and employees of the Department of Law Enforcement as Class A members, effective July 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill adds new definitions for positions such as "director of law enforcement," "deputy director of law enforcement," "sheriff," and "sheriff division investigator" to the state's retirement statutes. These new positions will be required to contribute 14.2% of their compensation to the annuity savings fund and will receive enhanced retirement benefits similar to other public safety employees like police officers and firefighters. The bill allows these law enforcement administrators and investigators to receive a higher retirement allowance calculation (2.5% per year of service instead of the standard 1.75% or 2%), with a maximum retirement benefit of 80% of their average final compensation. The bill also ensures that these new positions will be actuarially evaluated separately from other state employees, recognizing their specialized roles in public safety. These changes aim to provide retirement benefits that reflect the unique responsibilities and risks associated with high-level law enforcement positions.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1183&year=2026