Department of Human Resources Development
Commission on Salaries
What This Commission Does
The Commission on Salaries periodically reviews and sets the compensation for Hawaii's elected officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislators, and judges, removing direct legislative control over lawmakers' own pay. It examines comparisons with other states, cost-of-living data, and the qualifications required for public service to determine appropriate salary levels. Commission recommendations take effect unless rejected by the Legislature.
Why You Should Care
Competitive government salaries affect the ability to attract qualified individuals to public service in Hawaii, and the commission's decisions are paid for by taxpayers. Residents can review commission salary recommendations and submit public comment before the commission finalizes its decisions.