The Chief Justice of Hawaii, Mark E. Recktenwald, has recognized the efforts of the 2025 Commission on Salaries for its comprehensive evaluation and resulting recommendations regarding state officials' salaries.
In a statement on behalf of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Recktenwald acknowledged the Commission's dedication to its constitutional duty over a period of four months. During this time, the Commission held fourteen public meetings, totaling over thirty hours, adhering to Hawaiʻi's sunshine laws. These meetings incorporated public testimonies and a review of substantial documentation, with draft recommendations revised several times based on feedback and evolving circumstances.
The Judiciary highlighted its specific concerns about the challenges of recruitment and retention, with the salaries for circuit court judges ranking 47th nationally when adjusted for cost-of-living. Since 2019, there has been a decline in total applications for judicial positions, with noticeable decreases in applications from women and candidates from the private sector.
The need to attract qualified individuals extends to the legislative and executive branches. Hawaii's legislators engage in continuous year-round policy and budgetary tasks, maintaining constant communication with various sectors, including their colleagues at the Capitol, constituents, and other jurisdictional counterparts. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet are charged with developing and implementing state policies that influence numerous facets of community life, including public health, safety, education, and the economy.
Chief Justice Recktenwald concluded by expressing gratitude to the members of the Commission for their diligent and focused contributions.