HB 1890: Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-14: Act 233, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1335).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill allows public school and public charter school teachers to receive automatic annual pay step increases after one year of satisfactory service and additional longevity step increases after three years at a top step. Those raises only apply if they are included in a union contract and the Legislature specifically provides the funding.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Provides annual salary step increases for public schools and public charter school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, HRS, and subject to funds appropriated by the Legislature. (CD1)
Authorizes public school teachers and public charter school teachers to be eligible for annual increments and longevity step salary increases under specified conditions, if the increases are provided for in a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
Provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, subject to certain requirements. Appropriates funds for teacher retention bonuses. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)
Provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, subject to certain requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 3 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to funds appropriated by the legislature.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step pursuant to section 302A-624 and have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-70l, as applicable, shall be entitled to longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary to implement it."
SECTION 3. Chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302D- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be entitled to an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step, if any, and have complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be entitled to longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary to implement it."
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Provides annual salary step increases for public schools and public charter school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, HRS, and subject to funds appropriated by the Legislature. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 3 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to funds appropriated by the legislature.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step pursuant to section 302A-624 and have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-70l, as applicable, shall be entitled to longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary to implement it."
SECTION 3. Chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302D- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be entitled to an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step, if any, and have complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be entitled to longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary to implement it."
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2077.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Provides annual salary step increases for public schools and public charter school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, HRS, and subject to funds appropriated by the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 3 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased by seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to authorize public school and public charter school teachers to be eligible for annual increments and longevity step increases under specified conditions, if the increases are provided for in a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the Legislature.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-701, as applicable, shall be eligible for an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step pursuant to section 302A-624 and have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 through 302A-642 and section 302A-701, as applicable, shall be eligible for longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary for its implementation."
SECTION 3. Chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302D- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Teachers who have completed one year of satisfactory service and complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be eligible for an annual increment if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step, if any, and have complied with the requirements of this chapter that pertain to the employment conditions and compensation for teachers, as deemed applicable by their employing public charter school, shall be eligible for longevity step increases if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement under section 89-9, subject to subsection (c).
(c) Any collective bargaining agreement negotiated pursuant to section 89-9 that provides for annual increments or longevity step increases under this section and requires the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the legislature. The collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective or enforceable unless the legislature appropriates sufficient funds for its implementation. The legislature may reject the collective bargaining agreement in whole by declining to appropriate the funds necessary for its implementation."
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2077.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Authorizes public school teachers and public charter school teachers to be eligible for annual increments and longevity step salary increases under specified conditions, if the increases are provided for in a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, subject to funding by a specific appropriation enacted by the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 3 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to available funds; and
(2) Appropriate funds for teacher retention bonuses.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, and subject to the availability of funds, teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 to 302A-642, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment.
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step pursuant to section 302A-624 and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 to 302A-642, and 302A‑701, as applicable, shall receive longevity step increases, subject to the availability of funds."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for teacher retention bonuses to each eligible member of bargaining unit 5 in the total amount of $ per employee. The bonus shall be distributed in four equal installments of $ to be paid as follows:
(1) The first installment of $ shall be paid no later than June 30, 2028;
(2) The second installment of $ shall be paid no later than June 30, 2029;
(3) The third installment of $ shall be paid no later than June 30, 2030; and
(4) The fourth installment of $ shall be paid no later than June 30, 2031.
To be eligible for a teacher retention bonus, a state officer or employee shall have been continuously employed as a member of bargaining unit (5) between March 4, 2020, and March 25, 2022, and actively employed by the department as of the effective date of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. The appropriation made for teacher retention bonuses pursuant to section 3 of this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made; provided that all unencumbered moneys from the appropriation as of June 30, 2028, shall lapse as of that date.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases; Retention Bonuses; Appropriation
Description:
Provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, subject to certain requirements. Appropriates funds for teacher retention bonuses. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to available funds.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, and subject to the availability of funds, teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 to 302A-642, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment.
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step pursuant to section 302A-624 and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-601.5 to 302A-642, and 302A‑701, as applicable, shall receive longevity step increases, subject to the availability of funds."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, subject to certain requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to available funds.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for bargaining unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-602 to 302A-639, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment.
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-602 to 302A-639, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall receive longevity step increases, subject to the availability of funds."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1890 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that average salaries for teachers in Hawaii generally fall in the middle of national rankings of teachers' pay. However, once the salaries of teachers in the State are adjusted for the cost of living, they are the lowest-paid in the nation. The national average salary for all teachers stands at approximately $30,086, when cost of living is considered. However, the average starting salary for teachers in Hawaii is $24,409, when adjusted for cost of living.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the State altogether within five years of starting, posing a significant problem for students. Slightly more than nine hundred teachers were hired in 2013, but as of 2018, fewer than four hundred seventy of them remained in the classroom. Within the last five years, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased to seventy-one per cent. Only fifty-one per cent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year were still teaching in Hawaii five years later, a decrease from fifty-four per cent during the previous year. As the State continues to address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is crucial to support current teachers now.
The purpose of this Act is to provide automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed, subject to available funds.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Salary increases; annual, longevity. (a) Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for bargaining unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-602 to 302A-639, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall be entitled to an annual increment.
(b) Teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years in their maximum increment step or in any longevity step and who have complied with the other requirements of sections 302A-602 to 302A-639, and 302A-701, as applicable, shall receive longevity step increases, subject to the availability of funds."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Salaries; Teachers; Annual Increases
Description:
Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 233, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1335). |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 233, 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1335). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 180-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 180-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Kim, Kidani, Lamosao; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, Sayama, Lee, M., La Chica, Olds, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 1:35PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-30-26 1:35PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Wednesday, 04-29-26 1:32PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 782). |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Elefante Chair; Kim, Kidani Co-Chairs; Lamosao. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Woodson, Sayama, Lee, M. Co-Chairs; La Chica, Olds, Souza. |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 637) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-14-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3679) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 04-06-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-01-26 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from LBT/EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3349) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in LBT were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Lamosao, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on LBT/EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 03-23-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to LBT/EDU, WAM. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 313). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 3 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Kong, Pierick excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1036-26) as amended in HD 3, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 03-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from LAB (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 480-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Lee, M., Garrett, Kapela, Kong, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by LAB on Thursday, 02-12-26 9:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on LAB with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Woodson excused (1). |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 21-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to LAB. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Tuesday, 02-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to EDN, LAB, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology |
Passed |
|
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Labor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party of Hawai’i - Education Caucus | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Democratic Party of Hawai’i Education Caucus | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Department of Budget and Finance | *** Against | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| HIDOE | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| HSTA | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Koʻolau Chapter | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Makiki Neighborhood Board (testifying as private citizen) | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Office of Collective Bargaining | *** Against | Apr 1, 2026 |
| State Public Charter School Commission | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Teach for America Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1036-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1890
H.D. 3
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Collective Bargaining. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education; Department of the Attorney General; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an appropriation of an unspecified amount for teacher retention bonuses for eligible members of bargaining unit 5 that were employed as teachers during a certain period and are still actively employed by the Department of Education; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 3.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 480-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1890
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Collective Bargaining. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Education; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL‑CIO.
Your Committee finds that although teacher salaries in Hawaii appear competitive on national charts, the State's high cost of living results in teachers effectively having the lowest real wages in the nation, contributing significantly to teacher turnover. Your Committee further finds that nearly half of teachers leave the profession or the State within five years, disrupting continuity in the classroom and undermining student learning. Your Committee believes that establishing predictable annual and longevity step increases will improve retention by ensuring more stable and competitive compensation over the course of a teacher's career.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Expanding the applicable qualification requirements teachers must comply with to be eligible for an annual increment and a longevity step increase; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,
|
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____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair |
|
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|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 21-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1890
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1890 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Collective Bargaining. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Education; and United Public Workers, AFCSME Local 646, AFL-CIO.
Your Committee finds that the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers are essential to the success of the State's public education system. To address matters of teacher recruitment and retention, it is critical that teacher salaries remain competitive to attract qualified individuals who are responsible for the education of Hawaii's children. Your Committee believes that annual salary step increases for teachers will help to incentivize qualified teachers to fill teacher vacancies and reduce associated labor shortages.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1890, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1890, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Labor.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,
|
|
|
____________________________ JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair |
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|
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Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2026 | HB1890_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-01-26_.PDF |
| Mar 23, 2026 | HB1890_HD3_TESTIMONY_EDU-LBT_03-23-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB1890_HD2_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 12, 2026 | HB1890_HD1_TESTIMONY_LAB_02-12-26_.PDF |
| Feb 3, 2026 | HB1890_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-03-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
7MIN
Senate Floor
4MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
17MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Education
17MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Education
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
