SB 2382: DLE; Kupaa Retention Bonus Program; Law Enforcement Retention; Staffing; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that sworn law enforcement personnel of the department of law enforcement perform statewide public safety functions that are essential to the protection of life, property, and the rule of law throughout the State.  These functions include providing law enforcement services at the courts, the Hawaii state capitol, airports, and harbors, as well as conducting cyber investigations, agricultural enforcement, fireworks enforcement, warrant service, evictions, and participation in joint state and federal task force operations.  The department's responsibilities are specialized, high-risk, and statewide in scope, requiring advanced training, certification, and operational readiness.

     The legislature further finds that significant disparities in compensation exist between sworn personnel employed by the department of law enforcement and similarly situated sworn officers employed by county police departments.  These disparities have created a persistent and growing gap in pay for comparable training, certification, risk exposure, and professional responsibility.

     The legislature recognizes that the department of law enforcement competes in the same labor market for qualified sworn officers but is constrained by salary structures that are materially lower than those offered by county police departments.  As a result, the department faces increasing difficulty in recruiting new officers, retaining experienced personnel, and preventing the loss of trained staff to higher paying law enforcement agencies.  This turnover diminishes institutional knowledge, increases overtime and training costs, and weakens the continuity and effectiveness of statewide law enforcement operations.

     The legislature further finds that recruiting and retaining sworn personnel is particularly challenging given the State's high cost of living, demanding work conditions, and the specialized nature of the department of law enforcement's mission.  Without targeted intervention, the department will continue to experience staffing instability that threatens operational readiness and public safety.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the kupaa retention bonus program to promote recruitment, retention, and continuity of service within the department of law enforcement.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-    Kupaa retention bonus program; established.  (a)  There is established in the department the kupaa retention bonus program for sworn law enforcement officers to provide monetary awards to promote recruitment, retention, and continuity of services within the department.

     (b)  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if negotiated through collective bargaining under section 89-9, the department shall administer the program as follows:

     (1)  A sworn law enforcement officer who is a full-time employee of the department shall be eligible to receive a retention bonus if the officer has worked a minimum of two thousand hours, including regular duty hours, approved overtime, sick leave, and vacation leave, during the preceding fiscal year;

     (2)  The department shall award a retention bonus of $15,000 to each eligible sworn law enforcement officer who satisfies the requirements of this section for the applicable fiscal year;

     (3)  The retention bonus awarded shall be a non-base, non‑pensionable payment and shall not be included in the calculation of base salary, retirement benefits, or any other salary-based benefit; and

     (4)  The department shall retain records related to the program, including the number of sworn officers receiving bonuses, years of service, assignment categories, and any other information the department deems necessary to administer the program; provided that the department shall provide the information only in aggregate form and shall not disclose personally identifiable information.

     (c)  After June 30, 2028, no bonuses shall be issued under this section; provided that any obligations properly incurred before that date shall be paid.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Bonus" means a one-time, non-base payment awarded in addition to an officer's regular salary.

     "Sworn law enforcement officer" means any full-time employee of the department appointed to be a state law enforcement officer pursuant to section 353C-4."

     SECTION 3.  The department of law enforcement shall submit a report to the legislature no later than December 1, 2028, evaluating the effectiveness of the kupaa retention bonus program established by section 2 of this Act.  The report shall include:

     (1)  The number of sworn law enforcement officers that have received a retention bonus for each fiscal year;

     (2)  Changes in vacancy rates, turnover, and average length of service among sworn personnel during the period of implementation;

     (3)  An assessment of the program's impact on recruitment, retention, and operational readiness;

     (4)  A fiscal analysis comparing the costs of the program with savings or cost avoidance attributable to reduced overtime, reduced training and onboarding of new officers, and improved workforce stability; and

     (5)  Any recommendations regarding the continuation, modification, or termination of the program beyond the sunset date.

     SECTION 4.  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 the kupaa law enforcement retention bonus program to provide retention bonuses in the amount of $15,000 to eligible sworn law enforcement officers.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026, and shall repeal on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

DLE; Kupaa Retention Bonus Program; Law Enforcement Retention; Staffing; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program to be administered by the Department of Law Enforcement to provide $15,000 retention bonuses to eligible sworn law enforcement officers that have worked a minimum of two thousand hours during the preceding fiscal year, subject to collective bargaining negotiations.  Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.  Appropriates funds for the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.  Sunsets 6/30/2028.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to law enforcement.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that sworn law enforcement personnel of the department of law enforcement perform statewide public safety functions that are essential to the protection of life, property, and the rule of law throughout the State.  These functions include providing law enforcement services at the courts, the Hawaii state capitol, airports, and harbors, as well as conducing cyber investigations, agricultural enforcement, fireworks enforcement, warrant service, evictions, and participation in joint state and federal task force operations.  The department's responsibilities are specialized, high-risk, and statewide in scope, requiring advanced training, certification, and operational readiness.

     The legislature further finds that significant disparities in compensation exist between sworn personnel employed by the department of law enforcement and similarly situated sworn officers employed by county police departments.  These disparities have created a persistent and growing gap in pay for comparable training, certification, risk exposure, and professional responsibility.

     The legislature recognizes that the department of law enforcement competes in the same labor market for qualified sworn officers but is constrained by salary structures that are materially lower than those offered by county police departments.  As a result, the department faces increasing difficulty in recruiting new officers, retaining experienced personnel, and preventing the loss of trained staff to higher paying law enforcement agencies.  This turnover diminishes institutional knowledge, increases overtime and training costs, and weakens the continuity and effectiveness of statewide law enforcement operations.

     The legislature further finds that recruiting and retaining sworn personnel is particularly challenging given Hawaii's high cost of living, demanding work conditions, and the specialized nature of the department of law enforcement's mission.  Without targeted intervention, the department will continue to experience staffing instability that threatens operational readiness and public safety.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the kupaa retention bonus program to promote recruitment, retention, and continuity of service within the department of law enforcement.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-    Kupaa retention bonus program; established.  (a)  There is established in the department the kupaa retention bonus program for sworn law enforcement officers to provide monetary awards to promote recruitment, retention, and continuity of services within the department.

     (b)  The department shall administer the program as follows:

     (1)  A sworn law enforcement officer who is a full-time employee of the department shall be eligible to receive a retention bonus if the officer has worked a minimum of two thousand hours, including regular duty hours, approved overtime, sick leave, and vacation leave, during the preceding fiscal year;

     (2)  The department shall award a retention bonus of $15,000 to each eligible sworn law enforcement officer who satisfies the requirements of this section for the applicable fiscal year;

     (3)  The retention bonus awarded shall be a non-base, non-pensionable payment and shall not be included in the calculation of base salary, retirement benefits, or any other salary-based benefit; and

     (4)  The department shall retain records related to the program, including the number of sworn officers receiving bonuses, years of service, assignment categories, and any other information the department deems necessary to administer the program; provided that the department shall provide the information only in aggregate form and shall not disclose personally identifiable information.

     (c)  After June 30, 2028, no bonuses shall be issued under this section; provided that any obligations properly incurred before that date shall be paid.

     (d)  As used in this section:

     "Bonus" means a one-time, non-base payment awarded in addition to an officer's regular salary.

     "Sworn law enforcement officer" means any full-time employee of the department appointed to be a state law enforcement officer pursuant to section 353C-4."

     SECTION 3.  The department of law enforcement shall submit a report to the legislature no later than December 1, 2028, evaluating the effectiveness of the kupaa retention bonus program established by section 2 of this Act.  The report shall include:

     (1)  The number of sworn law enforcement officers that have received a retention bonus for each fiscal year;

     (2)  Changes in vacancy rates, turnover, and average length of service among sworn personnel during the period of implementation;

     (3)  An assessment of the program's impact on recruitment, retention, and operational readiness;

     (4)  A fiscal analysis comparing the costs of the program with savings or cost avoidance attributable to reduced overtime, reduced training and onboarding of new officers, and improved workforce stability; and

     (5)  Any recommendations regarding the continuation, modification, or termination of the program beyond the sunset date.

     SECTION 4.  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 the kupaa law enforcement retention bonus program to provide retention bonuses in the amount of $15,000 to eligible sworn law enforcement officers.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026, and shall repeal on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

Department of Law Enforcement; Kupaa Retention Bonus Program; Law Enforcement Retention; Staffing; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program to be administered by the department of law enforcement to provide $15,000 retention bonuses to eligible sworn law enforcement officers that have worked a minimum of two thousand hours during the preceding fiscal year.  Requires the department of law enforcement to report to the legislature on the effectiveness of the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.  Appropriates funds for the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.  Sunsets 6/30/2028. 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2698

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2382

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2382, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote recruitment, retention, and the continuity of services within the Department of Law Enforcement.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program to be administered by the Department of Law Enforcement to provide $15,000 retention bonuses to eligible sworn law enforcement officers who have worked a minimum of two thousand hours during the preceding fiscal year, subject to collective bargaining negotiations;

     (2)  Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program; and

     (3)  Appropriates funds for the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Department of Law Enforcement, and Hawaii Government Employees Association.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Office of Collective Bargaining.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.

     Your Committee finds that sworn law enforcement personnel of the Department of Law Enforcement perform public safety functions that are essential to the protection of life, property, and the rule of law throughout the State.  Your Committee also finds that significant disparities in compensation exist between sworn personnel employed by the Department of Law Enforcement and similarly situated sworn officers employed by county police departments, resulting in a persistent and growing gap in pay for comparable training, certification, risk exposure, and professional responsibility.  Your Committee further finds that the Department of Law Enforcement faces increasing difficulty in recruiting new officers, retaining experienced personnel, and preventing the loss of trained staff to higher paying law enforcement agencies.

     Your Committee believes that the bonus program established by this measure will help address these issues by supporting pay equity and more competitive recruitment in the Department of Law Enforcement.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2382, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2130

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2382

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2382 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program to be administered by the Department of Law Enforcement to provide $15,000 retention bonuses to eligible sworn law enforcement officers that have worked a minimum of two thousand hours during the preceding fiscal year;

     (2)  Require the Department of Law Enforcement to report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Department of Law Enforcement; and Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of Collective Bargaining and twelve individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Office of Information Practices; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.

     Your Committee finds that the Department of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies in the State face significant challenges in retaining qualified and experienced personnel.  The high-stress situations, demanding work schedules, and increasingly complex public safety challenges that officers encounter further contribute to the Department's retention challenges.  The Kupaa Retention Bonus Program proposed by this measure would allow the Department to retain qualified personnel by providing a meaningful financial incentive to sworn officers who have worked a minimum of two thousand hours during the preceding fiscal year.

     Your Committee notes that compensation-related matters, including incentives or bonuses, such as the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program established by this measure, are generally subject to the collective bargaining provisions of Chapter 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the Kupaa Retention Bonus Program shall be administered if negotiated through collective bargaining pursuant to section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2382, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2382, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,