HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1595
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the state librarian.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the current salary cap for the state librarian significantly impedes the ability of the department of education to recruit and retain qualified individuals to oversee Hawaii's statewide public library system, which spans all islands and serves as a critical educational and community resource. The legislature further finds that comparable executive-level positions within the State, including other leadership positions filled by appointment by the board of education and executives within the university of Hawaii system, are not subject to similar statutory salary caps. By removing the current statutory salary cap, the board of education will be able to set compensation based on market conditions, responsibilities, and performance standards, which will strengthen the administration and modernization of the State's public library system by attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to remove the current statutory cap on the salary for the state librarian.
SECTION 2. Section 312-2.1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The salary of the state librarian shall be set by the board of education [[Struck through: at a rate no greater than $175,000 a year]]."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
State Librarian; Salary Cap
Description:
Repeals the salary cap for the state librarian.
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