UPDATE: Hawaii County officials are under fire for a proposed 15.29% pay increase set to take effect in several increments over the next three years. Public backlash erupted during the Salary Commission meeting on December 18, 2023, in Hilo, where residents voiced strong objections to the raises for county leaders amid a looming economic downturn.
The proposed salary increases come after recent pay hikes for Hawaii Government Employees Association members, with increments scheduled at 3.5% on January 1, 2026, 3.79% on July 1, 2026, and 4% on July 1 for both 2027 and 2028. With only six of the nine commissioners present, a unanimous vote is necessary for any hike exceeding 10%. However, the proposal could still pass in smaller increments with just five votes.
Opposition was vocal, as Keaukaha resident Dell Otsuka argued, “Granting these raises at this time, for this period, is not fiscally acceptable to me. Our county’s future depends upon your decision.” Otsuka highlighted the need for the commission to consider the economic struggles faced by residents, stating that the proposed hikes “demonstrate a fundamental disconnect from the economic reality faced by the majority of Hawaii County residents.”
Otsuka’s sentiments were echoed by other residents, including small business owner Megan Isaac, who described the pay increases as “grossly insensitive” given the ongoing slowdown in tourism. She recalled a significant raise of over 27% for executives in 2024 and questioned the lack of performance metrics tied to the new proposals.
Hamakua resident Kevin Hill also weighed in, pointing out the county’s $953 million budget for 2026 and urging commissioners to cut salaries instead. “Since tourism is declining and is likely to continue to decline, we are positioning for insolvency,” Hill wrote in his testimony.
Several residents emphasized the urgent need for the commission to prioritize community welfare over executive compensation. Laila Moiré-Selvage stated, “Pushing forward with raises that would increase the mayor’s salary by over $33,000 sends a message that the financial well-being of government executives is prioritized over the immediate welfare and stability of the general public.”
Local resident Tiffany Edwards-Hunt added, “People are struggling with hunger in Hawaii County right now. We do not know if, but should plan for when, Hawaii County may budget for bread lines.”
The commission is expected to vote on the proposal at its final meeting of the year on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the County Council Chambers in Hilo. If approved, significant salary increases would be implemented for key officials. For example, Mayor Kimo Alameda’s salary would increase from $209,028 to $242,892 by 2028, while the fire chief’s pay would rise from $194,400 to $225,888.
Former Salary Commission chair Hugh Ono defended the need for salary adjustments, stating, “The right thing to do is to adjust the salaries.” He emphasized that public employees deserve fair compensation for their service.
With the looming vote and growing public dissent, the Hawaii County Salary Commission faces a critical decision that could have lasting implications for both county officials and residents alike. Expect further updates as this situation develops.
