HI SB208

Grants civil service status to the positions of first and second deputy sheriffs within the Department of Public Safety's Sheriffs Division.

Aims to ensure continuity and stability within the Sheriffs Division by removing these positions from the exempt hiring category.

Hawaii Government Employees Association supported the measure; the Department of Public Safety opposed it.

Committees expressed concern that enactment may set a precedent limiting the Governor and Director of Public Safety's ability to select administrators aligned with their policy goals.

Committees recommended passage and referral to the Committee on Finance.