HI HCR154

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to evaluate establishing separate medical and pension benefit plans for state justices and judges currently included in the Employees' Retirement System and Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Cites potential conflicts of interest when justices and judges must hear cases involving rights and benefits of pension and medical plans in which they are members, referencing the 2016 Dannenberg v. State of Hawaii case where all five Supreme Court justices recused themselves.

Directs the Legislative Reference Bureau to evaluate whether separate plans can be established and what types of plans would be feasible.

Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.

Mandates transmission of certified copies to the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Chief Justice, and the Administrative Director of the Courts.