HCR 144 Summary

• Urges the Department of Human Resources Development to establish a working group to examine recruitment and retention issues for state public employees, noting Hawaii has over 3,000 current vacancies in state executive agencies.

• Working group membership includes the DHRD Director (chair), Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund Administrator, Employees' Retirement System Executive Director, one public sector HR professional (selected by House Speaker), one private sector HR professional (selected by Senate President), representatives from each state public sector collective bargaining unit, and other agency representatives deemed appropriate.

• Working group directed to examine: applicant experience and hiring timeline improvements, position description accuracy across state departments, pay disparities between public and private sector workers, health insurance premium disparities, mandatory retirement system participation impacts, and flex-time or four-day work week incentive options.

• Working group authorized to operate until accomplishing resolution objectives or twenty days before the 2024 regular legislative session, whichever occurs first.

• Chairperson must submit a report to the Legislature including findings, recommendations, and draft legislation no later than twenty days prior to the 2024 regular session convening.