HI HB1653

Establishes automatic annual salary step increases for public school teachers and educational officers in Bargaining Unit (5) who complete a year of satisfactory service and meet other requirements under sections 302A-602 to 302A-639 and 302A-701.

Provides longevity step increases for teachers and educational officers who have served satisfactorily for three years at their maximum increment step or in any longevity step, with board discretion to grant principals and vice-principals more frequent increases under section 302A-625.

Addresses Hawaii teacher retention crisis, noting that when adjusted for cost of living, Hawaii teachers earn the lowest salaries in the nation at $24,409 average starting salary versus $30,086 national average, and that 71 percent of teachers have left the state within five years.

Requires increases to be negotiated pursuant to collective bargaining agreements for Bargaining Unit (5).

Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (appears to be a drafting error).