HI HB1346

Establishes automatic annual salary step increases for Hawaii public school teachers who complete a year of satisfactory service and meet other specified requirements, subject to available funds and collective bargaining agreement negotiations for Bargaining Unit (5).

Provides longevity step increases for teachers who have served satisfactorily for three years at their maximum increment step or any longevity step, subject to available funds.

Addresses teacher recruitment and retention crisis in Hawaii, where average teacher salaries adjusted for cost of living are the lowest in the nation at $24,409 for starting teachers compared to national average of $30,086.

Notes that 51 percent of teachers hired during the 2013-2014 school year remained in Hawaii five years later, with 71 percent of teachers leaving the state within the last five years.

Takes effect July 1, 3000.