Story perspectives

Hawai‘i Public Defenders Still Await 20% Retroactive Raise

1/16/2026

33 5

Summary

Story summary

Public defenders in Hawai‘i have not received the full retroactive 20% raise promised to close pay disparities with prosecutors, six months after it took effect.
Staffing shortages at the Department of Budget and Finance have delayed processing and payment of the raise.
The department is now prioritizing the issue, but retroactive payments remain outstanding.
The delay has harmed morale and retention, with some attorneys leaving for higher-paying positions.

1 of 1

Story summary

Public defenders in Hawai‘i have not received the full retroactive 20% raise promised to close pay disparities with prosecutors, six months after it took effect.
Staffing shortages at the Department of Budget and Finance have delayed processing and payment of the raise.
The department is now prioritizing the issue, but retroactive payments remain outstanding.
The delay has harmed morale and retention, with some attorneys leaving for higher-paying positions.