In the interest of full-disclosure, I am the Policy Advocate for the ACLU of Hawaii. However, the opinion expressed here is solely mine and does not in any way reflect that of the ACLU of Hawaii or anyone else who works there.

The recent news that the State Salary Commission has recommended massive pay raises for legislators, department heads, and legislators forces me to recall the last time this question arose, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc on the state economy.

While beyond the authority of the Commission, the timing of their newest recommendations comes as the State is likely staring down significant (if not debilitating) budget gaps as a result of Trump, Musk, and their kleptocratic cronies.

The raises that were ultimately adopted, though delayed, were minor compared to the massive raises being recommended.