REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOILER AND ELEVATOR INSPECTION BRANCH TO INCREASE PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

SCR 55 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch. The review will assess staffing levels (currently at 19 positions after a 2021 cut), salary competitiveness (inspectors earn $20,000-$40,000 less annually than private sector roles), and operational efficiency, including a comparative analysis of similar branches in California, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. It specifically requires evaluating current inspector workloads, qualifications, salary scales, and identifying gaps to improve recruitment and retention. The Department must submit findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by December 31, 2025. This resolution directly addresses a 74% inspection backlog (7,438 unprocessed elevators in 2024) to enhance public safety oversight.