Bill to cut pensions for convicted government employees stalled for years

KAILUA-KONA — Lawmakers failed this session to pass legislation that would strip state or county employees of retirement benefits if convicted of a felony.

Sen. Breene Harimoto, D-Pearl City, Aiea, Lower Halawa, Pearl Harbor, presented Senate Bill 496, which he said didn’t even get a hearing. The senator has presented the same legislation for at least three years without success.

Two retired Hawaii County police officers are indicted on criminal charges, one facing felony offenses, but they aren’t in jeopardy of losing their pensions because laws in place allow officers convicted of a crime to retain their nest eggs.

“If you commit a felony related to your job, why would you be able to collect your pension?” Harimoto asked.

Read more: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/05/19/hawaii-news/bill-to-cut-pensions-for-convicted-government-employees-stalled-for-years/