Council budget panel reviews Human Resources' $8.66 million operating request, hears limits on pay flexibility

The Budget Committee on Wednesday heard the Department of Human Resources present its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget of $8,662,835 and an associated CIP design request, with Director Nolan Miyazaki detailing hiring gains, remaining vacancies and the department’s limited authority to offer retention pay.

The presentation matters because DHR runs the city’s classification, recruitment and hiring programs; staffing and pay design choices affect service delivery across Honolulu’s departments and the city’s ability to compete for scarce workers in construction, planning and public safety.

DHR’s FY26 operating request is funded entirely from general funds. Miyazaki told the committee that salaries make up roughly 90% of the department’s budget: $7,927,626 in salaries and $730,209 in current‑expense requests. The department is proposing three new civil‑service positions for outreach and talent acquisition (replacing federally funded contract roles), one new civil‑service position for employee training and retention support, and a net reduction in contract positions. DHR also requested $400,000 in CIP design funds for reconfiguring office floor layout…