Voters get what they pay for. And if they want skilled and public-minded citizens willing to devote their talents to promoting the general welfare, trying to get by on the cheap is no bargain.

That's why the recently recommended pay raises for elected officials are needed if Hawai'i is to nudge state and city governments closer to competitive compensation packages.

How much to pay public servants, especially those who seek elective office, is debated by salary commissions across the country. And while circumstances vary — larger cities, for example, can afford full-time salaries more than smaller towns — nobody denies that low salaries affect the ability to attract and retain the best people.

Offering decent full-time salaries for elected leaders also helps to ensure that the focus stays on doing the public's work. This will diminish, though not entirely fend off, distractions from lobbyists in the form of gratuities. For example: Honolulu City Council members, who now earn part-time salaries, ideally should have full-time pay, reducing the need to hold outside employment — and the special interests that come along with it.

Under the proposal, Mayor Mufi Hannemann's annual pay would rise 5 percent to $128,100 as part of a package prepared by a special investigative committee. City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle would get a 10 percent raise, earning $118,635 and City Council members would get 5 percent raises, with members earning $49,245 and the council chairman taking in $55,010.

Statewide, elective office will start paying a little more, too, including everyone from legislators to the governor.

Enabling effective public service is a complicated challenge. Politicians always seem to have an eye on strategizing for getting back into office; having them serve for a limited number of longer terms will help keep them on task. The all-too-brief two-year terms served in the state House, for instance, should be extended to allow for better continuity and improved focus on the issues at hand rather than on the next campaign season.

Of course, salary adjustments alone can't accomplish the mission. But, they are important as incremental steps toward the goal of good government.