Voters elect their leaders with the expectation that they will meet a high standard of service to the people. At few times in Hawai'i's history has there been greater need for people to lead by example than now, when the only way to push on through lean times is by everyone absorbing some of the economic pain.

That's why it's essential that public employees — at every level of government work — endorse the proposal Gov. Linda Lingle presented for pay freezes during the worsening budgetary crisis.

Analysts projected a $1.1 billion biennial budget deficit if spending continued at current levels. When viewed in that context, the postponement of pay raises to the state's top executives and to lawmakers may not seem substantial.

But what is substantial — and critical — is the potency of leadership by example. Those at the top of the power structure should not ask the rank-and-file to accept a pay freeze unless they are willing to do so themselves.

To that end, the Legislature should move quickly to pass the governor's bill that will defer pay raises for the next two fiscal years that had been due to the executive branch, Judiciary and Legislature. In addition, lawmakers should heed her call that they defer the 36 percent pay raise that would take effect Jan. 1.

The pay freeze will save only $4.1 million, but the state hopes to save much more than that by keeping public worker salaries at current levels, too.

State Rep. Calvin Say, speaker of the House, seems aligned with the governor on fiscal policy, stating his preference for erring on the side of conservative revenue projections. This kind of bipartisanship will be crucial, as lawmakers will face unpopular spending decisions.

Union leadership needs to take the long view as well. The governor has avoided proposing layoffs, and the unions should see a pay freeze as far less destabilizing to their members' lives than downsizing the work force.

In a climate when companies in the private sector are shuttering or handing out pink slips, those on the public payroll must contribute to Hawai'i's survival plan, too.