08-03-2025
$70M of hazard pay allocated for Hawaii Island employees
HAWAII ISLAND, Hawaii (KHON2) — Hawaii Island employees who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic will receive hazard pay.
Arbitrator rules State workers are entitled to hazard pay for pandemic work
Mayor Kimo Alameda signed agreements with the Hawaii Government Employees Association and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association to 'fulfill his promise to settle hazard pay fairly with all employees.'
Officials said tentative agreements are also being finalized with the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers.
Mayor Alameda said the agreements recognize the hard work of County employees, especially during tough times.
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'Our employees go above and beyond supporting our communities, and we are committed to showing deep respect for their contributions. Importantly, we are also upholding our contractual obligations, ensuring consistency with other jurisdictions, and strengthening our partnerships so that we can move forward together,' Mayor Alameda said.
HFFA President Bobby Lee was one of many who thanked Mayor Alameda for his support of public workers.
'They worked really hard during COVID. They weren't sitting outside. They were actually responding to COVID cases, dealing with COVID people face to face,' Lee said. 'We appreciate everything Mayor Alameda has done to make this happen.'
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County employees will receive 15% hazard pay over two years, which totals about $70 million.
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