Hawaiʻi County reaches COVID hazard pay agreements with employee unions

Hawaiʻi County has reached agreements with two employee unions and two others will soon be finalized for COVID-19 hazard pay, fulfilling Mayor Kimo Alameda’s promise to settle the contentious issue fairly with all county’s employees.

Alameda recently signed deals with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association, and tentative agreements are the final stages with State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers, the other two public sector unions representing county employees.

The contracts are anticipated to total a combined amount of about $70 million.

Alameda is pleased with the agreements.

He said they recognize the hard work of the county’s employees, adding they also are important to uphold the contractual obligations of the county, ensure consistency with other jurisdictions and strengthen partnerships so all parties involved can move forward together.

“Our employees go above and beyond supporting our communities, and we are committed to showing deep respect for their contributions,” said Alameda.

Hazard pay negotiations were problematic under the previous administration of former Mayor Mitch Roth.

The outgoing Roth announced Dec. 2, 2024, an arbitration decision that would provide Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association members with 15% hazard pay for a period of 6 months.

However, the union filed a request for further clarification with the arbitrator, resulting in an amended decision extending the 15% hazard pay for 2 years.

“On his final day in office, then-Mayor Mitch Roth applauded an unjust decision, which he knew would allow the county to duck its contractual obligations,” said Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association Executive Director Randy Perreira. “Our members showed up to work throughout the pandemic, putting their own health — as well as that of their loved ones — at substantial risk to keep services running for the public.”

The county, under Alameda’s administration, and Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association agreed to accept the latest 2-year hazard pay decision.

“Mayor Kimo Alameda has been fair and consistent throughout the discussions we have had on this issue,” said Perreira. “He is truly a mayor of the people, who values the work done by the employees in his charge.”

Following the conclusion of negotiations with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, similar offers were made to Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association, State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers.

The county and Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association also signed their agreement this week, while the other two unions are following their own internal processes to finalize their respective hazard pay agreements.

Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association President Bobby Lee thanked Alameda for his support of public workers.

“This is a big deal for our members,” said Lee. “They worked really hard during the pandemic, responding to COVID cases, and dealing with getting sick and taking it home to their families. We appreciate everything Mayor Alameda has done to make this happen.”