SHOPO & Maui County Reach Agreement on COVID Hazard Pay

Maui Police Officers compensated for personal risks taken during pandemic

News Release from SHOPO, Feb 26, 2024

Honolulu, HI – The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) and the County of Maui reached a negotiated settlement agreement on an outstanding grievance regarding Hazard Pay for Maui officers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui County denied SHOPO’s initial request for Hazard pay for its members.

“We believe the agreement honors the risks taken by Maui’s police officers who worked through the pandemic, putting their health and the health of their families at risk so they could serve our community,” said Nicholas Krau, SHOPO Maui County Chapter Chair. “We appreciate Mayor Bissen and the Maui County Council's leadership and support of Maui’s police officers, and we are thankful for the accessibility and professionalism of Managing Director Josiah Nishita throughout this long, but civil process.”

“SHOPO commends Maui County for being the first county to step forward and recognize the sacrifices and professionalism of Hawaii’s police officers throughout the pandemic,” stated Robert Cavaco, President of SHOPO. “We are hopeful the other three counties follow Maui’s lead and work with us in resolving the Hazard Pay issue for the rest of our officers.”

Under the settlement agreement, officers who worked in a patrol function through the pandemic will receive 20% Hazard Pay based on the actual number of hours worked during the pandemic. All other officers will receive 15% Hazard Pay. All officers will receive 15% Hazard Pay for actual overtime hours worked during the pandemic, calculated at a straight time rate, not the time-and-a-half overtime rate. Time used by officers for vacation, sick days, or any other leave is not eligible for Hazard Pay. The Settlement Agreement is fully executed.

While SHOPO has one Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covering officers statewide, the CBA calls for Hazard Pay to be addressed by each individual county. The CBA caps Hazard Pay at 25%.  All four counties denied SHOPO’s request for Hazard Pay for officers who worked during the COVID-19 statewide emergency. Following the settlement with Maui County, SHOPO has three active grievances at various stages of the process in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kauai counties.

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The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) represents over 2,600 police officers in the State of Hawaii. Our officers serve in the Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii County Police Department, Maui County Police Department, and Kaua’i County Police Department.

CB: Maui, Police Union Agree On Covid Hazard Back Pay. What Does It Mean For Honolulu? - Honolulu Civil Beat

SA: Maui settles COVID hazard pay grievance with police for $13 million | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)