Honolulu Firefighters Approve $11.7M COVID Hazard Pay

The agreement provides up to $7,500 in compensation for each city firefighter who worked during the pandemic.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:04am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal firefighter's helmet, a pair of thick work gloves, and a red firefighter's axe, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic grey background to symbolize the essential tools used by Honolulu firefighters during the pandemic.The specialized equipment and gear used by Honolulu firefighters on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis is honored through this premium studio still life.Honolulu Today

Honolulu firefighters have overwhelmingly approved a $11.7 million temporary hazard pay agreement offered by the city. The agreement provides up to $7,500 in compensation for each city firefighter who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to March 2022. The firefighters' union expects to receive the hazard payments before the end of the current fiscal year.

Why it matters

The hazard pay agreement recognizes the critical role Honolulu firefighters played on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, as they continued to respond to calls and put themselves at risk despite the pandemic. This payout helps compensate them for their service and sacrifice during an unprecedented public health emergency.

The details

Following a ballot count, members of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463, overwhelmingly approved the temporary hazard pay agreement. The $7,500 in hazard pay per firefighter will be offered based on the amount of hours they worked during the pandemic, so some will receive less than the maximum. The hazard pay will cover the 1,100 members of the firefighters' union, including retired, separated and active employees who worked during the 24-month period.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and ended in March 2022.
  • The firefighters' union expects to receive the hazard payments before June 30, the last day of the current fiscal year.

The players

Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463

The union representing Honolulu firefighters, which overwhelmingly approved the temporary hazard pay agreement offered by the city.

Bobby Lee

President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463.

Scott Humber

Communications director for the mayor's office in Honolulu.

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What they’re saying

“We had a ratification vote; it was not unanimous, but the vast majority did agree to ratify the THP settlement.”

— Bobby Lee, President, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463

“Our firefighters continued to answer the call during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.”

— Scott Humber, Communications Director, Mayor's Office

What’s next

The actual date the hazard pay will be distributed to Local 1463 is still unknown, as the administration works to distribute the payments as quickly and accurately as possible.

The takeaway

This hazard pay agreement is an important recognition of the critical role Honolulu firefighters played on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting themselves at risk to continue serving the community. It helps compensate them for their sacrifice and service during an unprecedented public health crisis.