Honolulu Council Approves $17M in Pandemic Hazard Pay for Bus Workers

The city-initiated resolution would provide $7,500 in temporary hazard pay to over 2,000 bus drivers and mechanics.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:05am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal bus fare box, a pair of work gloves, and a face mask arranged elegantly on a clean, light grey background, conceptually representing the essential work of public transit employees during the pandemic.A symbolic still life honoring the essential work of Honolulu's bus drivers and mechanics during the COVID-19 pandemic.Honolulu Today

The Honolulu City Council is expected to approve a resolution that would provide nearly $17 million in temporary hazard pay to over 2,000 city bus drivers and mechanics who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution would give each worker in the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996 union $7,500 in hazard pay, plus applicable payroll taxes.

Why it matters

The hazard pay agreement comes as the city and the Teamsters union recently reached a new four-year contract for bus workers, which includes pay increases and expanded benefits. The temporary hazard pay is part of the city's efforts to recognize the essential work of public transit employees during the pandemic.

The details

Resolution 74 would authorize the $16.77 million in hazard pay for the 2,078 members of the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996. City officials say they are working to finalize the agreement with the union before the end of the current fiscal year. Honolulu firefighters are also set to receive $11.7 million in temporary hazard pay for their work during the pandemic.

  • The Honolulu City Council is expected to review and approve Resolution 74 at its meeting today, April 15, 2026.
  • The new four-year contract between the city and the Teamsters union will run from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029.

The players

Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996

The labor union representing over 2,000 city bus drivers and mechanics in Honolulu.

Andy Kawano

Director of the Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services.

Robert Yu

President of Oahu Transit Services Inc., which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes on behalf of the city.

Bobby Lee

President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463.

Scott Humber

Communications director for the Honolulu Mayor's Office.

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What they’re saying

“Based on prior discussions with City Council, the administration is working on an equity payment of benefits to our bus drivers, a part of our Teamsters union.”

— Andy Kawano, Director of the Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

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

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

What’s next

The Honolulu City Council is expected to approve Resolution 74 at its meeting today, April 15, 2026. If approved, the city will then finalize the hazard pay agreement with the Teamsters union before the end of the current fiscal year.

The takeaway

The proposed hazard pay for Honolulu's essential bus workers and firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the city's efforts to recognize the sacrifices and risks taken by public sector employees who continued to provide critical services throughout the public health crisis.