Bill > SB181

This bill provides a one-time hazard pay bonus to state employees in bargaining units 5, 6, and 7, as well as their excluded counterparts, in recognition of their essential work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bargaining units are groups of employees represented by specific labor unions, with units 5, 6, and 7 typically covering professional, supervisory, and scientific workers. The bill appropriates funds from the state's general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to provide financial compensation to these employees who maintained critical state services and faced heightened risks of coronavirus exposure. To be eligible for the bonus, employees must have been employed in these specific bargaining units during a designated time period (the exact dates are not specified in the bill text). The legislation acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of these state workers during the pandemic, offering the bonus as a token of appreciation for their commitment to public service under challenging circumstances. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and requires the director of finance to allocate the funds to the appropriate state departments for distribution of the hazard pay bonuses.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=181&year=2026