Honolulu Police Officers' New Four-Year Deal Comes with Big Raises

The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a new contract for police officers, giving them a 5% across-the-board, pensionable raise that started July 1 and will happen each year through 2028.

By Peter Boylan

Source The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Nov. 12, 2025

4 min read

What to know

The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, granting Honolulu Police Department officers their largest pay raise in 17 years.
The contract includes annual 5% raises through 2028, step increases, a $1,800 retention bonus and expanded benefits, aiming to boost recruitment and retention amid 465 officer vacancies.
The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, which represents over 2,600 officers statewide, said the deal makes Honolulu’s police pay more competitive and is key to addressing the department’s ongoing staffing crisis.

The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a new contract for police officers, giving them a 5% across-the-board, pensionable raise that started July 1 and will happen each year through 2028. — Honolulu Police Department.

Honolulu Police Department officers moved closer to banking their biggest raises in 17 years after the City Council unanimously approved a new four-year collective bargaining agreement Nov. 4.

The total compensation package followed an arbitrator’s September decision after 18 months of statewide contract negotiations with the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.

The contract gives most SHOPO members an increase of more than 27.5%.

That includes base wages, step increases for years of service and a $1, 800 retention bonus July 1, and continued employer contributions covering 60 % of health premiums, and 100% of life insurance coverage. Overtime rates increase with base pay.

SHOPO represents more than 2,600 police officers in Hawaii.

Council members voted 9-0 on the resolution approving the new contract for HPD officers that runs through 2029. Council members called the increased compensation critical to “strengthening recruitment and retention amid ongoing staffing challenges.”

“This agreement honors the commitment of our officers while addressing one of HPD’s most pressing challenges—recruitment and retention, ” said Council Chair Tommy Waters, in a statement. “By ensuring fair pay and stable benefits, we are investing in a safer future for everyone who calls Honolulu home.”

Officers will receive a 5% across-the-board, pensionable raise that started July 1 and will happen each year through 2028. From 2011 to 2020, base pay for officers increased about 2.43% each year.

Police officer pay will increase 40% between 2021 and 2028, according to SHOPO.

“We are still waiting on the contract being finalized as it affects all county police departments, ” HPD told the Star-Advertiser in a statement. “Once it’s finalized … we can then move forward with the awarded decision regarding the pay raise.”

Council members said HPD has “struggled with high vacancies in recent years, as many officers have reached retirement age and others have left the force for more competitive pay on the mainland.”

“(Authorizing the contract ) represents a key step toward stabilizing HPD’s workforce while maintaining service levels and community safety, ” read a news release from the City Council.

HPD vacancies hit in July

Police departments nationwide are working to recruit and retain officers at a time when fewer young people are opting for careers in law enforcement.

As of July 1 there were 465 vacancies for uniformed officers and 189 civilian openings—and 228 officers eligible for retirement. Eighteen officers have retired, 16 resigned, two were fired and four others were discharged, as of July 1.

“This contract demonstrates our support for our police officers and is a step toward addressing our officer retention crisis by making our pay more competitive. We thank the City Council for their support of our officers and our contract, ” said SHOPO President Nick Schlapak, in a statement. “This City Council has demonstrated the courage to acknowledge that we face an officer retention crisis and the willingness to ask tough questions and take decisive action. We appreciate their dedication to our SHOPO members and to keeping our communities safe.”

A recruit accepted to HPD’s Ke Kula Makai academy of $76, 008 a year that increases to $83, 912 if the standard-of-conduct bonus is met.

A metropolitan police officer, after finishing the training and probationary period, starts earning $79, 008 a year and up to $86, 912 if they earn the conduct bonus.

Additional pay could include night differential, overtime at 1.5 times the base hourly rate, meal allowance for overtime work, subsidized vehicle allowance and hazard pay. After accruing credible years of service, police officers receive automatic step increases as defined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Maximum base salary for patrol officers can range up to $118, 680 or $126, 584 including the conduct bonus.

“Public safety is nonnegotiable, ” said Waters. “We owe it to our officers, and to the public, to ensure that HPD has the resources and respect it needs to keep Honolulu safe.”

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