In a bold and controversial move, outgoing Hawaiʻi Mayor Mitch Roth celebrated a significant arbitration victory, claiming that his negotiations with the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA) would save the County of Hawaiʻi $10.7 million. However, this “win” over his own employees—many of whom served on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic—has sparked fierce backlash. Critics accuse the mayor of undermining the very workforce that kept county services running during the crisis, with many feeling betrayed by his decision to reduce hazard pay for those who risked their health to keep the community functioning.

The mayor’s office released a statement on December 2, 2024, announcing the conclusion of nearly two years of tense negotiations, which resulted in a reduction of pandemic-era compensation for county employees. Roth’s team claimed that the final agreement saved the county nearly $15 million compared to previous offers. According to the release, the funds saved would be reinvested into the community’s most pressing needs, including infrastructure and public health, and would help ensure the county remains on a path of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. However, during his recent campaign, Roth admitted that much of the money earmarked for employee compensation had already been spent on other programs during the pandemic,.

While Roth framed the outcome as a fiscal success, his remarks have been met with sharp criticism from former county workers, union representatives, and local activists, who argue that the mayor’s actions have been detrimental to those who risked their health and safety during the pandemic.

Union Responds: ‘A Blow to Workers’ Sacrifice’

The Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA) immediately condemned the arbitration outcome, emphasizing the deep sense of betrayal felt by county workers, many of whom put their lives on the line to serve the public during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. The union was particularly incensed by Roth’s framing of the arbitration as a “victory” while downplaying the impact of his decisions on essential workers.

In a scathing response to Roth’s media release, the union accused the outgoing mayor of dishonoring the workers who served the county during the pandemic. “Former Mayor Mitch Roth wants to celebrate victory from the unemployment line by touting a temporary hazard pay decision that screws over his own employees,” said the HGEA. “This is exactly why we fought so hard to kick him out of office.”

The union went on to point out significant flaws in the arbitrator’s decision, which had been issued over the weekend. “We received the arbitrator’s apparent decision for THP (Temporary Hazard Pay) for Hawaiʻi County employees, but the document was undated and unsigned,” the union said. “Not to mention, it contains numerous flaws and inconsistencies that need clarification.”

The union’s statement made it clear that they felt the arbitrator’s decision fell far short of what workers were owed. “The decision would limit your payout to a maximum of six months at the 15% hazard pay differential rate. In short, this is unacceptable,” the HGEA said. “You put your health and safety at risk to keep the county running for two years during the pandemic, and you deserve fair compensation for it.”

The union emphasized that they would explore all avenues, including potential legal action, to challenge the decision. “We’re looking at all our options, including an appeal in the courts,” they added.

A Hard-Fought Battle, But for Whom?

For many, Roth’s “win” feels more like a victory over the workers who kept county operations running during a time of crisis. During the height of the pandemic, county workers—from emergency responders to essential office staff—worked long hours under extreme conditions to ensure essential services were maintained. Yet Roth’s decision to reduce pandemic-related pay has left many questioning whether the savings were worth the personal and professional costs.

“Victory for who?” responded one county worker.

“This is not just about money,” said another employee critical of the mayor’s decision. “It’s about recognizing the human cost of keeping a community together during a pandemic. Mayor Roth’s actions show a complete disregard for the contributions of the very people who put the county’s needs ahead of their own during a global health crisis.”

Spending Priorities Under Scrutiny

The funds saved in this arbitration, Roth’s office claims, will go toward the new administration’s priorities, including continued investment in infrastructure and other long-term community initiatives. However, many are concerned about the larger implications of these fiscal decisions, particularly when it comes to the reallocation of emergency relief funds.

County workers argue that while infrastructure development is important, it should not come at the expense of acknowledging the fundamental role county employees played in the county’s pandemic response. “It’s one thing to prioritize future growth, but it’s another to sacrifice the very people who got us through the worst of the crisis,” said a county worker impacted by the decision. “There’s a fundamental lack of appreciation for those who worked in harm’s way to keep the county functioning.”

A Divisive Legacy?

As Mayor Roth prepares to step down, the county will now look to incoming Mayor Kimo Alameda to continue negotiations with three additional unions. Roth expressed his hope that Alameda would build on his achievements, but the arbitration process leaves a complicated legacy.

While Roth has framed his administration as a period of fiscal prudence and transparency, critics argue that his priorities have too often sidelined the very workers who are central to the functioning of county government. As the new administration takes the reins, it will face the challenge of healing these rifts and restoring trust between the county government and its workforce.