The deal agreed to last week covers 1,800 firefighters from the four counties and the state airports. It takes effect on July 1, but must first be approved by the state Legislature and all four County Councils.

"I'm pleased with the outcome of the award," said Robert Lee, president of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Local 1463. "Our firefighters are getting reasonable pay raises, and based on the state of the economy for our state, I think these are reasonable increases also for the employers."

Firefighters will make about 21.5 percent more by the end of the four years. If they are promoted a pay grade, they will make about 26.5 percent more.

A midcareer Firefighter II, for example, currently making $48,336 a year will earn $58,740 a year by the end of the four-year term.

Honolulu city spokesman Bill Brennan said the agreement would cost the city $49 million over the term of the contract.

City Council Budget Chairman Todd Apo said the council should approve the deal.

"The arbitration process is what they went through to come up with that number, and I think unless someone can show us some flaw in the system, it's almost a requirement that we fund it," Apo said.

Some council members said they were concerned this award could set a precedent for other collective-bargaining agreements still outstanding.

"I am very concerned that it will set a pace for all the other union raises and whatever minimum surplus that we have, I am concerned that it will be entirely consumed by union pay raises," Djou said.