An arbitrator awarded police officers in Hawai'i across-the-board pay increases and differentials amounting to 33.8 percent in a four-year collective bargaining agreement signed Tuesday.

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, which represents 2,900 officers statewide, will announce details of the agreement at a news conference at 2 p.m. today at its office at 1717 Hoe St. in Kalihi Kai.

SHOPO president Tenari Maafala said union officials and representatives of Gov. Linda Lingle and the four county mayors met with arbitrator Russell Higa from May 8 to 11.

"This is long overdue for us," Maafala said of the pay increases awarded by Higa. "It closes the gap and will help address our concerns about recruitment and retention of officers in Hawai'i."

The agreement covers July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2011.

Under the new agreement, the starting pay of police officers will be increased from $38,000 to $43,000, not counting overtime, said Maafala. The highest base-salary level will be $76,000.

The agreement also includes a uniform allowance.

"Most officers have three sets and the price of one is between $125 and $150," Maafala said.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.