Our example
A Hybrid member who joined before July 1, 2012, age 57 with 25 years and a $72,000 AFC. We hold the AFC steady; raises would add more.
| Start on | Age | Keep working | Stop now, wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2033 | 57 | $2,250 25 yrs, −25% | $2,250 25 yrs, −25% |
| July 1, 2034 | 58 | $2,496 26 yrs, −20% | $2,400 25 yrs, −20% |
| July 1, 2035 | 59 | $2,754 27 yrs, −15% | $2,550 25 yrs, −15% |
| July 1, 2036 | 60 | $3,024 28 yrs, −10% | $2,700 25 yrs, −10% |
| July 1, 2037 | 61 | $3,306 29 yrs, −5% | $2,850 25 yrs, −5% |
| July 1, 2038 | 62 | $3,600 30 yrs, full | $3,000 25 yrs, full |
Working 5 more years takes the check from $2,250 to $3,600 a month. Stopping now and waiting for 62 gets $3,000. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3, Service Retirement Eligibility Requirements (membership date prior to July 1, 2012: Age 62 w/5 yos, Age 55 w/30 yos; early Age 55 w/20 yos; multiplier 2.0%; vesting 5 yos; AFC average of 3 highest years of gross pay); ERS annual report 2024 p. 12, Early Retirement, Hybrid ('Maximum allowance reduced 5% per year under age 62'); p. 48, Note A.3; ERS actuarial valuation 2025 PDF p. 47, Table 16
Sources state the early reduction per year (5% Hybrid, 6% Noncontributory). HAR §6-26-15 says age to the nearest year and full month is used for the reduction, so our calculator prorates by month (5%/12 per month). No source shows a worked early-retirement example with a partial year.
What would settle it: HRS §88-332 (Hybrid) / §88-282 (Noncontributory) text, or an ERS estimate for an early retirement at a non-birthday dateJoined after June 30, 2012
The cut runs to 65, so each year matters for longer. Our example: age 58 with 22 years, same AFC.
| Age | Service | Cut | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 22 yrs | 35% | $1,502 |
| 59 | 23 yrs | 30% | $1,691 |
| 60 | 24 yrs | 25% | $1,890 |
| 61 | 25 yrs | 20% | $2,100 |
| 62 | 26 yrs | 15% | $2,321 |
| 63 | 27 yrs | 10% | $2,552 |
| 64 | 28 yrs | 5% | $2,793 |
| 65 | 29 yrs | none | $3,045 |
Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3, Service Retirement Eligibility Requirements (membership date after June 30, 2012: Age 65 w/10 yos, Age 60 w/30 yos; early Age 55 w/20 yos; multiplier 1.75%; vesting 10 yos; AFC average of 5 highest years of base pay); ERS annual report 2024 p. 17, Early Retirement, Hybrid ('Maximum allowance reduced 5% per year under age 65'); p. 48, Note A.3; ERS actuarial valuation 2025 PDF p. 53, Table 16
Unused sick leave
Retiring in good standing with at least 60 days of unused sick leave adds service credit: 60 days = 3 months, each further 20 days = 1 month, and a remaining balance of 10 or more days = 1 more month. Sick leave credit raises the benefit but cannot be used to meet any eligibility or vesting requirement. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6, Unused Sick Leave; HAR §§6-21-10, 6-21-11
From the sources
- Each extra year adds 2% (or 1.75%) of AFC to a Hybrid pension. If you are retiring early, it also cuts 5 points off the age penalty: at 55 with 25 years, a pre-2012 Hybrid member's 35% reduction becomes 30% at 56.Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3; ERS annual report 2024 p. 12
- Unused sick leave raises your pension: 60 days adds 3 months of service, each further 20 days adds a month, and a remaining 10 or more days adds one more month. It cannot be used to qualify to retire.Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6
- Example: 1,480 hours of unused sick leave = 185 days = 9 months of extra service credit.Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6
Questions
What does one more year add?
In the Hybrid plan, 2% of your AFC (1.75% if you joined after June 30, 2012). If you'd be retiring early, it also takes 5 points off the cut.
Is it better to stop and wait?
Waiting without working shrinks an early cut, but adds no service. Working the year does both.
Does unused sick leave help?
Yes, for the amount. 60 days adds 3 months, each further 20 days adds a month. It can't help you qualify to retire.
Source: Hawaii ERS Hybrid Retirement Information, October 2026, pp. 3, 6. Also: ERS annual report 2024 pp. 12, 17, 48; ERS actuarial valuation 2025 PDF pp. 47, 53; HAR §§ 6-21-10, 6-21-11. Last reviewed .