Aloha and welcome to the State of Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) website, your online resource for education and information related to the ERS. The ERS is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan covered under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time State and county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries. Funding for benefit payments comes from employer and member contributions, and investments. More information about the ERS can be found at ers.ehawaii.gov/about-the-ers. Mahalo for visiting!
News and Updates
NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR SEATS on ERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2025 retirement dates, first day and last day to file
Videos: ERS Overview and Plans
Holomua Newsletter for Members and Retirees

ERS MESSAGE ON MARKET VOLATILITY
A Message to Our Members: ERS is Well Positioned for Times Like These
With recent headlines about market volatility, we want to provide a brief update—and most importantly, reassure you that your retirement benefits remain secure.
Here’s what you should know:
- Markets have been volatile. Global events and new trade policies have led to a drop in stock markets. While concerning, this kind of movement is not unusual and is something we’ve prepared for.
- ERS has been ready. Since 2013, the fund has been strategically positioned to manage through market corrections. This approach has proven effective through several past downturns—and we are confident it will continue to serve members well in the current environment.
- Payment of benefits will not be impacted. We maintain a strong cash position, which ensures we can meet all benefit payments without needing to sell investments during market downturns.
- We invest for the long term and remain risk focused. The portfolio remains highly diversified across asset classes, helping us navigate a wide range of market conditions while staying focused on steady, long-term consistent growth.
- We remain focused on your future. Our team is actively monitoring the situation, staying disciplined, and managing the fund with the same care and commitment we always have.
Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re here to protect safeguard your retirement assets—and that remains our top priority.