HONOLULU -- The union representing the faculty of the University of Hawaii system announced on Tuesday that its members approved a contract with the school.

The vote was 83.23 percent in favor and 16.77 percent against, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly officials said.

"While this certainly addresses the short term crisis that has resulted from a severe restriction of previously appropriated state general funds, the long term future of the university remains uncertain. Faculty have ongoing concerns about the health of the UH and want to make sure that higher education remains a priority for our state, even during these fiscally challenging times,” UHPA Executive Director J.N. Musto said.

"I thank the faculty for ratifying this important agreement. It is a necessary step to financial stability for the University of Hawaii system. This financial crisis has resulted in a greater demand on our public education system," UH President M.R.C. Greenwood said in a written statement.

The deal goes back to July 2009. The faculty agreed to pay cuts of 6.667 percent for 18 months starting on Jan. 1, 2010. The salaries would return to the previous levels after June 30, 2011.

The amount cut from their pay would be paid back with 25 percent in 2013, another 25 percent in 2014 and 50 percent in 2015. The contract also calls for a 3 percent increase in 2014 and 2015.

The union members will be responsible for paying for the 23 percent increase in health care premiums that began on July 1, 2009.