HONOLULU -- At a time when morale is low and controversial changes are being made to the work schedule, Honolulu could lose more police officers to the mainland and that is OK with the union.

Recruiters from the Federal Way Police Department in Washington State are set to arrive in March. Federal Way is located in the Puget Sound area and has 119 officers on its force.

"You guys have great cops over there, and we want the best of the best," Federal Way Police Officer Jim Nelson said.

The Federal Way Police Department said it is looking to hire at least 16 officers over the next couple of months.

Recruiters say salary is one perk. The department offers a starting pay of $47,000. However, it's clear it plans to use scheduling to lure officers.

"Now with the schedule transition from the (three days at 12-hour shifts) to (five days on eight-hour shifts) we're hoping to go over there and capitalize on that," Nelson said.

Federal Way police officers work on a four-day, 10-hour set schedule. Recruiters said they have spoken to Honolulu Police Department officers about their change in schedule.

"The consensus is that they're not very happy with the transition to the new 5/8 schedule," Nelson said.

Last month, Honolulu Police Chief Boise Correa decided to change officers' shifts. The plan is set to take effect later this year.

The police union said it supports the recruitment efforts by Federal Way

"It appears that the department is regressing and taking away benefits and is no longer working in the best interest of our officers. So, it behooves us to support anything that can help our officers," State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers Oahu Chapter Chairman Detective Alex Garcia said.

Hawaii's police union said while the islands can't compete with salary and schedule, the one area with which other cities can't compare is Hawaii's quality of life.

"The safety of this community is great. The respect for the officers here is great. And, the relationship between the officers themselves is great also," Deputy Police Chief Paul Putzulu said.

HPD said its shortage of officers is at the lowest it's been in more than a decade.

Recruiters will be on Oahu on March 28-30. SHOPO believes the turnout will be huge.

It is not the first time the Federal Way Police Department has come to raid the HPD for personnel. The last time it was in Honolulu was in 2002. At that time, six officers left, one whom has returned to the HPD.