In July 1992 Hawkins was hospitalized suffering from and infection and exhaustion. While in hospital he suffered a pulmonary embolism leading him to an extended convalescence. He later decided to retire from the Papakura mayoralty to ease his workload. During the period he suffered a stroke which would leave him with a speech impediment. At the time Hawkins (and others) thought bad health would end his career however he continued on stating "But it condition made me think that some things are really worth fighting for."