The Hawaiʻi legislature convened its 30th biennial session Wednesday, and its leaders wasted no time proclaiming that a top priority would be increasing the state’s $10.10 per hour minimum wage.

Even minority Republicans are behind the idea in the Democrat-controlled legislature. It is part of a larger recognition of how the islands are becoming unaffordable for many residents.

House Speaker Scott Saiki spoke of “serious challenges” facing the state, primarily economic in nature.

“As we already know, regular people are having an increasingly difficult time making ends meet and the divide between those with and without resources is growing,” he said.

In the face of high housing, transportation and food costs, the state has experienced two consecutive years of population loss.

Governor David Ige said in a press conference after the legislature convened that he will work with lawmakers to draft a proposal to raise the minimum wage while also addressing concerns of small businesses.

Ige said he’d look at $15 an hour, but added that “there will be a lot of conversation about different levels.”

Read more.