Local connection: raising Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage
The last time the minimum wage was increased was a year ago, to $10.10 an hour. Because there was no increase approved by the last legislature, Hawaiʻi’s lowest paid workers will not get raises this year, even though the local economy is booming.
$15 an hour is not a living wage. It is the minimum for someone just hoping to live with dignity and independence.
Waiting until 2024 doesn’t seem practical or even have a basis in reality. It won’t change the world, or bankrupt businesses, but it sure would help a lot of Hawaiʻi’s families, if we can improve the timeline and raise the wage to $15 an hour.