Advocates for a living wage will be asking our elected officials to deliver on their promises and pass a living wage bill in the 2021 legislative session. But we can’t do it without support from you.
It’s time to Raise Up Hawaiʻi
Every worker deserves a Living Wage.
All in Legislation
Increasing the minimum wage is a priority for the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party, which passed a resolution last year advocating for a living wage in Hawaiʻi.
The Hawaiʻi legislature will soon decide on two minimum wage bills, SB789 SD2 and HB1191 HD1. These bills should be supported, but with amendments that reflect Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living. Both should have a $17 minimum wage.
During previous hearings in the House, the bill received significant opposition from business interests, but substantially more support from others. Supporters cited research that increases to minimum wage does not substantially harm businesses—often quite the contrary.
With the state's cost of living one of the highest in the nation, the issue is a top priority for lawmakers this year.
During a hearing regarding HB 1191 on Jan. 31, public testimony was widely in favor of the measure, with most of the dissent coming from business owners and associations.
Under HB1191 HD1, the minimum wage for employees not receiving employer-sponsored health insurance will gradually increase until it reaches $15.00 in 2024, and $12.50 in 2024 for employees who are receiving employer-sponsored health insurance.
“We need to concentrate on prosperity for all,” said Rep. Ward, (R, Kalama Valley- Queen’s Gate-Hawaiʻi Kai). “We’re becoming increasingly the haves and have-nots, and I think we have to narrow that.”
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.
The 2018 elections brought the number of living wage supporters above a majority in both the state House and Senate, setting the stage for a living wage bill to pass in 2019.
