Ige signs minimum wage increase, tax refund bills into law
The wage will increase to $18 by 2028, while many Hawaiʻi taxpayers will get one-time checks for $300.
Supporters rally to raise minimum wage to $18 as bill advances back to House
At a Labor for Living Wages rally at the Hawai’i State Capitol on Wednesday, Kona Rep. Jeanne Kapela said current wages cannot begin to satisfy the state’s highest cost-of-living standards in the nation.
Senate, House clash over Hawaiʻi minimum wage bills
The vast majority of those who testified at Monday’s LCA meeting favored the 2026 date for the increase, with 113 testifying in support of the 2026 date and 11 individuals testifying in support of the 2028 date. Five favored a Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce proposal for $15 an hour by 2027, and 11 favored no increase at all.
Standing for $18 minimum wage
This demonstration comes after the state House pivoted away from the original minimum-wage proposal, Senate Bill 2018, that would have incrementally increased the minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026.
How can the state support workers and businesses?
Clearly, the state can improve economic conditions for residents by creating truly affordable housing and raising the minimum wage.
Pros and cons of raising Hawaiʻi's minimum wage
What can you buy for $10? Two gallons of unleaded gas... a gallon of milk? It's not enough for a plate lunch anymore… maybe a mini if you're lucky. You may have to settle for a few musubi. That’s how far $10 goes these days. Not far at all.
Raise wages, workers’ living standards, enhance public health
Now more than ever, we see that wage levels in Hawaiʻi need to be raised substantially to improve workers’ living standards and safeguard the public’s health.
Hawaiʻi Democrats must raise minimum wage
All Hawaiʻi workers should be able to make ends meet with one job, and it’s our legislature’s responsibility to make that a reality.
Economic recovery should focus on working families
And Hawaiʻi’s lawmakers should pass legislation that supports workers’ well-being.