Hawaiʻi’s people suffer while legislators fail to pass meaningful bills
People are dying. Real people are really dying. Let’s vote for some real change in 2020, shall we?
Sine Die—my take on the 2019 session
Our state legislature, dominated by lawmakers who were elected under the flag of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, refused to pass legislation increasing the minimum wage, a top legislative priority of their own party.
Legislature did nothing to deserve pay raise
Our legislators should be embarrassed. Instead they are going to receive pay raises they don’t deserve.
Housing progress needs firm steps
Advocates are rightly concerned that the failure of a minimum-wage increase to pass will not make it any easier for low-income renters to afford what housing is available.
Pay raise for ineffectual lawmakers is appalling
What kind of lawmakers would give themselves a large pay raise for a part-time badly done job?
Local connection: lawmakers get a raise
It’s shameful that Hawaiʻi’s legislature adjourned last week without increasing Hawaiʻi’s $10.10 minimum wage.
Lawmakers didn’t pass a minimum wage hike, but are getting raises of their own
State lawmakers who couldn’t reach a deal to increase Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage of $10.10 an hour are being criticized for accepting pay raises for themselves.
‘Democratic’ lawmakers fail to pass living wage
One lawmaker reportedly called the outcome “bittersweet.” No, it was just bitter.
Minimum wage bill shelved
Conferees had last-minute concerns about whether a separate wage scale was legal and whether it would cause unintended consequences, so lawmakers ultimately decided to remove the scale entirely.
Lawmakers reject minimum wage increase
In a development that derailed one of the top priorities of the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party for this year, House and Senate negotiators gave up on the idea of passing an increase in the $10.10-per-hour state minimum wage this year.
Raise Up Hawaiʻi comments on deferment of minimum wage increase
In a press release, the coalition said it is “deeply disappointed” that the legislature failed to increase the minimum wage this year.
Minimum wage increase dead for 2019 session
Concerns about different rates of increase and the impact to employer health care plans scuttled a deal.
Lawmakers must put living wage over corporate profits
Two legislative newcomers urge senior colleagues to prioritize working families over business interests.
Hawaiʻi Democrats should raise minimum wage significantly
I urge our Democratic legislators to do the right thing by working together to increase Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage significantly in each of the next two, or preferably, four years.
Candidates should back living wage
Of the 34 House races with more than one candidate on the ballot, 27 have at least one living wage supporter running.
Hawaiʻi’s conservative democrats leave workers struggling to survive
Most elected Hawaiʻi Democrats don’t align with traditional Democratic Party values when it comes to supporting a hike in the minimum wage.