We have not raised the minimum wage in Hawaii in eight years. While our cost of living is higher than almost any other state, our minimum wage is behind 19 other states. Our people have a hard time getting by and most work two jobs. Raising the wage floor will help a lot of families do a little better: Almost 80,000 people in Hawaii will be affected positively by an increase in the minimum wage!
Last year, a small disagreement around tips stopped the whole law in its tracks. Hawaii's struggling families deserve better. They deserve a raise!
Why is this important?
I know too many people hanging on by their fingernails in our state...and I don't want to see a handful of lobbyists to keep our people in poverty.