By Wendy Osher January 29, 2020
A bill that seeks to incrementally raise the minimum wage in Hawaiʻi from the current $10.10 to $13 in 2024 will be heard in committee this week, but at least one former lawmaker is rallying for “$15 or fight.”
“Thirteen dollars per hour in 2024 is not a ‘good first step’ and the ‘other elements of the package’ (tax credits and housing initiatives) do not replace the basic need to pay people fair wages for a fair day’s work,” said Gary Hooser, former State Senate Majority Leader representing Kauaʻi.
Hooser currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, a charitable educational and advocacy organization, and Executive Director for the Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative, a policy and political advocacy organization.
“‘A good first step’ is allowing legislators to publicly vote on what a clear and strong majority of them have said they publicly support, which is at least $15 per hour,” said Hooser in an email communication to supporters.
Source: https://mauinow.com/2020/01/29/hooser-13-in-2024-is-not-enough-hawaii-deserves-a-living-wage/