Bill Seeking Minimum Wage Hike Advances

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

State lawmakers advanced a proposal on Friday to increase the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by January 2018.

The conference draft version of the bill includes incremental increases from the current $7.25 an hour to: $7.75 in 2015; $8.50 in 2016; $9.25 in 2017; and $10.10 in 2018.

The tip credit would also increase to 75 cents in 2016 if the measure is approved in its current form.

The tip credit allows businesses to deduct the credit amount from employees who earn $7 more than the minimum wage through wages and tips.

Governor Neil Abercrombie release a statement on Senate Bill 2609 commending lawmakers for advancing the minimum wage hike saying, “It is imperative to provide our lowest paid workers with the economic stability and security they deserve.”

He continued saying, “Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage earners have not had a raise from $7.25 an hour since 2007. I look forward to working with the legislature to bring fairness to the people of Hawaiʻi.”

The bill now advances and will be considered during a final vote this week.