HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers have passed the state’s first minimum wage increase since 2007.
HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers have passed the state’s first minimum wage increase since 2007.
The measure approved in the House and Senate on Tuesday increases the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. It phases in the raise over four years.
The measure (SB 2609) is a compromise for some lawmakers who wanted the wage to increase more quickly.
Sen. Clayton Hee says the bill goes a long way to address concerns of many women and homeless people earning minimum wage.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has indicated he will likely approve it. He applauded the Legislature’s work on the proposal during conference committee meetings.
Employers with tipped employees can get a credit for those workers who earn $7 more per hour than the minimum wage. The tip credit would rise gradually to 75 cents.