Hawaii Passes Minimum Wage Hike

Legislation will make Hawaii’s minimum wage the highest in District 2

The Hawaii legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill on May 3rd to raise the minimum wage from $6.25 to $7.25 an hour. Senate Bill 294 will increase the minimum wage in two steps, with the final increase taking effect in January 2007.

Republican Governor Linda Lingle indicated that she will not sign the bill, but will not veto it either – allowing it pass without her signature. The bill passed the State Senate 20-5 and the State House by a vote of 46-4.

This bill will make Hawaii’s minimum wage one of the highest in the nation and the highest of the four states in District 2. Hawaii also has the highest cost of living in District 2. At $7.35 an hour, Washington has the highest minimum wage of any state.