Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Conduct A Study Of The Exemptions To Hawaii's Minimum Wage Law.
The resolution addresses various occupations that are currently exempt from minimum wage laws, such as agricultural workers, domestic caretakers, and numerous others. By proposing a revision of these exemptions, the study aims to determine if any adjustments are necessary to better meet the needs of working families in Hawaii. The emphasis is placed on the realities of economic pressures faced by low-income households who often struggle to afford basic needs, particularly housing. The study's findings could pave the way for legislative changes and potentially affect state policies regarding employee rights and wage regulations.
Senate Resolution 129, proposed during the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2023, requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to conduct a comprehensive study of the exemptions to Hawaii's minimum wage law. The resolution underscores the right to a living wage and highlights the incremental increase of Hawaii's minimum wage authorized by Act 114, which aims to raise the minimum wage from $12 per hour starting in October 2022 to $18 per hour by January 2028. This bill points out that these wage increases are crucial given the high cost of living in Hawaii, where housing affordability is a significant issue.
Discussion surrounding SR129 has highlighted differing views on the implications of reassessing minimum wage exemptions. Supporters argue that reviewing these exemptions could lead to a more equitable wage system that addresses the disparities faced by marginalized workers, while critics may caution against any legislative changes that could burden small businesses or agriculture, particularly in a state reliant on these sectors. The potential for modification or repeal of exemptions is a critical point of contention that will require careful consideration of economic and social impacts on the local community.