This show focused on the issue of raising Hawaiʻi's minimum wage from its current $10.10.
What can you buy for $10? Two gallons of unleaded gas... a gallon of milk? It's not enough for a plate lunch anymore… maybe a mini if you're lucky. You may have to settle for a few musubi. That’s how far $10 goes these days. Not far at all.
There are indications that there's enough support to pass something this year. The governor has expressed his support. Ditto for leadership in both legislative chambers. The devil is in the details.
Our live guests were:
- Nate Hix, director of Living Wage Hawai’i
- Jensen Ahokovi, research associate at the Grassroots Institute
We also shared comments from:
- Lauren Zirbel, executive director and president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association
- Gary Hooser, executive director of Pono Hawaii Initiative
- Tom Jones, co-owner Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants and past-chair of the Hawaii Restaurant Association
And we heard from our listeners as well. If you would like to share any thoughts on this topic, please write to talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org or call 808-792-8217.
