Raising Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage continues to be a debated topic in the islands. One of the bills being considering aims to increase it incrementally from the current $10.10 an hour to $18 an hour by 2026. Opponents say they’re not against the raise, just increasing it so much, so quickly. One alternate solution is to instead create job training programs in high schools to help students enter adulthood with the experience and skillset to earn a higher wage.
The local nonprofit ClimbHI continues to connect students to career opportunities with local businesses and organizations. The organization has grown since starting in 2009 and recently marked the first anniversary of its Bridge online portal, which it says has dramatically increased participation in its programs. The Conversation sat down with ClimbHI President and Executive Director Julie Morikawa to learn more.
This interview aired on The Conversation on March 1, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
