Nicole Woo of the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice said she was disappointed that Hawaiʻi’s wage bills died early. Even with the increase to $10.10 wage in 2018, she said that after adjusting for the highest cost of living among the states, Hawaiʻi will still have the lowest minimum wage in the nation.

“Looking ahead in this session, the legislature and governor still have an opportunity to provide sorely needed financial assistance to our low-income and working-class neighbors, by reducing their heavy tax burdens,” said Woo. “A growing, diverse coalition of working people, advocates, tax experts and wealthy individuals has come together to support the tax fairness bills, Senate Bill 648 and House Bill 209.”

Both measures to expand tax credits for low-income people remain alive in advance of a Friday deadline for hearings.