Some supporters point to Hawaiʻi’s most recent self-sufficiency income standard for a single adult, which in 2016 was nearly $33,000 per year, or $15.84 per hour for full-time work. That standard jumps to $27 per hour for a worker with a child.

In written testimony, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice said: “A $15 minimum wage would put money into the pockets of the people most likely to spend in their communities, and the higher wages mean more productive and loyal employees and lower turnover and training costs for local businesses.” That’s compelling.