Hawaii’s Minimum Wage to Rise to $14 on January 1, 2024, as Part of Incremental Increase

DLIR provides for a range of wage increases, the first of which will boost the minimum wage in Hawaii to $14 per hour on January 1, 2024. (Photo: SierraHR)

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Makes Announcement, Citing Worker Well-Being

A big announcement that would help the state’s workforce was made recently by the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) in Hawaiʻi. Act 114, Session Laws (2022) provides for a range of wage increases, the first of which will boost the minimum wage in Hawaii to $14 per hour on January 1, 2024. Under the terms of the law, the minimum wage will increase gradually until it reaches $16 and $18 per hour in 2026 and 2028, respectively.

This decision is underpinned by the fundamental purpose of the minimum wage law: to safeguard the health, productivity, and overall well-being of employees across Hawaii, as highlighted by Jade T. Butay, Director of the DLIR. It is designed to serve as a safety net, protecting workers from receiving unreasonably low pay. Additionally, a corresponding adjustment will be made to the tip credit, with tipped employees now permitted to receive $1.25 below the minimum wage from the start of 2024, gradually increasing to $1.50 below by 2028. Employers may apply for the tip credit, provided that the combined sum the employee earns from their employer and in tips is at least $7.00 more than the minimum wage.

This move is anticipated to have a positive impact on the lives of workers in Hawaii, ensuring that their contributions are adequately recognized and valued. It reflects a proactive step towards promoting fair compensation and improved financial security for employees, aligning with broader efforts to enhance the overall welfare of the state’s workforce.

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The minimum wage increments are a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for its workforce while addressing the health and well-being of workers. Employers and employees alike are encouraged to learn more about these adjustments by contacting 808-586-8777 or visiting the official website of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

This increase in the minimum wage in Hawaii represents a pivotal step toward bolstering the economic well-being of the state’s employees and aligns with broader initiatives to fortify workplace rights and protections. The subsequent escalations outlined in Act 114 demonstrate a concerted effort to ensure fair compensation and improved working conditions, echoing the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ commitment to upholding the interests of Hawaii’s workforce.

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