Bill > SB981

This bill requires the Research and Economic Analysis Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of minimum wage increases implemented by Act 114 in 2022. The study will specifically examine the number of businesses subject to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 387-2 that have been affected by these wage increases, including analyzing businesses that have closed or shut down due to increased labor costs and investigating other contributing factors to these closures. Additionally, the division will perform comparative research on other states with higher minimum wage rates, exploring the impacts on their businesses and employers. The division must submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular legislative session. The bill appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues to fund this study, with the funds to be expended by the department, and sets an unusual effective date of July 1, 2050.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=981&year=2026