Bill > SB981

This bill requires the Research and Economic Analysis Division of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of minimum wage increases implemented under Act 114 from 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 how many businesses closed or shut down due to increased labor costs and identifying other contributing factors to these closures. Additionally, the division will perform comparative research on other states with higher minimum wage rates, studying the impacts on their businesses and employers. The division must submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislative proposals, 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 for fiscal year 2025-2026, with the funds to be managed by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=981&year=2025