Many hardworking families in Hawaii struggle even while working full-time jobs because wages have not kept up with the state’s high cost of living. The high cost of housing, food and transportation make life unaffordable for many. Policymakers need to ensure that wages keep up with the true cost of living in Hawaii, and they should expand support programs.
A strong living wage would help many families reach stability financially. Hawaii can’t thrive when the people are working multiple jobs to survive, with some even having to leave to find more affordable places to live.
I encourage community members to reach out to officials, go to meetings and support actions to promote fairer wages to provide security for local families. Together we can build a future where there is a real path to stability and success, where people can afford to live in this beautiful place we call home.
Isabela Mendes
St. Louis Heights
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