The $18 minimum would be the highest dollar amount among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, some states automatically boost their minimum wage when the cost of living increases. California, which currently has a $15 minimum wage, could have a higher wage by 2028 given inflation.

Hawaiʻi last raised the minimum wage back in 2018. Ige called the new measure long overdue.

“We do know that about 190,000 workers in Hawaiʻi earn the minimum wage, and so raising the minimum wage will be helping those individuals earn more income so they can pay for essentials, food, housing, shelter, and other necessary expenses,” Ige said during the signing ceremony.

He said the state will see an economic boost when the measure occurs.

“We do know that those earning the minimum wage are living paycheck to paycheck to paycheck and certainly will be spending those funds in our economy, creating more jobs here for our community,” Ige said.