2014 Final Legislative Report

From Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii -- May, 2014

The legislature has completed another session and, from the Chamber's perspective, the results were somewhat positive considering what was on the table. Of the 54 bills harmful to business that were introduced this session that we tracked, 23 bills were stopped or deferred early in the session. These bills include mandatory sick leave, increase in Workers' Compensation reimbursement rates, expanded family leave and increased mandates on health insurance. We were very pleased that the legislature understood our concerns and supported businesses on these measures.

Of the 42 bills in support of business that we tracked, including those introduced for the first time as part of the Chamber's business package, 10 bills were successfully passed.

While it could've been worse, bills that passed that were harmful for businesses included SB 2609, increasing minimum wage to $10.10 over four years and the tip credit to .75 cents per hour. The Chamber did support an increase in the minimum wage, but not as high as $10.10 per hour. We also requested that the increase be at a graduated rate that small businesses could absorb.

The following report recaps the list of bills following Adjournment Sine Die. To get involved in the legislative process for next session and ensure your voice is heard, join a Chamber policy committee today….

read … Full Text 2014 Final Legislative Report