State legislature closes an ambitious session

Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit was made permanent and refundable, a move projected to boost the incomes of 5,452 Kauaʻi families by $420 on average next tax season.

“When they see their refund checks in the mail, when they see the EITC kick in,” said Morikawa, “it’s going to be tremendous.”

A measure to increase the state’s mandatory minimum wage, which died in the legislature two years ago, was also revived this session in a House bill. The wage would increase incrementally until it reaches $18 an hour in 2028, making it the highest in the nation and matching Hawaiʻi’s highest in the nation cost of living.