HI HR55

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Department of Agriculture requested to submit a report determining a living wage standard for agricultural workers in Hawaii by twenty days prior to the 2020 Regular Session convening.

Report must include average living wage for each county and living wage adjusted for employer-provided housing, health insurance, transportation, and meals.

Report must contain breakdown of average living expenses for agricultural workers by county, current median wages for agricultural workers in the state, and annual data on local food production since 2000.

Report must include annual data on agricultural workers employed in the state since 2000.

Resolution cites Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimate of $15.73 as livable hourly wage in Hawaii and notes low agricultural worker wages hinder Governor's Sustainable Hawaii Initiative goal to double local food production by 2020.