In a survey of 417 voters in Hawaii conducted between Feb. 14 and Feb. 17, 276 respondents said they approved raising the state's minimum wage of $5.25. About 23 percent, or 97 respondents, said they were against raising the state's minimum wage, while nearly 11 percent, or 44, were undecided. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent.
The poll's findings come as the state House of Representatives is considering a bill that would increase Hawaii's minimum wage to $6.15 by the year 2000. The measure, which was approved by the House labor committee, has been referred to the House finance committee. A similar Senate bill was held in committee and won't likely be heard this year.
Not surprisingly, party affiliation was a factor in the answers to the minimum wage question.
Democrats represented the largest political bloc in favor of a minimum wage increase with 146 respondents saying they were in favor of the proposal. Fifty-two democrats were opposed.
Republican respondents, meanwhile, were split on the issue with 51 in favor of an increase and 42 opposed.
Longtime Manoa resident Aurora Fruehling said she favored a minium wage increase because many of Hawaii's entry level workers are struggling. She said that many are single mothers trying to pay for groceries and rent for their families, said Fruehling, a community volunteer.
"More than anywhere else in the nation, Hawaii's people are having a hard time making their financial obligation," she said.
Small-business owner Allan Lum said he disapproved. Lum, who operates a computer repair business, said that a higher minimum wage will make it difficult for struggling entrepreneurs like him to hire entry-level workers.
Lum said he used to employ two people at an office he operated in Sand Island. But when the economy weakened, he was forced to let his workers go and move his business to his home in Kalihi.
"It makes it harder for me to employ other people," Lum said. "I'm a small-business owner and I can barely make it on my own wage."