Minimum Wage Preemption: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Urban Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Honolulu.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
HawaiΚ»i sets a single statewide minimum wage and bars Honolulu and the other counties from enacting higher local floors, with the rate scheduled to climb from $14.00 in 2026 to $18.00 by January 1, 2028.
View full Honolulu rules βUrban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 387 sets the statewide minimum wage and governs employer wage obligations. The statute establishes a uniform statewide floor that scheduled increases apply to all counties equally.
View full Urban Honolulu rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 rate | $14.00 per hour | - |
| 2028 rate | $18.00 per hour | - |
| Tip credit | Up to $1.50 | - |
| Local override | Preempted by HRS Β§387 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Could Honolulu pass a $20 minimum wage?
No. HRS Chapter 387 occupies the field of minimum wage regulation, leaving counties without authority to set higher floors. Only the state legislature can raise the rate.
What about prevailing wage on city contracts?
Honolulu sets prevailing wages for public works under ROH Chapter 6, separately from minimum wage. Those rates apply only to construction and service contracts funded by the city and county.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
What is Hawaii's minimum wage in 2026?
$16.00 per hour under Act 114 (2022) scheduled increases.
Can counties set higher minimum wages?
Hawaii's wage law is largely uniform statewide and counties have not adopted local minimums.
Does Hawaii allow a tip credit?
Yes. A limited tip credit applies under HRS 387-2 for qualifying tipped employees.
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