Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants to increase the state’s minimum wage. Here’s what he had to say in his State of the State address Tuesday (Jan. 22) at the Capitol:

Today, there still exists a hard-working sector of our society that deserves continued recognition. These are the working-class residents who earn the minimum wage. The minimum wage, currently at $7.25 per hour, has not increased for over 6 years. Nineteen other states plus the District of Columbia have higher minimum wage rates than Hawaii, with less to confront in terms of cost of living. 

Therefore, I will be proposing a bill to increase the minimum wage by $1.50, to $8.75 starting in January 2014. Minimum wage earners provide immediate infusion of dollars into the economy. Everyone is worthy of their labor. Industry and corporations do not lack for support in these halls. Neither should those who work the hardest for the least return. 

Whether the Legislature agrees with the governor remains to be seen. Small businesses will likely lobby against increasing their overhead costs.