The Hilton Hawaiian Village Strike and Thoughts on Affordability in Hawaii

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Sorry for the missing text of the article early in the video. This video was a technical nightmare. Took me nearly 20 hours to upload it to KZbin. The first time that's ever happened, as most of my videos take less than 10 minutes to upload. Not sure what happened, but hope I can get that resolved.

[@lovelyn1105]

Then, you shouldn’t create such content if you do not know what’s really happening. All i heard from you is “I guess!”🙄

[@alohilanikanoa1275]

I am an union member that is on strike at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Yes we are fighting for wages/benefits but this is not only thing. We are fighting for workload/staffing that Hilton/Park Inc has cut back. They limit on services while guest are paying a minimum of $400 plus taxes and resort charge $50 plus taxes and self parking of $69 plus taxes a night. Also if you want a rollaway $125 a night. Park CEO made $56 million last year. During Covid, Hilton/Park didn’t have one food drive or pay for our health insurance. Our union helped us out. I am a Native Hawaiian and will be priced out of my Native land cause of corporation greed. Please do your research. Like you said it’s your point of view, but these are facts.

[@Omikoshi78]

Anecdotal. But I tip $30/day for housekeeping in cash. Which I suspect is never reported as wage for tax reporting purposes or for paying union dues. That’s $900/month from me alone. I don’t get ice refill or new towels half the time. If they can’t bother to do what’s right for someone being very generous, I don’t see higher pay making much difference to the broader customers at all. We need a reboot of work ethics or import more workers. Service sucks and I don’t see that improving.

[@alohilanikanoa1275]

@@Omikoshi78I work at the Front Desk. I’m sorry if you feel like that about housekeeping. Hawaii was built of unions. Wages are not the only thing are fighting for. Hilton cut our labor that we have alot of people oncall . We don’t have enough staff working.

[@manateemilk1]

Good luck, I won’t be staying there.

[@alohilanikanoa1275]

@@manateemilk1 Thank you. Please don’t stay there until they renovate and clean the property

[@user-qd5tq1ck4w]

Won’t ever stay there. You don’t like your employer so you attack the guests? The people who would potentially pay your salary. You need to rethink your plan. You treat guests like crap today and then you expect them to come stay there when you get your way? Perhaps they will remember how you treated them.

[@wandasanchez551]

Strikes and picketing go beyond just wages.,There are other things to consider like work loads, safety, benefits, understaffing, companies wanting to take away or reduce benefits from employees. I worked in healthcare and we went on strike for 3 days and yes our patients were inconvenienced but it’s the only way to have an impact on management to show we’re serious. This was nationwide. Negotiations were at a standstill and management wouldn’t budge. The Secretary of Labor got involved and finally labor and management came to an agreement. We as employees are represented by various unions , not just one. We got a new 4 year contract and ratified it. I’m on the Mainland and not sure if our hospitals and clinics were on strike in Hawaii. OurHawaii employees also beneifted from the national contract. Sometimes it pays to be persistent.

[@rochellesantiago7977]

Why are you assuming hotel workers are not living within their means, or not sacrificing or not financially literate? Are you aware of the demographics of hotel workers who are say from another country and supporting their family back home where they're from? I think someone's livelihood is more important than someone's staycation or vacation. Hawai'i has a long history of Labor Unions. Thus, when you're working without a contract the workers have the right to strike. In my honest opinion, I think more research on labor unions could've been done before providing an opinion and having empathy for these workers would be nice as well.

[@plynn136]

It's their choice to send money to another country. Tourists are in Hawai'i to enjoy themselves-not support the rest of the world.

[@rochellesantiago7977]

@plynn136 You're right. It is their choice to send money to support their families. If I had family who I am also supporting regardless of where they are living (foreign country or not) such as a child I'm putting through college on the mainland, then I have the perogative to use my hard earned money to pay for tuition, etc. Hilton management then needs to have a contingency plan on how to meet their guests' needs during a strike. You would think they would have one being. It's not the 1st time this has ever happened.

[@SunnyIlha]

So true! Heck, they can't live by any means already as it is! They actually have not enough income by the wages to even budget out the basics without hitting zero quick! They don't *have* *enough* wage income to even enjoy *doing* the act of paying needs out of a "budget" . There *is* no 'budget' to happily reduce playfully with any remainder!! After necessities, there's nunca nada left! They're relying on grouped family savings built up by many family members in unison 😮to take a vacation if they ever can at all! It isn't uncommon for an extended family to send one member, or, so, on a vacation by their *combined* extended family "money pot" ! In Hawai'i, People *STRUGGLE* .

[@fakalanis]

He acting like managing money is the problem. How are they gonna manage it if they don’t even have enough money in the first place. High maks mentality, what a freaking joke

[@plynn136]

@@fakalanis Did u watch the video? These workers make 60 to 70 grand per year.

[@just_inhawaii]

It’s funny how we scrutinize a housekeeper making a few more bucks an hour but never the ceo that makes hundreds of times more than that person.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Those C-suite executives aren't entirely off the hook 😆

[@SunnyIlha]

@@just_inhawaii It's actually *more* than multiple *hundreds* of *thousands* of times the average workers pay. 😳

[@fakalanis]

@@SunnyIlha Yup! Yet no one talks about it, unreal!

[@user-l4y7r04wy6iv]

@@HelloFromHawaii C-suite executives = Neo-plantation masters.

[@amberkehoe6676]

Thank you!! A voice of reason

[@jointjunkieslangards]

Why assume that the people on strike are not financially literate? There really are people who live paycheck to paycheck. People who work multiple jobs because the one just doesn't pay enough to cover the essentials. You mentioned that the one worker had 3 jobs and sent home money to the Philippines. My mother was a teacher in Honolulu and worked 2 jobs to make sure we had enough. She also sent home money to the Philippines, and was able to save a little. We shopped at local thrift stores to make ends meet. Why jump to the conclusion that these hotel workers who are going on strike aren't the same? That they are just spending their wages frivolously?

[@LowellBDennyIII]

he assumes these things because he doesn't know what it means to be working class in this country or in this state, clearly.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I don't think I specifically mentioned that the hotel workers were financially illiterate, but that financial literacy, rather than just increasing wages, will help locals stretch those wages more. I understand that some families do live pay check to pay check. I experienced that in Oregon, including receiving government assistance. But I eventually moved on to jobs where I wasn't struggling as much.

[@cliffordbueno8422]

FYI Union is asking $12 but only half of that goes to wage which is $6 in 4 years. Which is around $1.50 yearly, is that a lot?

[@Ariel-12345]

Where does the other half of $12 go?

[@cliffordbueno8422]

it goes to UNION and they allocate it to pension, health insurance and some other union stuffs.

[@JohnBailey]

Love this video! Your thoughts and format making me feel like sitting at a table with family. You have such a practical and hopeful perspective! It's hard even as a single person and can only imagine how much more as a father.

[@ricep1cker]

I feel like youʻre trying to have a balanced view, but I think you need to learn more about Hawaiiʻs long history of labor unions and strikes in Hawaii. There were many sugar strikes, that were crucial to support middle class and poor families in Hawaii dating back to plantation days. We have plantation workers who fought for generations and all locals have benefitted from those fights. If you learn about the history of labor in the U.S. I think youʻd have a more well rounded view. We only have the weekend, minimum wage, healthcare, no child labor you can thank a union that has fought for your rights as a worker. Strikes are the last resort after negotiations have happened behind the table, and management has refused workers demands. What you didnʻt mention was how much money in profits Hilton Hawaiian village has made, and how that money should be shared with workers because they worked for it. Youʻve put the full focus onto just workers and "budget" but workers shouldnʻt have to suffer for the sake of investors that want record profits. Strikes are about money, but they also are about working conditions, safe chemicals so workers donʻt have lifetime disabilities. Think about mean packing plants in the 1920ʻs and how unregulated industry was and how unsafe foods were in the US before workers fought against management.

[@plynn136]

Wow, you are really reaching. No need to go back that far in regard to this strike. There is nothing wrong with his view of this situation.

[@LowellBDennyIII]

Mahalo nui loa! So many don't know the vibrant labor history in this state - formerly Hawaii Territory. The ILWU staged the longest labor strike in this state, and THEY WON. Then the Feds came in and arrested the leadership. People want the omelet, but they don't want to break any eggs.

[@wesleychun3058]

You have some very valid historical information. I had relatives who were in the union administration back there in the 50's and 60's. They were good but sometimes things change and what is the real reasons. To be able to afford especially the now generations, who sometimes view money as it grows on trees. Remember that phrase. Yes I'm an old timer who has seen both the good and the bad. So he has a point of respecting and living within your means. We didn't have a new car till the late 60's. So.... yes learn how to budget as well. More doesn't always make things better.

[@showaloha]

@@plynn136 and same goes for ricep1cker, there is nothing wrong with his view of this situation on his regards to this video...

[@plynn136]

@@showaloha Hush.

[@masonthewarriorful]

The Hilton strike is part of a larger national movement among Hilton employees. Considering a sizable % of the workers are immigrants who have to work multiple jobs, I would imagine they’re mostly savers and can’t splurge but I’m sure some do 🤷🏻‍♂️ Ultimately, a hotel is a luxury and most disruptions to the hotels are probably minor compared to the wellbeing of the employees

[@jenniferbamgbose4051]

The cost of living in Hawaii is outrageously high. Does wages match the cost-of-living? Hilton can afford to treat their workers better.

[@SunnyIlha]

Your observation is accurate. The cost of living in the State of Hawai'i is stupifying high. It is so high that it actually impacts the quality of life, in a place so beautiful. Most people work 60+ hours a week, going to work at a *second* job, *simply* to *survive* . If *your* *parents* aren't helping you financially in Hawai'i, (multi-generation support) you will live in various levels of *poverty* in Hawai'i if your wage is less than 39.00 an hour, and, if you cannot be afforded (at a minimum of 39.00 an hour) *at* *least* 8 hours of overtime (1.5x pay) a week. 39.00 an hour is the *threshold* of *low* *income* *poverty* now in Hawai'i. On the Mainland USA, 39.00 an hour is now *Upper* *Low* *Income* now; (it isn't even Middle Income anymore).

[@youmakeitreal]

Look up the Jones act. This is the primary reason for the high cost of living in Hawaii

[@user-qd5tq1ck4w]

I agree that the Hilton probably can. But don’t take it out on the guests, your fight is with the Hilton. You are making enemies of the people that you need. You are treating them like idiots. You think you can treat them however you want today and they will just come running to you tomorrow. Some probably will but not if they have any self-respect. Too many other places to stay. Many of these people made these plans a year ago. Then they find out at the last minute that you were on strike. They can’t change those plans. And then you make your best effort to ruin the vacation that they have planned for so long.

[@alohilanikanoa1275]

@@user-qd5tq1ck4w you need to educate yourself. When we did the first strike Sept.1-3, a lot of kama’aina were in house for a hula competition. Guess what? They backed us up. It’s not us to blame but corporate Hilton/Park Inc. We have been meeting with them since April.

[@stanmuneoka8117]

@@jenniferbamgbose4051 you can blame the politicians and not the hotel this is the problem

[@dieselxxfuel813]

4000 a month is not enough to live in Hawaii rent or mortgage is Atleast 18-2500 a month and groceries for a family are Atleast 500 add it up it’s not enough I work 2 jobs including Hilton housekeeping and I barely get buy

[@fakalanis]

Exactly! People have no idea what it takes to make ends meet here. They come and chime in with an uneducated and ignorant background.

[@JasonL_Hawaii]

5:36 - 8:30, well said 👏 Great points regarding skill up (obtaining valuable skills for higher earning potential) and financial literacy (good personal finance knowledge and skills). McDonald's and housekeeping jobs are all temporary until you find a better job, not work there forever and expect a high wage/salary, lol silly people.

[@luzespejo123]

I will support them all the way. I retired early at Hilton Hawaiian Village coz they’re too much, pushing you to finish your rooms even it’s already time to clock out. We can’t even take our lunch break. How many times I got accident because they rushing us too much. Of course people wants to buy a house also. How much the price of houses here in Hawaii, it’s million. Yes some people they spend their money for luxury bags, cars and etc. those people don’t have a mortgage. But if you have a mortgage and a college student then wages is not enough.

[@godonholiday]

Being in a union is your best bet to protect your job.. especially from AI. Teams are getting smaller and more efficient. AI is already impacting the size of Marketing teams. Data analyst teams, Engineering teams. When you don’t even know what you need protecting from.. a union will be there for you. Don’t be under any illusion that your company cares about you over profit or growth. There is zero meaningful data to support the idea that if you work hard you won’t be laid off. Join a union or form a union. Simple

[@briankami204]

I think it's not too much of the money but the workload. There were certain amount of staff Prepandemic but during the pandemic people wasn't coming. So they reduced staff, and whatever staff had, they were given double the workload, but now we are almost Prepandemic numbers, but the workload stayed the same. So of course the employer will say why lessen the workload and hire more people when the current staff can do it. So same thing with the hospital. They were given more patients to take care of but Hawaii we are really big on customer service to the patients and family but when given more patients there weren't time to talk to the patients and families but of course those employers just look at dollars and not the customer service aspect of the job. Here is one example of another company. When someone retires they pass the work to other employees and when the work is being done with less employees then they abolish the position and it helps the company save money but the savings doesn't get passed down to the employees that are doing the jobs. It gets distributed to management and I know a lot of people knows companies does that

[@showaloha]

I honestly think u should be doing more research than just bashing on a senior housekeeper hourly pay who earned that pay, especially during the covid pandemic years where there were alot of cutback on staffing. Ever since Covid happened and when the pandemic ended roughly around 2023, they have cut staffing and have yet to reverse that. Workers are being overworked and are having unequal workloads due to that. An article stated, "Since 2019 U.S. hotel gross profits are up over 26% but staffing remains down 13%." Why we hating on the people of the hardworking class? arent you and your family the people of the hardworking class? We should be more empathetic to the workers who work hard and do the jobs that others don't want to do. We should be mad at the hotel industry and the owners who make them work harder by cutting staffing and profiting off of that during the Covid pandemic years. Cost of living will keep on increasing in Hawaii. I bet there are many people who are frugal with their money that works at these hotels that are on strike, yet you think that this is one of many solutions that many people don't do. I don't think you have done enough research in understanding more about why this hotel strike is happening, but is more concerned that your parents are having a rough stay at the hotels that are on strike and pointing fingers on what a housekeeper earns in the largest hotel in Hawai'i and thinking they are striking to only want more money? Also another question...Ive passed through where they are striking, they are peacefully striking where they can strike at??? Go and drive to the hilton hotels and see what they are doing. You might also need to research on how strikes/protesting works since it doesnt sound like you have knowledge on that... Majority of your statements are bias, frugal with money...buying a new toyota...going to vegas...idk what else to say. facts and research is important, especially on a large topic.

[@dangyang3631]

I love your channel! Also, protests are a last resort to express their freedom of speech. By law, unions have a right to strike if it gets to that point. There are legal protections in place to eliminate frivolous strikes. Therefore, if a union goes on strike, that’s something to pay very close attention to. By its very nature, there are no convenient protests. Again, I love your channel!

[@andrewcabral4847]

I hear and feel for the people who live and work in Hawaii. You provide a great service by doing what you do on the web. More money means more responsibility. I was assigned to Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe MCBH for more than seven years. I had active duty personnel on public assistance because they couldn’t feed their families. Holden got free meals at school because in some cases it may be the only meal they may get. No fast foods or luxury meals. God forbid another 9/11 or COVID outbreak hits the islands. Locals from Hawaii are everywhere in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, Florida and so many other places. The Pacific Island (and many Caribbean) nations are emptying onto the U.S. mainland because of environmental conditions and space limitations. Thank you for your web service again. As much as I loved and appreciate (including our now 22 year old local Hapa boy) the islands as a New England Portagee kid, it seems the future is becoming very bleak. Very sad. Mahalo Nui Loa, my bruddah. Andy

[@gumerzambrano]

Hell yeah solidarity with workers 🤘🏼

[@Oneandonlytay]

First of all, I don’t know why you are complaining and whining about other people’s livelihoods. I’m sorry but all your rambling nonsense about how these people live beyond their means and don’t deserve to get livable wage is laughable. One more thing why are you comparing McDonald’s and Hilton pay? McDonald’s won’t last a month if they were paying their workers 20 an hour do you know why? Oh I wonder why…. You consider revenue, cost, expenses, PROFIT MARGIN just maybe?

[@michaelalfonso1070]

I am local, and grew up on the West side. Would you rather be on vacation, at the Hilton, (I can't afford to stay there) or be the house keeper. You have a truck? Why? Most people who own a truck (in Hawaii) don't need a truck. They can barely keep it in in their own lane. You could save a lot on loan interest and gas. I have a 21 year old car, I have always paid cash for my cars. Just paid off my mortgage, paid for my college degree by working, no loan. I work for the architect the renovated the Tapa Tower and now we are doing the Rainbow Tower. Early in my career, I have worked up to 80 hours a week with no overtime pay, (we don't have a union). People think we make a lot of money, we make what Realtors make (3-8 percent). I've know of some local students are graduating with a Doctorates in Architecture but going into real-estate, working for the Project (micro) Managing firms (like on our project), and getting Federal jobs. The kids are going for the money, primarily because as you said; they are trying to up their salary to match their lifestyle, (and toys) not to be content. Architects are passionate about our work.

[@fakalanis]

@@michaelalfonso1070 As a “local”, you should be even more sympathetic towards hotel workers then. Have you never heard of corporate greed? Hilton ceos are getting paid millions of dollars and refuse to give any of the workers some type of raise. This strike didn’t come out of nowhere, workers have been negotiating for months prior to this and not just about money. Insufficient technology, low staffing, and unsafe work environments. They aren’t “going for the money”, they were forced to fight after multiple tries of asking professionally for the wages and conditions they deserve. Just because you “worked hard” doesn’t mean these workers don’t. Sick of these high maks mindsets.

[@michaelalfonso1070]

@@fakalanis You miss understood my point. I totally support the workers on strike. I see them every time I go there and especially the back of house area, where the public doesn't see. They are hard working and polite, to all, to me too, although I am not a guest. I am in the same boat, but we don't have a union. The "Micro-managers" are making the big bucks, you got to be thankful for what you have. Don't go for just the money.

[@jenniferbamgbose4051]

The cost of living in Hawaii is outrageously high. Does wages match the cost-of-living?

[@SunnyIlha]

It does not. Wages *never* *have* in Hawai'i. (After approximately 1983). It's even *worse* the problem than exists in the Mainland USA.

[@user-l4y7r04wy6iv]

No. That's why more Locals/Hawaiians now live in Nevada, Oregon, Texas than the islands.

[@mereanawi6194]

I'm assuming the CE is making millions and the people who work there want to keep their jobs. In that case more money would be hugely beneficial for families and the wider community/local economy too. I don't see how it could affect other locals negatively (the raise, not the strike itself). I would also assume that many housekeepers aren't working 40 hours a week for one employer - meaning they're not as well-off as people might think.

[@miyakegaijin]

There are a handful of Hawaii people that are reasonable about living within their means but I think (1) mortgage/rent, (2)tuition, (3) medical increases has eaten away at their paycheck so that if they lived the same lifestyle as their ‘lives within their means 1980 parents’, they are actually worse off because of the remainder of their paycheck is less. In 1989, my parents were paying $200 a month on the tail end of their 30 year mortgage. But I do get your point and there are a lot of ways to stretch our paychecks by being less materialistic and it is possible to eat some cheap okay healthy food. We often eat oatmeal for breakfast and I wouldn’t be surprised it comes out to 25 cents a meal.

[@JohnnyAloha69]

This is a sad situation, I feel for the workers who struggle to make ends meet but I’m thinking that increased wages continue the cycle of raising living costs. Also, Hawaii is already a very expensive place for tourists and too many increases in hotel and food costs will drive away tourists. No easy solution.

[@LowellBDennyIII]

good point rarely talked about. I've always said wages is not the race we will win. The structural problems behind these labor disputes also extend to state and federal government spending. Subsidies get withdrawn; projects like Section 8 or public housing get demolished. These things leave workers at the mercy of rising costs of everything. The answer in addition to fair wages is returning government programs and subsidies.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great point. We'll see how this impacts the cost of living and cost of visiting Hawaii. There are also indirect effects on other unions when one union gets wage increases. Possible domino effect for other industries.

[@KanielaVegas]

Many years ago, I worked in a front desk position in Waikiki. Before that I worked in a couple restaurants in Waikiki. At the time, the money was good, but no where enough to live the life I wanted. I remember my manager(s) always emphasized to strive for a promotion. But most of my co-workers were content with what they had. I moved away and applied at several hotels on the mainland, and reality check set in. Shortly after, I chose a different career and have never looked back.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I think it's common to settle into a career. Even for myself. Glad you were able to find a career that could provide better opportunities.

[@bethannsingh587]

I know that you posted the video today. Just wanting to know is the Hilton Strike going on today September 27, or was this filmed at an earlier date. Thanks

[@calesvideos]

The stance you're taking is akin to when during the 08/09 financial crisis; big money told struggling millennials to "stop eating avocado toast". The problem is not lower and middle income people not budgeting properly. 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. When you say "Should people who work full time at McDonalds be able to live in Hawaii?" kind of shows your view on society and community. Anyone who works full time, 40 hours a week in a community, should be able to afford to live in that community. I don't see why that should even be an argument?

[@mkkaneta]

No one wins in this situation. Its to bad. I am tired of seeing locals losing.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's a tough situation and most likely just the beginning for local hotels

[@PatriciaNicely-hu5uh]

I can appreciate your opinion. But I think you need to learn more about unions.

[@mmp64]

We own a timeshare at the Hilton Hawaiian Village - and visisted before we purchased, so in the last 25 years or so have visited Hawaii about 13 times. The last few times I could sense the growing negativity towards tourists. I know that native Hawaiians have gotten shafted in many different ways by what happened after Hawaii was annexed - and essentially have not benefited as much as they should from all the money that pours into Hawaii every year from tourists. However - I have nothing to do with that, and there is nothing I can do to fix it. We are supposed to visit in about a month - but looks like we are going to have to cancel. And you know what - if that is what happens - then I'm done with Hawaii. I can move my Hilton time share to another propery, or even keep it and just not ever go. Hilton is points based and you can use the points at any Hilton property. So - congratulations - you just lost my multiple thousands of dollars that we spend on local restaurants and stores every time we visit. And this is really less about the strike and more about the attitude towards tourists. We will go somewhere where we are welcome. And here's an economics lesson for the union members. I'm not judging you for wanting to make more money - but here's what will happen if you get a $12/hour raise. Hilton will pass that cost onto their customers. And instead of $100/night resort fee, or whatever it is, it will be a $125/night resort fee. They aren't going to pay their CEO less. They aren't going to reduce stock dividends for the shareholders. They will pass it on to us - which means fewer of us will go, which means they will need fewer of you, so some of you will get a $12/hour raise, but a lot of you won't have jobs at all. See what happened to the restaurant industry in California after they significantly increased minimum wage. Not saying it fair, or just, but it is reality.

[@LowellBDennyIII]

For an Hawaiian "influencer," your knowledge of the LABOR history is so bad. You sound like a suburban mainlander who makes pronouncements with no information. Hawaii has a strong and proud labor history that is only nurtured by SOLIDARITY. This benefits all workers. First off: you don't cross PICKET LINES. Everyone understands if you have to go to the hospital, but if you can cancel a reservation to a hotel whose workers are on strike, or can afford the cancellation fee, CANCEL THE DAMN RESERVATION. You already posted about replacement workers before. They're called SCABS. Learn some things, and decide which class you want to support. It is your choice. But stop speaking out of ignorance.

[@plynn136]

Why are people so hung up on the history of labor unions and their accomplishments? Everyone knows about labor unions. Chris is not disputing that history nor disparaging unions. He talking about life today. Catch up.

[@LowellBDennyIII]

@@plynn136 because people know the history of labor shows us what we went through and how we overcame struggles against bosses. That's how we got the labor rights we have. That struggle CLEARLY has not ended. The NLRB is about 4-5 years behind in cases. It's actually worsened. You catch up. He disputes the lessons of the labor movement [Hawaii and elsewhere] when he posts BAD TAKES on local labor strikes. He doesn't even know what a goddamn SCAB is, or maybe he does, and he's one himself. I don't know.

[@plynn136]

@@LowellBDennyIII Stop talking in circles. This is Chris's channel. You wanna rant (in circles, saying the same thing over and over and restating the obvious over and over) get your own channel. He NEVER said unions were bad-did you really watch the video? Even if he did, that's his personal opinion and he would not be alone. Plus, you are calling him derogatory names. Grow up, catch up and get some manners.

[@LowellBDennyIII]

@@plynn136 wait a minute. Who the f*ck are you to tell anyone to stay off a public KZbin channel? It's a personal opinion when it's kept PERSONAL. His previous video about the nurse's strike and lockout demonstrated either he has no concept what a scab is, or he's one and supports it. "Which side are you on?" goes the labor song. Pick a side. It's not hard. Anyone who picks the side against the labor movement, will get criticized. Get over yourself.

[@zhammmy]

As a Local 5 hotel worker, I can tell you the reason we go strike is not only for $12 split into 4 years. We are all sick and tired of management intentionally understaffing the hotel since 2022. They say COVID-19 is the reason. Hotel rooms are getting more expensive than pre-pandemic period and the amount of service is actually going down everyday, that, you might not know! Bottom line: How can we(the hotel staff)serve you(the hotel guest)make your stay satisfied, if we are sick of having to actually lie to the guests(on behalf of the bosses) for the lack of service? Oh, the swimming pool is closed because it has to under go routine maintenance? Oh, the restaurant is close because the gas pipes in the kitchen broke down?

[@JasonL_Hawaii]

12:03, lifestyle creep is a prevalent issue in our societies (developed and developing countries).

[@genniconway2900]

$60,000 sounds like a lot of money but it really isn’t. I live in LA and a single person could not live here on that salary. Especially when you figure, about 30% of that goes to taxes. Then if you’re paying $2,500 - $3,000 a month in rent and add in utilities and food. That is not very much money to live in Los Angeles, I can’t even imagine trying to live in Hawaii on that salary with kids as a single person?! I’m disappointed that you made it sound like that person was living the high life on that annual salary.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm sorry if I made it sound like they are living the high life. That wasn't my intent. Rather, that there is some personal accountability on how we spend or use the money we have.

[@hulahoop001]

​@HelloFromHawaii Nobody here is living the high life on that salary. There's no room for mis-spending. You're just making up facts because I can't find any solid proof that people making $60k are mis-spending on new trucks, Vegas trips, new iPhone etc. Those things are out of reach. Show proof of your statements or apologize for chastising the people trying to survive here.

[@caceresohana]

Budgeting and civic duties are taught at home - you are one of a kind but you are not rare FOR MANY is like a foreign language… things won’t get better it will be worst… thanks for your feedback!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@leternadia]

Agreed with you, people don’t realize Honolulu is an expensive county, you can’t raise a family under 1 minimum wage income. In other states people ride the bus or train for 1 hr each way to commute to work and even school. You can afford living in a multi family home in Ewa side when working in Waikiki. But you shouldn’t inspect to live in a condo or a house in Honolulu area when working as housekeeper or restaurant server. If you are not one of the lucky ones living rent/mortgage free because a family member pass down a property to you, you shouldn’t inspect your minimum wage job to pay the bills in HONOLULU or MAUI which are dream destinations for the wealthy. In Miami when I was younger I used to live sharing a house with friends in Kendall, ride the bus and then the train to Miami Beach (1hr 15 mnts ride) to go to work. And this was the normal for everyone. I know things should change for better, but people should have realistic expectations as well.

[@luzespejo123]

Without unions, workers will lose many of the protections against abusive employers. Wages for all will be depressed, even as corporate profits soar. The American Dream will be destroyed for millions. And we will have a government of the corporations, by the already powerful, for the wealthy. -Kenneth Bernstein

[@yiggydabomb7682]

I think you maybe making easier money and maybe don’t have much expenses for whatever …. Anyway… $12 is not for now… not right away. It’s for future years to come… and TAX are crazy for Hotel workers . I’m happy for you that you got a chance to work and make the right choices to make the right job for you. By the way, did you know that not every hotel workers get 40 hours / week. Many of them only get 20hours/week… to make sure no overtime and they have a lot of on call who for calling in once a week. Full time for you is 40 hours but not for them.

[@SunnyIlha]

Agree. It's a horrible situation for the Workers. These resort workers must earn at least, an absolute minimum of 5,395.00 (in Hawai'i State cost of living), being there doing the work 40 hours. (Which means they're there 42-43 hours a week, to be on time, and to physically properly leave the job). And this would be *upper* *low* *income* in Hawai'i. (5395.00 @40 hours).

[@christopherturco197]

As a number of commenters have mentioned, there are quite a few benefits workers have due to unions. You get no argument from me on that, however, in more recent times, it seems that the union leaders tend to be the only ones who benefit the from strikes and the resulting agreements with the employers. The rank and file workers tend not to get the full benefit of the strikes, and sometimes come out even worse off, since they have no income and benefits when there's an extended strike. Plus, a lot of ill will is created towards the unions among those who are the consumers. That is due to the inconvenience caused and to the nastiness that is sometimes expressed by overzealous union workers, who are picketing, towards people who just expect to get what they're paying for in the case of the hotels, for example.

[@briangarnier5714]

You need to study up on the fight of labor against capital. You have some major holes in your understanding of the owners and how they do use violence and threats. And as you have pointed out before 60k isn't that much in Hawaii. The owner class of these places are making mint and not sharing the wealth with those who make it for them. Wages have stagnated for decades and the billionaires will not share what the people make for them. Unions have been the only way to talk to them and hurting their pocket book is the only time they seem willing to talk.

[@dukeloo]

Hawaii always strikes since the plantation days. That's how it goes. I should be a housekeeper. Not good for living in Hawaii. Can a person buy a house in Hawaii on $60k/year? Earning $100k in Hawaii is still living in poverty .

[@SunnyIlha]

It will take approximately 150,000.00 a year for a single individual with no one else to support but themselves, to remain out of poverty in Hawai'i, and, you would still not be able to buy a home (maybe a condo; *maybe* ). A family income (two, *or* *more* income earners living together) of *at* *least* 200,000.00 a year as a *grouped* income (for the family unit) will avert *poverty* in Hawai'i State. (You wouldn't be pinching pennies at this amount of income). The American Dream died a looooong time ago in the United States.

[@cardiac161]

Affordability will always be an issue here, another problem too is a lot of us here also like to live beyond our means.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, makes it even harder when those two factors are present

[@tleeg74]

I stayed at Hilton Hawaiian village in 2018 and 2020. Pretty cool place

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I haven't stayed, but we've walked by and shopped there a few times. Lappert's 😄

[@tleeg74]

​@@HelloFromHawaii Lapperts is great. The rooms are decent but need a renovation

[@michaelwright5762]

I don’t think you hear your self. You hating on the process. What if all your subscribers say they don’t have the time to watch your videos? This strike isn’t about material things. What if I told you my income dropped half in a year? That I’m a full time student working 2 jobs. You sound like someone who’s full of himself. What up with the people that have been sacrificing? I can’t with this video. Some of us want to work more. We not all lazy and going to Vegas. You need to be educated on the problem before you speak about a problem.

[@user-l4y7r04wy6iv]

Many indeed _are_ going to Vegas --- on one-way tickets.

[@SunnyIlha]

55-60,000 annual income is borderline *poverty* survival annual income now; in fact 50 thousand a year dropped out of Middle Income onto *Low* *Income* over *5* years ago. And this is onthe *Mainland* !

[@islandsnow]

You are totally right. More money isn’t always the answer. People there know how to budget? Seems like the more money you have the more you spend. Then I always see people going to Vegas as you say or spend thousands on illegal fireworks. More money and money management is key

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not sure if overspending is just a Western thing, but because things are so expensive here, I'd think it would be even more important to budget in Hawaii.

[@kauaiboy5o]

Hilton should not charge your parents "Resort Fees" for services not done 😂

[@supreme5998]

Resort fees aren’t for the services. It’s for the brand.

[@debbied9997]

Why is that single mother sending money back to the Philippines? Is she Hawaiian, or has she immigrated to Hawaii to make money for her extended family? Those wages are huge compared to those of a housekeepers in the lower 48. Also, being a housekeeper should not be an end goal. Improve yourself, and save your money! This ladies family does nto care about her if they are draining her of the money she needs to feed her kids. Live within your means and go after the kids father to help support them.

[@garytellep5392]

? Your parents live just down the street right? How about a young couple, just married, or whatever, perhaps from Japan, that planned and saved their tails off to make their dream Hawaii vacation a year ago? You would probably be wise to back off union issues unless it's your union. Strikes have been a part of your economy since pre-war. Dangerous waters you are treading friend, a local dictating to locals? Careful, you're close to becoming a Haole. P.S. - 20 years? Time to start looking for a late model used car too.

[@plynn136]

Calm down. Free speech and open exchanges of views, remember. Unions are not sancrosant. Everybody knows the history of unions.

[@LoveOldMusic808]

Interesting point. Should unskilled labor be paid a living wage, something any kid could do? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; higher skilled workers in HI tended to earn less than comparable mainland workers, while lower skilled and entry level workers tended to earn close to the mainland average. Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the United States. My dad grew up on the plantation, so I'm a big supporter of organized labor and striking is really the only bargaining chips they have. We live in a service oriented society where the pay is generally on the lower side. Is it a question of why should workers in the service industry be paid a comfortable living wage when the rest of us had to work hard to be in a comfortable position?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great question and one I can't answer. If the wages for lesser skilled labor is closer to mainland wages, I suppose that's a good thing?

[@briandoortodoordelivery2236]

I support unions and usually support strikes....but when hotel room cleaners are make $28 per hour plus tips, striking is ridiculously extreme. We still have people work-trading on Big Island for $10/hr just to have a roof over their heads. Illegal, but who are they going to appeal to? I'm sorry, but a job cleaning hotel rooms has NEVER been enough to support a single-income household ANYWHERE in the US. I have sympathy that their level of income is not sufficient for living in Honolulu, but that's the type of job it is. Zero sympathy for the strike. Hurting the entire local economy by ruining the visits of mainlanders who will blow it up online is not the answer...that's some entitled behavior in the extreme.

[@rhondalyn100]

TOTALLY AGREE!

[@stellamarina4123]

Sooo...just comparing.....how much are the teachers getting? Maybe union workers have had it so good that they do not know what the real world is like.

[@youmakeitreal]

$60k is decent if you live on the mainland, but when you have the Jones act strangling the economy you live in you are screwed. I read a study that stated: to live comfortably in Honolulu you need to make $120,000 / year

[@dianag9066]

You got my emphatic thumbs up at minute 8. 👍 😊

[@SunnyIlha]

50,000 - 60,000 dollars a year is nothing now. That income was Middle-middle class annual income (Middle-middle income) almost nearly FIFTY YEARS ago. 3O dollars an hour is OLD. That is an OLD hourly wage. That was a middle income wage in the year *2000* .

[@BengyDaniels-u9m]

I don't know enough about who is at fault but these things will ruin tourism. We are scheduled to arrive soon and were just now made aware of this. Too late to change travel arrangements now. I doubt if I will ever travel to Hawaii again. To expensive to throw all MY hard earned money away.

[@guslevy3506]

The inherent problem here are the excessive regulation fees and taxes placed on the tourism industry. This is the local and State Govt squeezing the golden goose for the perceived easy tourism money. Stockholders and equity stakeholders take the risk of investing in the hotels while the workers keep the hotels running smoothly…but the Govt middle-man takes the first cut of earnings. At some point, paying $1000 per night and paying $50 per day for the right to park a car no longer will fly with the vacationer. And when that golden goose does die for Hawaii, everyone will literally be left on just another dying island in the Pacific Ocean. Who will strike when all the hotels are gone?…

[@johntad751]

Thats the thing of Hawaii why strike the employer, go strike the government. Some jobs doesnt have union to support like small companies that pays employers small hourly and being Hawaii is small this job crises should be told to every companies out there.

[@nitrek]

City Council received a controversial 64% salary increase in 2023 and raise going to get more this year. It shows that our wages does not balance with the economy. Hawaii, what industries does it have that is not related to the tourist industry?

[@808realistic]

This guy must be living well to make comments about us lowlifes needing to educate our kids to be more frugal, and being the wizard that he is. We should be more proud of the fact if he lives here only to be a local basher. Are you scabbing too, maybe your friends or family are scabbing?

[@darrylk808]

And I thought hotel prices went way up in the last few years. Now I guess it'll go up more. I don't like staying in Waikiki, so I looked at Kapolei... 🤑 Who stays way out there that they are able to charge so much?😂

[@mimi-ny1wq]

The root cause of the issue is housing price. Just STOP selling investment properties to non-US citizens and also tax them heavily if they have already purchased. Also it's a known fact that hospitaliry job doesn't pay much - Check BLS salary data. Those who want a single income to live comfortably, get a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) career.

[@supreme5998]

Not sure why people who don’t work in the industry have opinions on the compensation of others. It literally has nothing to do with you and you know nothing about it.

[@plynn136]

Huh?

[@dorayoung1073]

I think the union should provide their workers financial planners who can help them achieve their financial goals. It’s not always how much you make but how much you spend on things you don’t really need. Some people have more financial responsibilities like that housekeeper who has to send money back to the Philippines. Maybe a financial planner can help. I see many young people making a lot of money and complain they can’t buy a house. But if they put the money they spend on the daily Starbucks coffee, eating out all the time, streaming subscriptions, and Amazon purchases, they could probably have enough money to put a down payment on a house. Life is hard in Hawaii and you have to sacrifice a lot if you want to live in Hawaii. When wages go up, prices go up because companies have to pay for those wages so then we are back to where we started. It’s all relative.

[@tracyalan7201]

The suggestion about the union providing financial planners would be surprising if they did. The spending of the workers might vary depending on background/age/education of the hotel worker. If the worker has a dependent family to take care of, they wouldn't be spending the wages on expensive lunches or cups of coffee. They would be bringing home lunch or buying the cheapest meal near their working place. As for the young people, that is their decision to make about their spending habits. I remember my young days of work; my lunch for 30 minutes was a cup of noodle and coffee from the employee breakroom. When I was sent away for training for several months, with no car, an apartment barely furnished, I budgeted every meal, keeping track of all my expenses and using the credit card as little as possible, as my accounts were all in Hawaii and I wasn't, and this was before computer days. Like us forefathers before the tech days, planning ahead/budgeting resources is survival mode, which if the younger generation hasn't thought about it, it isn't hard to do once they realized reliance is on themselves and no one else.

[@dorayoung1073]

@@tracyalan7201 Yes, I understand your view. I think if people have no clue about how finances work, this would be a great benefit for the union members. Aren’t unions suppose to look out for the best interest of their members? Having free financial planning available for anyone who wants it would be a great benefit and resource. It would be a creative and new benefit to help workers. Sometimes, workers don’t know how to go about seeking financial help.

[@tleeg74]

Those freaking housekeepers make more than I do, they need to stop whining and complaining. I live in Los Angeles and it's expensive here too

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's not so much the amount, but how that wage fares when cost of living is factored in

[@tleeg74]

​@@HelloFromHawaii Yea, i get it

[@alohastateofmind3565]

So many $14/hour jobs in Hawaii. Affordability is very out of wack.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's a low wage, but I assume that's starting pay?

[@RedLegPiper]

Hoping to retire in maui. Housimg has gotten ridiculous .

[@libramoon9968]

I saw Filipino aunty on strike wearing a Louis Vuitton shirt. Wtf ?!

[@CKBOSS85]

This union protest has created a hostile and unsafe atmosphere in Honolulu. The demands and outcomes they are seeking are ill-defined and do not rise to the level of the aggressive tactics employed by protesters. The use of amplified devices and megaphones on public beach easements is a violation of city statutes and the Mayor and City of Honolulu should respond accordingly. Also, the management of this resort and the leadership and board of directors of the parent company Park Hotels and Resorts, should also be held to account and seek an immediate resolution in order to return peace and quiet to Honolulu, its guests, visitors, and residents.

[@CKBOSS85]

I’ve seen a lot of comments across this video and others, but one thing I don’t see being discussed much are potential solutions to the underlying structural issues affecting workers. These could include housing subsidies, state and federal tax breaks for certain labor classes and income brackets, employer-backed tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loan programs to help individuals transition into higher-skill, higher-paying careers. We should also consider expanding paths to citizenship and allowing non-citizen residents with green cards to vote in local elections where appropriate. Addressing living wages, the growing wage gap between workers and executives, and reevaluating the fiduciary responsibility of corporations to prioritize shareholders over employees and communities are all essential steps to prevent financial exploitation that benefits only the economic elite.

[@rhondalyn100]

AGREE!!!

[@JohnnyCashBack5X]

$60k is a lot for a job that has a large pool of applicants.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

If that is the relative benchmark for that kind of work, where does that leave other occupations, like teachers, that require a degree and certification?

[@Omikoshi78]

The thing that baffles me is I tip house keeping $30/day. Way more than the average. They don't bother to refill the ice bucket or give clean towels half the time. If they can't bother to spend 10 minutes to do the basics for a client that is more than doubling their hourly pay every day, I have no idea what would motivate them. I feel like they need to go the cruise ship model and start importing people who actually give two cents about what they're doing.

[@SunnyIlha]

THIRTY DOLLARS *a* *DAY* tip? You are insane to be tipping that much! Are you a triple digit millionaire?! Dude, a tip for house cleaning is 2-3 dollars!!!!!! That's IF they were particularly friendly, caring and helpful. (The room cleanliness is a BYGONE conclusion, a GIVEN). You don't BUY "good treatment" . It their *profession* to do immaculate work!

[@Omikoshi78]

@@SunnyIlha I’ve had great grand parents that worked as janitor and house keepers so I’m sympathetic to their pay situation. But I’m also doing well so I can pay $30 / day and it doesn’t affect me much. But I do expect reciprocation in the form of basic service. Towels and ice are examples of that. I’m definitely reevaluating my approach given the high percentage of miss.

[@SunnyIlha]

@@Omikoshi78 You may be inadvertently innocently creating a dilemma by tipping workers that much money. It may very well be skewing the appearance of income earning for a worker in that capacity. Those out to intentionally misinterpret and use (as a weapon against the workers) such tipping will exploit such individual occurrences of extreme high tipping. Just for reference: (If it was used *against* the workers as a tool to pay them *less* ) 30.00 X 5 rooms= 150.00 150.00 x 5 days = 750.00 750.00 x 4 = 3000.00 This "scenario" equates to three thousand dollars a month in tips! Such tipping could be misconstrued, and likely *intentionally* (in an inaccurate harmful tactic) used as a 'justification' to pay the worker *less* per hour (in fact *underpay* the worker).

[@SunnyIlha]

@@Omikoshi78 Strangely enough, as we banter on this topic, that 30 dollars you gifted the worker incidentally didn't' even cover a tank of gas for their car that day. Outrageous irony, is it not.

[@Omikoshi78]

@@SunnyIlhaI’m not Hilton so my very generous $30 tip shouldn’t be expected to cover her fully. The only expectation is she gets a small break and l expect reciprocation in the form of a basic housekeeping task. On the other point, I think you’re over complicating things. It’s cash tip. I don’t expect them to report it to IRS or their coworkers.

[@kbgreen23]

I'm staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in just a few weeks. I always support locals and hope they can get some more money. But I've also watched what happened in California where higher minimum wage has led to a higher cost of everything and companies just having less workers do the work. I wish everyone could work one job but that's just not legitimate in Hawaii for most jobs.

[@caceresohana]

If they increase wages it will cause an economic snow ball effect… we all need to realize that wages need to increase gradually but NOT by the amounts they demand- what will happened if they are all fired. I bet they will be thousands who will try … something to think about

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I believe any increase would be over subsequent years, but any increase at the Hilton will most likely have an effect on the other local hotels and their respective wages

[@808realistic]

So many mixed messages from your view. Who are you talking too, in general? Some things being said can be awkward to the strikers. Strikers are not spenders, hello. We are fighting the greedy owner who has been loving the good life due to their greediness and mishandling of our ALOHA SPIRIT!!!

[@wk8082]

I agree with you. I supply the hotel with goods for the stores and the demonstrators deliberately block the cross walks creating a huge traffic jam in the whole area. The store’s sales are almost nothing. I am a victim of their actions and they lost my support.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's tough. I was disappointed about how they occupied the crosswalk. The sidewalk, okay. But occupying the crosswalk deliberately so cars can't turn is different.

[@showaloha]

They are peacefully protesting while walking when the walking sign is up? How are you gonna make a stronger impact through protesting on the side walk to where the hotel management/owners of the hotels can be greatly affected by it? They are protesting peacefully and correctly. If they protest just being on the sidewalk then it will have a miniscule impact that affects the hotel management/owners... The union protesting while walking, when the walking sign is up, is playing by the safety rules and provides a stronger impact to have complaints towards the hotel management/owners. If you just "protest on the sidewalk", then the business in the hotels keep on moving smoothly and profiting normally, especially since they hire scabs that cross the line and take their jobs while going on strike, which is their right to go on strike since a contract hasnt been fulfilled and delayed...

[@JeanneFerrariamas-sr5ml]

I am pro union but I don’t support strikes -ideally there should be more diplomacy I do agree that workers in Hawaii earn good wages and that there is extreme consumerism in Hawaii and lack of financial literacy

[@BamBam-g2l]

60k is poverty in Hawaii

[@tjernst6488]

Most broke people driving BMW’s and Audi’s.

[@andrewdumpling1864]

i don't think there's a right way to do a strike. something has to be impacted to push one side to negotiate.

[@heatherlee6792]

Hi I just wanted to share that I’ve taken up part time work at the Hilton due to the strike. I am blocked out of the entrance everyday for about 10-15 minutes. Every. Single. Day. I also have to make a living and they are making me late for work everyday. At the Hilton, you are also provided free meals, free uniform, amazing benefits and great pay (more than the average person living in Hawai’i). Here’s the problem-there is a labor shortage all around the nation.. let alone the world!! After covid, we have not been able to recover yet. The unions need to recognize this. Sorry to say but I do not see the benefit of striking. It’s locals causing other locals more problems. Not just the tourists. I have a lot more to say about this but I already know I will be attacked for speaking out..

[@rhondalyn100]

I appreciate you speaking out!

[@lani8086]

Wow!! Who are you to judge??? Really you only have one job??? Good for you!!! Before you post videos like this about Hilton Hawaiian Village workers/ union members make sure you do a lot of research!! We’re not just fighting for our wages! Do you know how much money the hotel makes in just one month!! Just the front desk alone? You don’t have any idea!! So if you can’t say something good for the hotel workers who are picketing, you better SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!

[@leternadia]

Wow… people can’t have an opinion now? Do you think everyone has to stand in your side and support how you want to handle things? Do you even know the finances of the hotel to know if they can afford paying double? Stocks are down, economy is bad, people don’t expend as much money anymore and profits are lower. I’m actually surprised we’re not in recession. Business are getting hurt, and lot of businesses are replacing humans for machines and AI to avoid this type of situation. Be careful how much you push, because I know lot of places are starting to bring employees from other states and countries because can’t afford the ones from here. The problem is not what you’re getting paid for. The problem is housing prices, not rent control, the price of gas and electricity, and having the need to import instead of growth and produce locally. Btw, I was in FL 2 years ago and I stayed in a very nice hotel for a really good price through Airbnb, as instructions for check out was wiped down tables, take garbage out, leave all towels in main bathroom, live all used dishes inside dishwasher. Now I understand why, they got ride of housekeeping and had just a single person doing light cleaning for the entire building and 1 doing laundry and doing beds. Check in and out was online. If you look around, we’re getting replaced by iPads and QR codes.

[@gringo848]

Since everybody is a Democrat in Hawaii, it's all in your family. Happy Ohana.

[@stanmuneoka8117]

We need to get the unions out of hawaii

[@LoveVanillaRose]

They're actually making good money for what they do. I suspect the reason they can't live as they would like is because Uncle Sam is taking the lion's share of what they make. I think you should have calculated in what the actual take home would be after taxes.

[@christopherturco197]

I agree with you that they are making good money, especially for jobs that don't require advanced education or training. Unfortunately, there will always be inequities in pay. That's because you get paid what the job is worth and not what the person is worth. It's easier to replace a hotel housekeeper than it is to replace a brain surgeon. They both may work hard at what they do, but one has a greater value. To your point about taxes, in Hawaii it's more than Uncle Sam's cut that is the issue. The State taxes are also high, because people expect the State to provide so many things that maybe shouldn't be provided. Nevertheless, Hawaii residents have voted in those representatives that pass those things into law, because they apparently want the State to do that. By voting for those types of policies, they are abdicating their personal freedom to decide how to spend a big chunk of their income for themselves. You get the bad with the good, as a result. Bottom line is that there are always going to be a majority of people who are having a hard time making ends meet and won't be able to have enough money to do and have everything they want to in life. That's why I sadly no longer live in Hawaii after having lived there for 22 years.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Like I mentioned, with the upcoming changes to the income taxes in Hawaii, the state income taxes will change. For federal taxes, I'm not so sure the impact on current or even future wages for the employees.

[@genniconway2900]

$60,000 sounds like a lot of money but it really isn’t. I live in LA and a single person could not live here on that salary. Especially when you figure, about 30% of that goes to taxes. Then if you’re paying $2,500 - $3,000 a month in rent and add in utilities and food. That is not very much money to live in Los Angeles, I can’t even imagine trying to live in Hawaii on that salary with kids as a single person?! I’m disappointed that you made it sound like that person was living the high life on that annual salary.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

My mistake for also not factoring union dues as well. Not sure how much those are locally.

[@clownfish7776]

@@HelloFromHawaii union dues usually averages $50 per month for many places in Hawaii.

[@jsurace]

One thing you're missing is that salaries in Hawaii are generally 20-40% lower than they are on the mainland for equivalent jobs. I lived in LA for years, we took a huge paycut when we returned to Hawaii (we hold PhDs in the hard sciences). Highly skilled labor (for example, specifically like the zookeepers) make around $60k. Ironically, the construction trade union jobs are way, way higher on the mainland. My father was a carpenter, he's rolling in his grave given that local construction work pays more than I make at NASA (heck, the nurses on strike make substantially more than I do, and at least twice what my mother did, she was a nurse). I actually looked into getting an electrician's license, which was pretty trivial on the mainland, but here the law contains a catch-22 that entangles the union, and the union deliberately throttles the labor supply.

[@lol-hs6zx]

60,000 a year is barely surviving my dude

[@calesvideos]

Also Honolulu has a higher cost of living than Los Angeles.