"New Year Ushers in Higher Minimum Wage and Health Law Overhauls Across States"

Hawaii's minimum wage is set to increase to $14 an hour on New Year's Day, which will result in higher annual earnings for workers but also higher costs for business owners. Coffee Talk owner Liz Schwartz and other business leaders are trying to balance the wage increase with the high cost of living and worker shortages in the state. The increase may lead to higher prices for customers, reduced operating hours, or the adoption of artificial intelligence in restaurants. Health insurance costs for employers are also expected to rise, adding to the financial pressures faced by businesses still recovering from the pandemic.