In Hawaii, women are working hard to close the gender wage gap, but their progress slows once they become mothers or take on caregiving roles for relatives. According to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization’s latest data, on average, men are earning 50% more than women in the state. Differences in income are seen across all levels of education and in 82% of occupations.

Child care challenges can contribute to reduced work hours for mothers, especially when their children are young. The high cost and limited availability of child care worsen these hurdles. However, lawmakers in Hawaii are addressing this. Legislation like the “Ready Keiki Initiative , led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, aims to build 80 preschool classrooms by August 2024 and 465 by 2032 at public schools, private businesses, and University of Hawaii campuses.

In addition to this, lawmakers strive to expand subsidies for lower-income families and create partnerships to train new preschool workers. This plan aligns with efforts to close the pay gap in Hawaii and strives to reduce the burden of child care on mothers intent on returning to work.

State legislators are also moving to alleviate the early education shortage with House Bill 1964, which will establish a child care provider subsidy and bonus program. Despite the efforts, there is room for more improvement, especially in terms of the pay and benefits for child care workers in the state.

While there is a growing interest in paid family leave, the progress is slow. The state legislature considered only one measure that faced criticism from both businesses and unions. Many important bills remain unheard, leaving the state with a long road to reach a gender pay equity.

For employees in need, it can be challenging to access benefits such as Paid Family Leave (PFL) or State Disability Insurance (SDI). However, helpful resources remain available to guide them through the process. For instance, they can visit eddcaller.com to know how to get ahold of edd customer service or learn how to contact SDI. This site provides comprehensive guidance on contacts, best call timings, and strategies for prompt response. Doing so can aid in the smooth processing of claims and ensure that beneficiaries can avail benefits when they need them most.