Lawmakers were told that during that time inflation has risen about 20%

Some were concerned about tying the consumer price index to the minimum wage.

Given the nature of minimum wage, the language does provide that when CPI goes up the minimum wage goes up," said State Labor Director Dwight Takamine.

The Chamber of Commerce warned about the impact of the hikes

on businesses who have had to take on the burdens of rising insurance health and unemployment costs as well as utilities.

To Thai For is a family run restaurant in Kaimuki that has only been in business for three years.

"It has been very hard we have to save every penny because the profit margin is very little," said Natalie Porngam.

The owners say they will have little choice but to comply with state law, They hope to retain their reliable workers and not have to cut hours.

They say so far, they can handle the load but other companies like City Mill say

if they have to cut back, they may be forced to lay off workers.