Letter: Service workers should get a higher wage

Regarding the commentary by Mary Ochs, the Rev. Sam Domingo and John Witeck (“Eliminate unfair ‘tip penalty’ for service workers,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 31): They are absolutely right to stand up for service workers trying to make ends meet and having to work one, two, three jobs.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai’s salary for 90 days’ work can’t compare to what our service employees work and get paid for in a year.

Gratuities and tips are essential and shouldn’t be taxed, because they are gifts. Our legislators should be working on diversifying our state, instead of just raising taxes. Crime and homelessness, and the cost of gas, water and electricity, are among the highest.

Ethel Lundberg

Kaneohe

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