Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters last week said he rejects a 3% pay hike recommended by the city Salary Commission. The proposed increase, which also applies to the mayor, managing director and other high-level city officials, comes after Council members reaped a contentious 64% salary spike last year.

It is refreshing to see Waters lead by example as many Hawaii residents suffer a range of financial woes — from middling wages to sky-high housing prices. All that remains is for the full Council to vote against the ill-conceived pay increases, if they remain in the Salary Commission’s final recommendation.