Joēll Edwards and her family own and operate Wainiha Country Market.

Joēll Edwards writes that "We should do everything in our power to help those who need time off for medical leave or to take care of a keiki or kupuna. Paid family and medical leave would greatly relieve the financial stress that’s especially hard on neighbor island families." She also writes that "A statewide paid family and medical leave program would be less costly for employers than cobbling together piecemeal solutions when my employees face serious illnesses or caregiving needs." 

Read the full column here.