11 August 2015. Over the last month and a half the military in Oahu, Hawaii has seen a drop in COLA of about 25%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI in Honolulu rose 1.8% over the last 12 month (published February of 2015). Here's why the COLA should be raised back to previous levels, if not higher.
1. Military families out of pocket expenses have gone up; not down. Up by 1.8% over the last year.
2. Yes, military pay has increased but by a lower rate than that of civilian wages.
3. Prices are increasing at a higher rate than military pay.
4. Even if the gap between OCONUS and CONUS is shortened, at least leave COLA the same to not put a strain on the military families' budgets. Their expenses have only gone up and now income has been reduced.