Hawaii teachers marched to the state Capitol to call for better pay.

They rallied today while the union is in the midst of contract negotiations with the state.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee said insufficient funding has led to a teacher shortage. He said Hawaii teachers are the lowest-paid in the nation when cost of living is considered.

Teachers are also pushing legislation to change the tax code and direct more money to public schools. They want to create an education surcharge on residential investment properties such as second homes.

Critics such as the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce say it would be unfair to levy a surcharge on some residents and not others. They also say the tax would probably get passed on to renters.