Hawaii Young Professionals Seek Solutions on Cost-of-Living Issues
The Cost of Living Summit, one in a series of events planned by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program, inspires young people to become active in making Hawaii more affordable.
Hawaii is one of the most expensive places in the country to live and raise a family, according to multiple studies.
It does not, however, need to remain that way. More than 150 young professionals, policymakers, and community leaders participated in the second annual Cost of Living Summit on Friday, October 25, 2024 to affirm that change is possible. The event, which was sponsored by Tradewind Group, American Savings Bank, ALTRES, Kobayashi Group, and fifteen other organizations, provided participants a safe space to brainstorm solutions to make housing and childcare more affordable.
“These events, especially the Cost of Living Summit, give me hope,” said Sterling Higa, a member of the YP Program and the Executive Director of Housing Hawaii’s Future. “Where else are you going to find 150 young leaders in one room thinking about the most important issues facing Hawaii?”
In addition to collaboration opportunities, the event featured remarks by Governor Josh Green and UHERO professor Steven Bond-Smith, as well experts on housing and childcare issues. YP members also had the chance to present their ideas to state legislators, including housing committee chairs, Senator Stanley Chang and Representative Luke Evslin, and the chair of the House Committee on Human Services, Representative Lisa Marten.
“I think there’s a real sense of people wanting to take action,” said Representative Evslin. “[People are asking,] ‘How can I help?’ ‘How can I influence policy?’ ‘How can I help solve the housing crisis?’”
Event organizers say they want to ensure that the solutions-oriented conversations continue after the Cost of Living Summit.
“I’ve had many people tell me they left the event inspired,” said Jordan Odo, Chair-Elect of the YP Program. “It’s now time to convert that energy into action. We need to make systemic changes, so local residents can remain in Hawaii.”
