Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future forms inaugural advisory council to address workforce housing crisis

Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future has launched its first Advisory Council, bringing together a cross-section of local leaders to support its mission of creating a more affordable and livable Hawaiʻi.

The new 13-member council includes community, business and policy leaders who will provide strategic guidance and expertise as the nonprofit expands its advocacy and outreach across the state.

“Everyone is hurting, whether it’s young people making difficult decisions or older generations seeing their kids leave Hawaiʻi for good,” said HHF Executive Director Lee Wang. “It’s everyone’s problem, and it’s inspiring to see investment by everyone, young and old alike.”

Council members include:

• Colbert Matsumoto (co-chair) – chair, Tradewind Group, Inc.
• Unyong Nakata (co-chair) – founder and principal, Nakata Advisory LLC
• Kamaka Dias – founder, “Keep It Aloha” Podcast
• Emily Fukunaga – vice president, Servco Parts Center
• Michelle Bartell – president and CEO, Aloha United Way 
• Cole Phillips – communications strategist, Just Small Kine Things
• Emily Reber Porter – Chief Operating Officer, MacNaughton
• Jeff Laupola – Onebrief Inc., Indo-Pacific command lead
• Sarah Guay – president and CEO, Hawaiʻi Employers Council
• Stanley Lau – founder and CEO, Hawaiʻi Tech Support
• Kaipo Nobriga – Chief Financial Officer, James Campbell Company
• Aisha Ishida – director of strategy, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health
• Billy Pieper – senior vice president and director of strategic partnerships, American Savings Bank

Wang said the council’s composition is “a unique blend of passionate, young voices, mid-career leaders currently shaping the local landscape and the wisdom of established and experienced leaders.”

HHF was founded in 2021 by young locals dedicated to creating opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s next generation by ending the workforce housing shortage. The nonprofit activates young leaders, educates the public and convenes stakeholders to address the housing crisis through research, policy advocacy and community engagement. Their vision is that any local who works hard and wants quality housing will find it in Hawaiʻi.