Young Professionals Seek to Make Hawaii More Affordable

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program brought together experts and leaders to influence public policy and inspire grassroots action.

Hawaii’s high cost of living – driven by record housing prices, stagnant wages, and the nation’s highest living wage requirement – has forced many young professionals to delay milestones like homeownership or starting families. In recent years, thousands in their 20s and 30s have left for the continental U.S. seeking financial stability. 

However, a group of Gen Z and Millennial residents is looking to reverse this growing “brain drain.” 

Against this backdrop, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals (YP) Program convened more than 150 young professionals, policymakers, and community leaders on October 17, 2025, at Prince Waikiki for the third annual Cost of Living Summit. With presenting sponsor Tradewind Group, and the support of American Savings Bank, Airbnb, ALTRES, Hawaii Business Magazine and others, participants collaborated on solutions to make housing more affordable, increase civic participation, and foster private-sector action.  

“We need more young people to get involved in our community,” said Senator Troy Hashimoto, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “It’s refreshing to see the Chamber’s young professionals coming together to address one of the state’s biggest challenges – the high cost of living.”   

Summit attendees spoke with legislators about their cost of living experiences and ideas, as well as heard keynote remarks from Governor Josh Green, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, and Chief State Economist Seth Colby. Many shared personal challenges in making ends meet and thoughts about moving away. 

As state and county leaders considered new policy directions, participants left the summit with a shared conviction: making Hawaii affordable isn’t just an economic issue, it’s the key to keeping future generations rooted in the islands.  

“Despite feeling the strain, our members are not dwelling in the hardship,” said Tricia Fetui, Executive Director, Young Professionals Program. “They are looking for ways to contribute and be active in making Hawaii more affordable for its residents. They are the lifeblood of a healthy, growing, and diversified economy and redefining what it means to live and prosper on the islands they call home.”