Can We Stay? The Realities Facing Hawaiʻi’s Workers — and the Path Forward
What if staying in Hawaiʻi wasn’t a dream to fight for, but a reality we could build together?
This webinar shares new insights from Holomua Collective’s recently launched 2025 Hawai’i Affordability Survey, revealing what local workers across industries and islands are experiencing—and why so many worry they may have to leave, even while working full-time.
What does it really take to stay in Hawaiʻi?
Across industries and islands, local workers are struggling with rising costs, stress, and uncertainty about the future.
In this webinar, Holomua Collective will share what Hawaiʻi’s workers are telling us about their daily realities and reveal how partners across sectors are transforming those insights into concrete solutions that support local families. Josh Wisch and Matt Prellberg will break down the latest data and highlight the policies and programs already taking shape to make staying possible.
Key takeaways include:
What Hawaiʻi’s workers are most concerned about in 2025
The surprising realities behind affordability, stress, and mobility
Emerging policy and program solutions designed to make staying possible
How partners can engage in ongoing working groups and next steps
Who this webinar is for:
Community-based organizations, employers, educators, policymakers, funders, advocates, and anyone committed to helping local families remain in Hawaiʻi.
Join us as we move from insight to collective action—and work toward a future where local people can stay rooted in the place they call home.
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
🕙 Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm HST
📍 Location: Virtual – Zoom 🔗 REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
About our Session Presenters:
Josh Wisch brings over two decades of leadership across government, law, and advocacy, with roles ranging from Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi to District Director for Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Policy Director for AARP Hawaiʻi. An Omidyar Fellow and Carnegie Mellon/Georgetown Law graduate, he also serves on several local boards and was recognized as one of Hawaiʻi Business Magazine’s “20 for the Next 20.” Outside of work, Josh enjoys cycling, writing on vintage typewriters, and exploring film and travel—all while sharing life on Oʻahu with his wife, Malia, and their five cats.
Matt Prellberg draws on extensive experience in state government, having served at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in roles including Senate Communications Director, Senior Attorney for the House Judiciary Committee, and Chief of Staff for Senator Chris Lee. A UH Mānoa alum with a J.D. from California Western School of Law, he also brings a strong commitment to community—volunteering with PFLAG-Oʻahu, coaching in local LGBT sports leagues, and paddling with Lōkahi Canoe Club. Outside the Capitol and canoe, Matt stays connected to local life in McCully-Mōʻiliʻili and finds joy in giving back.
