Executive Director’s Message

Aloha,

I am honored to be stepping into the role of executive director for Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice. As the organization’s former deputy director, I have been deeply involved in our work and am committed to building on our 20 years of success by continuing to work collaboratively across the government, nonprofit, and private sectors to advance economic justice for Hawaiʻi’s working families.

Working to achieve economic justice is something that is deeply rooted in my family history. Raised in Kalihi Valley by two parents who dedicated their lives to public service in the nonprofit sector and state government, I was inspired as a young professional to pursue a career in public policy. I’ve had the privilege of working on multiple economic justice campaigns in both New York City and San Francisco, and I returned home four years ago to raise my family on the same ʻohana property I grew up on in Kalihi. I am so blessed to be able to call this place my home again, and to work for and with Hawaiʻi’s people to create genuine opportunities to achieve economic security and fulfill their potential.

But for many working families, remaining in or returning to Hawaiʻi is no longer an option. Our cost of living is the highest in the nation. The prices of basic needs like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation are increasingly out of reach for many of the state’s households. As we continue to see families displaced from the islands, and while the potential for cuts to vital public programs at the federal level loom overhead, the work that we do to push for economic justice in Hawaiʻi is now more important than ever. Times of great uncertainty require us to come together as a community and advocate for our greatest resource—each other.   

My experience as deputy director has given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s people, and the importance of centering community voice in our research, policy analysis, and legislative advocacy. As I take on this new role, I remain dedicated to ensuring that our efforts are driven by the needs and experiences of those we serve. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful policy change and create a more just and equitable Hawaiʻi for all.

Mahalo,

Will Alika White
Executive Director
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice