On Tuesday, May 12, Academy students welcomed Senator Stanley Chang for a thoughtful discussion reflecting on the 2026 legislative session. Coordinated through the Davis Democracy Initiative, the visit gave students an opportunity to engage directly with a state leader on issues shaping Hawaiʻi’s future.
Senator Chang spoke candidly about his decade in the Hawaiʻi State Senate and his eight years chairing the Senate Housing Committee, focusing on the ongoing challenge of housing affordability in Hawaiʻi. He explained that Hawaiʻi continues to face one of the most severe housing affordability crises in the nation, as home prices and rental costs have risen far faster than local wages. High construction costs, limited land availability, and increasing demand from outside investors have made it increasingly difficult for many local families and young residents to remain in Hawaiʻi long term.
Drawing comparisons to Singapore, Senator Chang discussed the role the government can play in addressing housing shortages. He referenced Singapore’s model of government-supported housing and connected it to historic American programs such as the GI Bill, the Homestead Act, and post-World War II federal investments that expanded homeownership opportunities. He emphasized his belief that stronger public investment and government leadership are necessary to create housing that local residents can realistically afford.
During an engaging Q&A session, students asked questions about the California housing policy, interim housing solutions, corporate ownership of homes, voter registration, redistricting and how to encourage greater youth participation in government.
The conversation offered students a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with current public policy challenges facing Hawaiʻi today.