Here is a rewritten title for the blog post: 20 for the Next 20: Sterling Higa Policy Compass
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts
- Sterling Higa: The Architect of Affordable Housing and Policy Innovation
- From Report to Revolution
- A New Era of Housing Reforms
- Challenging the Status Quo
- Policy Compass
- The Power of Decision-Making
- A Life of Learning
Quick Facts
Sterling Higa: The Architect of Affordable Housing and Policy Innovation
Sterling Higa: The Architect of Affordable Housing and Policy Innovation
In the pursuit of solving the state’s complex problems, Sterling Higa’s life took a dramatic turn six years ago. Then a lecturer, debate coach, and columnist, he received an unexpected email from Tradewind Group Chair Colbert Matsumoto, asking for his help in writing a report on Hawaii’s financial struggles and presenting the findings at the annual Hawaii Executive Conference. This chance took Higa to new heights, and his subsequent career moves have had a profound impact on the state’s housing landscape.
From Report to Revolution
Higa’s report, “Troubled Waters,” was a groundbreaking analysis of Hawaii’s worsening financial woes. His presentation at the conference was met with a standing ovation, a rare occurrence even among the respected attendees. This moment of recognition opened doors for Higa, and he soon found himself at the helm of Housing Hawai’i’s Future, a nonprofit dedicated to combating NIMBYism and promoting affordable housing policies.
Under Higa’s leadership, the organization collaborated with other housing advocates to drive significant policy changes in the 2024 legislative session. Notably, two landmark bills were passed to increase the local housing stock, including one allowing multifamily housing in commercial zones and simplifying office-to-apartment conversions.
A New Era of Housing Reforms
Higa is undeniably proud of the nonprofit’s accomplishments. “Our coalition helped pass what is probably the most significant housing reforms in the last 40 years,” he says. With these reforms in place, Housing Hawai’i’s Future is set to push for more housing to be set aside for local people, increased density, and better infrastructure in the coming years.
Challenging the Status Quo
Higa’s vision for Hawaii’s future goes beyond the status quo. He recognizes that the state’s emphasis on suburban living has created an imbalance, with young people often preferring city life and public transportation. “What we really haven’t tried is building great urban environments,” he says. By promoting urban development and infusing cities with vitality, Higa envisions a more sustainable and livable Hawaii.
Policy Compass
As Housing Hawai’i’s Future continues to make waves, Higa is preparing for his next venture, Policy Compass. This innovative entrepreneurial project will provide executives with insights on how state and local policies impact their businesses, empowering them to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
The Power of Decision-Making
Throughout his career, Higa has demonstrated unwavering commitment to his endeavors. He attributes this to a process of thorough research, careful consideration, and prayer. This formula extends to his personal life, where he met his wife in 2022 and became stepfather to her three children. The couple now has a toddler, adding to Higa’s responsibilities but not diminishing his drive.
A Life of Learning
Higa’s love for reading is a constant source of inspiration. He devours an average of 56 books per year, acknowledging that this thirst for knowledge is essential to understanding the world. This insatiable curiosity underpins his ambitious goal: “to solve the big, complex problems that face Hawaii.”
