James Koshiba

James Koshiba is a community builder and social entrepreneur who has served in leadership positions within government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector. His career has focused on launching or supporting community-driven efforts to promote environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, and bringing unhoused people home.

In 2015, frustrated by the explosion of homelessness in Hawai‘i and dwindling compassion for those on the street, James pitched a tent in a large urban encampment and forged personal connections with people experiencing homelessness. These relationships helped him understand homelessness as a problem of severed connections with place and community. He co-founded Hui Aloha, to demonstrate how building community with those who are marginalized is key to solving many persistent social problems, including homelessness.

James is past Board President of the Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation, chaired the State Taskforce on COVID & Housing, and was the state’s director of Homeless Policy & Programs under Governor Josh Green. His work is inspired by ancestors who immigrated to Hawai‘i and survived thanks to the aloha of Hawai‘i’s native people.