Who we are
Maui Nui Empowered is a coalition of dedicated Maui County residents united by a shared purpose: to safeguard our local values and ensure that our community can prosper here at home. We are a non-profit advocacy organization (501(c)(4)) driven by the belief that empowering residents with knowledge and tools can spark real change. Our team includes lifelong locals, professionals in housing and business and community leaders, all coming together with a common vision. We’re proud of Maui County’s rich cultural heritage and aloha spirit, and we’re committed to carrying those values forward as we tackle today’s toughest challenges.
Our Executive Director
Alissa Lei Walin serves as Executive Director of Maui Nui Empowered, where she leads the organization’s work to advance housing education, community engagement and practical solutions for local families. Born and raised on Maui’s north shore, Alissa’s leadership is grounded in values instilled by her upbringing, a deep appreciation for the islands, a commitment to hard work and a responsibility to give back to the community that raised her.
She brings a diverse professional background that bridges local experience with broader economic perspectives. After competing in collegiate soccer at Hawaiʻi Pacific University and earning a business degree from Colorado State University, Alissa built a career in commercial real estate in both Hawaiʻi and Colorado. This experience provided her with a practical understanding of housing markets and development dynamics, which she brought back to Maui upon her return in 2025 to address the urgent housing challenges facing residents.
Alissa has been dedicated to protecting the lifestyle that makes Maui Nui special while tackling critical housing issues. As Executive Director, her focus includes expanding awareness of the organization’s platform, sharing trusted educational resources, and strengthening community relationships to empower residents to advocate for themselves and their future.
our mission
Our mission is simple: make Maui County livable for all its people.
We work to address the critical issues of housing and cost of living that impact everyone in our islands. That means championing solutions so that young families, kūpuna (seniors), and hardworking residents alike can afford to stay and thrive here. It also means preserving what makes Maui Nui special: our culture, environment, and sense of community, even as we push for progress. To achieve this, Maui Nui Empowered takes a multi-pronged approach:
Public Education: We provide accurate information, research, and analysis on housing and economic issues. By using facts and data, we help residents and decision-makers understand root problems and consider practical solutions.
Advocacy & Policy Change: We collaborate with government leaders and policy makers to drive reforms that will expand housing opportunities and reduce the cost of living.
Community Engagement: We empower Maui County residents to get involved in civic decisions. Through workshops, forums, and outreach (online and in-person), we encourage our neighbors to voice their concerns, attend hearings, and vote for positive change. We believe that an informed and engaged community can hold leaders accountable and shape our islands’ future.
