ABOUT US
Our Mission
ATA is a Hawai’i based non- profit organization dedicated to mitigating climate change. By partnering with organizations and our community, we initiate and support environmental projects and internships that advance resilient forest ecosystems for Hawai‘i.
Our Roots
Core Values
- The embodiment of Aloha resonates in all that we do at Aloha Tree Alliance.
- We hold that our Earth is a living organism and that we humans are stewards in reciprocity with all life on Earth. We undertake this mission to respect, restore and reforest with wisdom, collaboration, and humility.
- We acknowledge and honor the Hawaiian People and their extraordinary land management practices, which we strive to uphold. In the Aloha spirit we commit to treat one another and everyone we encounter with respect, kindness, and dignity.
Meet the Team
Chris Chang
Executive Director
Chris has been a long-time ATA board member and team leader, playing a key role in the organization’s growth over the years. With over a decade of leadership experience in community-driven innovation and entrepreneurship, he now leads ATA into its next chapter—deepening its restoration efforts, strengthening partnerships, and navigating the evolving nonprofit landscape.
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Chris is dedicated to a future for ATA and Hawai‘i that honors cultural heritage, protects local identity, and puts community at the center.
Eli Livezey
Field & Nursery Manager
Eli is dedicated to conservation and wants to work towards a future where ecological values are more integrated into our daily lives. Previously having worked for the National Park Service, KUPU, and other nonprofits, Eli brings a diverse set of experience to the ATA team. He is passionate about restoration; he believes biodiversity is the key to resilient ecosystems. He also enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, and freediving.
Olivia Taub
Nursery Technician
Olivia brings a deep love for forests, mountains, and wildlife to her role as ATA’s Nursery and Field Technician. With two years of hands-on experience growing native trees for outplanting and an internship at Lyon Arboretum, she has built a strong foundation in horticulture and ecological restoration. Passionate about conservation and community-based programs, Olivia aims to connect younger generations to ʻāina. For her, caring for the land is both a personal calling and shared responsibility: restoring ʻāina while nurturing resilient, intergenerational communities.
Sam Alvarado
Education & Communications Manager
Samantha is an Aloha ʻĀina (an ʻāina-based practitioner and advocate) dedicated to mālama ʻāina. Her journey began with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, inspiring her lifelong commitment to restoration. With over a decade of experience as an environmental educator, she expands access to ʻāina-based learning. At ATA, her dream role, Sam helps others build pilina with ʻāina, inspiring community stewardship and connection to the land. Sam is currently working on her PhD in Tropical Plant and Soil Science as well as her Master’s in Curriculum Studies Place-based Education
Arlynna Livingston
Founder
Arlynna Livingston believes preserving forests for the next generation is critical to a sustainable future. She loves teaching others, especially youth, about the interdependence of our forests with our livelihoods. Arlynna's compassionate nature for humans, trees, and animals touches all who meet her generous spirit.
Laurie Chang
Founder
Laurie Chang is a dedicated environmentalist and advocate for the stewardship of Hawaii's unique ecosystems. A former communications professional turned English teacher, Laurie recognizes the power of education in fostering environmental awareness and empowering youth to take action for a greener future. She enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, reading, embracing an active lifestyle and engaging in artistic hobbies.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and ensuring the financial health of our nonprofit organization. They provide oversight, expertise, and support to help us achieve our mission and uphold our values. Aloha Tree Alliance is honored to be guided by the leadership of Laurie Chang (Board President) Arlynna Livingston (Treasurer), Cailyn Schmidt (Secretary), Chase Livingston and Caitlin Moon.
FAQ's
Aloha Tree Alliance is an established, certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. By collaborating with our community, we hope to foster a unified approach to slow climate change and promote reciprocity, cultural respect and awareness, and equity.
We invite you to join us during our monthly restoration and tree planting workdays. Please see our calendar. You can also donate toward the purchase of native trees and plants on our website. If you are honoring someone with a purchase of a tree, we will notify them of your gift.
Aloha Tree Alliance is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. All financial contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. Our EIN # is 87 -0994075. You can find our green donation button at the top right corner of our home page. Mahalo for your contribution!
Aloha Tree Alliance is based on O‘ahu, HI.
If you or your organization is interested in partnering with ATA, please email info@alohatreealliance.org
You can email us at info@alohatreealliance.org.
Our mailing address is 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Ste. A-143A PMB 270 Honolulu, HI 96825
ATA in the News
“This is Gold:
An unprecedented push to restore urban Honolulu watersheds from ridge to reef”
A nearly $8 million project will take the Hawaiian approach to land management and apply it to busy parts of town.