Michael is running for Hawaii State House of Representatives in District 40 (Kapolei, Makakilo, Royal Kunia, and Kalaeloa) because of his commitment to social justice and his firm belief that people’s voices should be heard in the halls of government. Today, decisions that affect us on a daily basis are too often made behind closed doors without any accountability or transparency. If elected, Michael will work with the community at all times to make sure that the questions and concerns of our district are being heard.

       Michael moved to Hawaii for the second time in 2002, and has lived in Makakilo since 2003. He feels lucky to have spent his formative years here.

       Michael graduated from Moanalua High School in 2006 with a B.O.E. recognized diploma. He also earned a service chord for his hard work. He then attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa for three semesters before transferring to the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. His positive experience at West Oahu as a Political Science major has made him fully committed to supporting the growth of the campus and the student body so that all members of the Leeward community have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

       Michael has extensive community service and advocacy experience from his work attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, and through advocacy work at the state legislature.

       This year, Michael has taken action against the budget cuts to public education in Hawaii. At the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Michael was a leader of the student group “Defending Hawaii’s Education,” which was organized to protest the huge budget cuts the Governor proposed and implemented throughout the UH system. In February, Michael helped organize a teach-in at West Oahu to raise awareness about the effects the budget cuts are having on the UH system, and the trend in tuition hikes that accompany those cuts. In March, Michael also helped gather over 500 signatures in less than a day to show the legislature that more budget cuts to public higher education are completely unacceptable.

       Michael is also an active member of Save our Schools Hawaii (SOS), a grassroots parent, student, and community organization dedicated to ending the public school furloughs and supporting public education in the state.

       Michael, along with Save Our Schools, spent countless hours speaking with legislators and organizing community events to encourage the community and elected officials to support our keiki.

       We cannot afford to balance our budget on the backs of our keiki—they are far too important.

       Mahalo for your support.