My Story
As a fourth-generation Japanese American born and raised in Honolulu, I’m proud to call this district and Hawaii home.
I attended Hokulani Elementary, Punahou, NYU Shanghai, and earned my Master’s in Public Administration at UH Manoa. During my time as a student, I learned about various levels of public service while interning with Honolulu’s Office of Economic Development and Senator Schatz's D.C office.
After returning to Hawaii from Shanghai, I was shocked to see so many of my family, friends, and neighbors leave Hawaii. Faced with rising costs of living, lack of affordable housing, and limited job opportunities, I felt responsible for changing this unacceptable reality that forced local families away. In 2020, I joined my neighborhood board and volunteered with Hui Aloha, where I conducted houseless outreach initiatives across Oahu. ran for office to serve in the State House of Representatives.
Discussing neighborhood concerns on the neighborhood board in 2020.
Running for the State House in 2020.
Getting Things Done
As a State House Representative, I worked hard to build community and fight for legislation to reduce financial burdens for families, improve public safety, and increase investment for schools. One of the first bills I introduced was on catalytic converter thefts. Inspired by conversations with constituents, this bill successfully became law and reduced catalytic converter thefts drastically across Hawaii.
I served as Vice Chair for the Labor & Tourism Committee (2021 - 2022), Vice Chair for the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee (2023-2024), and Chair for the Labor Committee (2025-2026). As Chairman of the House Labor Committee I initiated the process to reclassify and update thousands of public positions, expanded the state-wide Hele Imua internship program, and pushed a paid family leave policy further than ever.
Outside the capitol building, I regularly attend neighborhood board meetings, remove graffiti around the neighborhood, and work with community leaders to clean up community parks. After a series of storms, I’ve begun developing a Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for the district.
Hearing testimony and drafting legislation in committee.
Working with community volunteers to clean up Azama Park.