Monthly Archives: October 2010

In my desk are the signatures of former House Judiciary chairmen Eric Hamakawa who chaired from 1998-2004, and Tommy Waters who chaired from 2006-2008.  Like them, I am leaving the House of Representatives as a sitting Judiciary Chairman. Other House Judiciary chairs before me include Kate Stanley, Wayne Metcalf, Terrance Tom, and Paul Oshiro.  The position of Judiciary Chair in the House is considered very challenging because so many controversial issues are referred to you and with only a two-year term, there is extreme pressure with all the criticism that comes with the job.  A number of past chairs either leave voluntarily or are not re-elected. 

In my case, I knew I would run for higher office in 2010 back when I was in college in 1996.  However, I do admit, along with fiscal pressure, some of the events that surrounded my tenure as Judiciary chair made my decision crystal clear to leave the House to try new opportunities.  Although difficult, I enjoyed this leadership post the most in my legislative career because I always take on the most difficult challenges with extreme determination.  A number of people have told me that I have no fear and if I get knocked down, I come back.  I follow the same determination my parents, grandparents, mentors, and ancestors did before me.  I dream of a more compassionate and peaceful world.  And within me, I constantly seek to better myself.  I will stop at nothing to help make the world more positive.

I can’t believe how fast time flies.  I was born on December 21, 1974.  The 1980s was a time of growing up from a young boy to a teenager attending public schools in Pearl City.  I enjoyed playing soccer during those years.

I graduated from Pearl City High School in 1992, launching into my young adulthood.  That year I entered the University of Hawaii at Manoa and attained the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts.  I served as Senator and Vice President of the Associated Students of the Univeristy of Hawaii at Mano (ASUH).  I also served on the Pearl City Neighborhood Board from 1997-1998.  I campaigned for my regional politicians and worked at the Hawaii State legislature.  I entered Gonzaga University School of Law in 1998.   The 1990s was a time for learning and planning for my career.

In 2001, I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law and passed the Hawaii State Bar examination.  I started my Internet retail business in 2002.  Also in 2002, I was elected into the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  I was fortunate to have served in leadership posts such as Chairman of the Economic Development & Business Concerns Committee, Majority Whip, Vice Speaker of the House, and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which I am serving now.  The 2000s was a time of going all out in public service, community organizations, and business.

I am excited for the decade of 2010.  I end my term as State Representative for Waipahu, Waikele, Village Park, and Waipahu on November 2, 2010.  The next day I begin my new position as Deputy Prosecutor for the City & County of Honolulu Prosecutor department.  I am glad I can continue serving the public.  Ironically, as a young student leader at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I worked on campus safety and the sexual harassment policy because I was affected by the violent experiences my friends went through such as sexual assault and abuse.  It was one of the biggest motivators for me to be involved in politics in addition to economic diversification and project-based learning for our public schools.  I will do all I can to make Hawaii a safer place.

I have so much I want to do.  I am going try hard to accomplish all I can in my short life.  Thank you for your friendship and support.

As I am cleaning out my capitol office, looking at all the memorabilia, awards, gifts, legislation, research meterials, letters, and files brings back so many memories.  Some items are from friends who have passed away or others remind me of them.  I had a great experience in the Hawaii House of Representatives in the last eight years.

Now I am looking forward to working as a Deputy Prosecutor in my role as legislative liaison.  Violence such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, and assault has affected many people I know.  Since my days as a young student leader at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I am determined to reduce the violence in Hawaii.  I will do all I can to make our community safe.

On Sunday, October 25, 2010, I took my mom to see “Hanamizuki” at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). We saw “Time Traveler: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” at HIFF on Friday, October 15, 2010.

On Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 6:30 P.M., I attended a gathering at U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s residence.

On Friday, October 22, 2010, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., I took Brian Schatz around Pearl City and Waipahu to help his campaign for Lieutenant Governor with his ticket with Neil Abercrombie for Governor.  We both served in the House together.  He would hang out at my office after work at times, but I have to admit, spending the day with Brian campaigning is now my favorite time with him.  We ended with some coffee and breakfast at Rocky’s in Waipahu.  I had a good talk with him.  Being out in the field re-sparked my political fire.

On Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. I joined a number of legislators in welcoming the Shanghai Film Festival delegation at the Hawaii State Capitol, which was organized by Senator Carol Fukunaga.  They are attending the Hawaii International Film Festival.  I took my mom to see a Japanese drama and we will see another one soon.  In 2005, I walked the red carpert at the Shanghai Film Festival.

After weighing a couple of career opportunities presented to me, I have accepted a position as an attorney/legislative liaison in the Department of the Honolulu Prosecutor, which I will begin on November 3, 2010, the day after my fourth term as State Representative ends.

On Sunday, October 17, 2010, I walked door-to-door in Wahiawa campaigning for Neil Abercrombie for Governor and Brian Schatz for Lieutenant Governor.

I attended the 104th Annual Izuma Taisha Autumn Festival on Sunday, October 10, from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Yesterday, October 5, 2010, I had some meetings and attended a gathering for Region 5 volunteers for Neil Abercrombie for Governor.

Thinking of my friend in the hospital with pregnancy complications. Meditated to her and her twins.