EXPERIENCE
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Honolulu Councilmember (2 Terms)
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Past & Current Committee Experience:
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Chair of Energy, Environment, & Sustainability
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Chair of Housing, Sustainability, Economy, & Health
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Vice Chair of Budget
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Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties Executive Committee
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Waipahu Neighborhood Board (3 Terms)
PRIOR WORK
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Domestic Violence Prosecutor & Civil Litigator
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City Council Policy Advisor
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City Planner, Housing & Homeless Services
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Executive Assistant to Director, City & County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services
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Small Business Manager
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Crew Trainer, McDonald's Waikele
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Administrative Support, U.S. Pretrial Services, U.S. Courts
EDUCATION
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Mid-Pacific, High School Diploma
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UH Mānoa, BA & Master of Public Administration
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William S. Richardson School of Law, JD & Environmental & Native Hawaiian Law Certificates
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UH Mānoa, Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution
MORE ABOUT MATT
I grew up in Waikele during my teenage years and owe who I am to my family. Raised by a single mom as a child, I understand the frustration of our families that work hard but still find themselves unable to afford a home or keep up with the rising cost of living. My stepfather served in the military for 30 years, and growing up I was taught the importance of looking out for our neighbors and serving our community.
After graduating from Mid-Pacific, I went to UH Mānoa for undergrad, grad school in public administration, and law school, receiving certificates in environmental and Native Hawaiian law. Prior to law school, I helped manage a small business and understand the challenges of tight margins, meeting client needs, and supporting workers and their families. During law school, I both worked to protect our water resources and mentored incarcerated youth.
I then served as a felony domestic violence prosecutor handling intimate partner violence and child abuse cases before entering private civil practice. As a prosecutor, I saw how we need to improve support services to uplift survivors and how a lack of mental health and substance abuse treatment can negatively affect our entire community.
I returned to the public sector because I believe it is possible to create an affordable and vibrant Hawaiʻi. Prior to serving as a Honolulu Councilmember, I worked at the City's Department of Community Services, supporting housing opportunities and homeless services for families in need.