Aloha,

Many of you have been hearing about me in the past few days, now I would like to take a few moments to share my thoughts with you, and give you some perspective on my decision to return to public office.

Having been blessed I have always tried to give back to others. In 1982 I spent over three months as a medical volunteer in Nepal. Despite very primitive conditions, I was able to save lives and help others. What I realized though is that as one physician, while I could save some lives, it was the larger problems that the Government needed to correct, such as poor hygiene and poor nutritional conditions.  This is when I decided upon my return to Hawaii that I would get more involved in community and government to try and make a difference. I joined the neighborhood board, and volunteered for community groups that were trying to improve the environment.  I was one of the first physicians to fly to Kauai after Iniki to volunteer, Jennifer and I went to the Philippines on an Aloha medical mission in 2002, and we both flew to Louisiana and did medical/volunteer work following Katrina.

Also, I volunteered and worked for a State Senator, and I was first elected to the State House in 1990, and in 1994 to the City Council.  During these 12 years, I got to know a lot about the people, issues and desires of those who live and work in Moiliili/McCully, Kapiolani, St. Louis Heights, Palolo and Kapahulu. It was an honor to serve them and I look forward to the prospect of serving you.

As some of you may know, my family has business interests on the Mainland. During the past few years I had to spend time on the Mainland assisting my elderly mother and brother with our family businesses. This legacy was left to us by our father and now that I know the future of my mother is secure I can turn my attention once again to serving the people of Honolulu. The truth is these obligations kept me away from here more than I liked and I'm so happy to be home again on a full time basis.

I am a physician, former office holder, businessperson, husband and proud father.  Jennifer and I were blessed with the birth of Z in 2006, and Kona in 2008. I love this city. And I know each of you love Honolulu as much as I do. That is why we must all come together, work hard and make this city even better. That is why I am seeking to represent us again on the Honolulu City Council.

Too much is at stake to sit idly by as critical decisions are made which will impact our families, our friends, our businesses and our visitors in ways which we are now only beginning to understand. Please join me as we begin a new journey, a journey filled with hope and optimism, a journey that will help define the future of our great city.

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Please check back soon. Mahalo!

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