
MEET TINA
Born and raised on Oʻahu, I'm driven by a deep love for the lands, waters, and people of Hawaiʻi — and a firm belief in politics that puts people before profit. I'm proud to represent District 20 (Kapahulu, Kaimukī, Waialae-Kahala, and Diamond Head) in the Hawaiʻi State House.
My vision is simple: a Hawaiʻi where working families can afford to stay and raise our keiki to mālama this place. But I know it will take hard work to get there.
Before being elected, I worked toward that vision as a housing policy researcher, legislative staffer, educator, and community organizer. I earned my Ph.D. from RMIT University's Center for Urban Research, where I studied Hawaiʻi's housing crisis and the policy choices that have priced local people out. I taught political science at the high school and college level, empowering young people to think critically about the world around them. And I worked with community leaders across the country to prevent displacement and gentrification in their neighborhoods.
Most importantly, I found my passion in activism and organizing. I mobilized young people in the island-wide effort to shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Facility, created an environmental justice program for youth organizers, and fought alongside tenants facing eviction by large-scale developers. I learned the power people hold when they are empowered and engaged.
Now, I bring all of those experiences to the Capitol as a champion for Hawaiʻi's working families. I'm seeking re-election so we can continue this work together.
As always, I'm doing it without corporate PAC or lobbyist money. Just hard work and community power. Because I'm accountable to you. Not special interests.
2026 Endorsements



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