My Initiative to Make Hawaii Schools Teach Financial Literacy

Beyond real estate, I am deeply committed to creating a positive impact in our community through advocacy and education, particularly in the realm of financial literacy. Growing up, I believed that excelling in school and earning a college degree were the keys to success. However, my own experiences—including financial struggles and the absence of essential money management education—revealed a critical gap in our education system.

After finding myself in financial difficulties during college, I took it upon myself to learn the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and investing, not through traditional education but through online resources and personal determination. This self-taught knowledge empowered me to navigate financial challenges, adapt during uncertain times like the COVID-19 pandemic, and ultimately purchase my first home at just 24 years old by leveraging these financial skills.

Since 2022, I have been actively working on a statewide initiative to make financial literacy a high school graduation requirement in Hawaii. Through extensive efforts, including testifying and lobbying at the state legislature and the Board of Education, I have pushed for this essential change. I am proud to share that, as a direct result of these efforts, the review of graduation requirements this school year will prominently feature financial literacy as one of the top candidates for inclusion. This crucial step is a testament to the importance of equipping our youth with the financial skills they need to succeed.

My mission is to ensure that every young person in Hawaii is equipped with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, so they can build secure and prosperous futures. By investing in the financial education of our youth, we are not just improving individual lives but also strengthening our community and economy. I am excited to continue this important work and to witness the positive impact it will have on future generations.