When I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 20 years of service, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop serving — I just needed a new way to do it. During my time in the military, I saw firsthand how challenging it can be for service members and their families to find stability, especially when moving every few years. For many, owning a home in Hawai‘i feels out of reach — and for local families especially, the dream of homeownership can feel even further away and feel like you are getting priced out of paradise.
That’s what drives me today as a real estate agent — helping military and local families build stability and generational wealth through homeownership right here in the islands.
Understanding the Military Journey
Having served two decades in the Coast Guard, I understand the stress and uncertainty that come with each PCS move — from navigating new duty stations to finding a community that feels like home.
Many military members don’t realize how powerful their VA home loan benefits truly are. Over the years, I’ve helped active-duty members, veterans, and retirees use their VA entitlement to purchase homes across O‘ahu — and I’ve even closed multiple VA loan assumptions, helping both buyers and sellers benefit from lower existing interest rates.
Whether you’re stationed at Barbers Point, Pearl Harbor, or Schofield Barracks, my focus is to make your transition as smooth as possible — and to help you make confident decisions that support your long-term goals.
When we sit down and get to know each other, I’ll ask about your career plans: Are you aiming to stay competitive in the promotion cycle? Do you expect to rotate out of Hawai‘i in three years or less?
If the answer is yes — especially if you’re planning to buy with zero down — I’m often the first to recommend holding off on purchasing. Not every duty station is the right time to buy, and my job is to give you clear, honest guidance so you’re set up for success, not stress. I want your home purchase to be something you’re proud of — not a decision you look back on with regret when you’re trying to sell within three years and simply hoping to break even.
Supporting Local Families in a Challenging Market
As someone who was born and raised on Guam and now calls Hawai‘i home, I understand the deep cultural connection our island communities have to home and family. And as a husband to a Native Hawaiian and a father to Native Hawaiian sons, I recognize how important it is to keep Kanaka on the ‘āina — not pushed out of the very places that shaped them. Unfortunately, many local families are being priced out of the communities they grew up in, and it’s something I’m committed to helping change in any way I can.
That help can look different for everyone — whether it’s connecting you with a financial advisor to map out a realistic plan to save for a down payment, introducing you to the right lender who can walk you through your financing options and first-time homebuyer programs, or simply educating you through the homebuying process step by step. My goal is to make sure you have the support, clarity, and resources to move forward with confidence. More often than not, first-time homebuyers are hesitant to even take that first step toward understanding the process.
We talk ourselves out of it before we start — we tell ourselves “no” without giving ourselves a real chance. I’ve been guilty of that too, and honestly, I still catch myself doing it from time to time. That runs true here in Hawai’i where many locals feel priced out of paradise.
That’s why I’m equally passionate about helping local families navigate creative financing options, down payment assistance programs, and long-term planning to achieve homeownership in Hawai‘i. Every time I hand over keys to a local family, it’s a reminder that we can keep more of our people here — in the places they love and belong.
Why It Matters
For me, this work goes beyond transactions. It’s about service, community, and legacy. When a military family finds their first home in Hawai‘i, they’re building roots and stability. When a local family buys their first home, they’re preserving their connection to the islands for generations to come.
Both represent what I value most: helping people feel at home — wherever they are in their journey.
If You’re Thinking About Buying a Home in Hawai‘i
Whether you’re active duty, retired, or a local resident ready to make the move from renting to owning, I’d love to be your guide. I’ll help you understand your options, connect you with trusted lenders, and walk with you every step of the way — with local knowledge, military experience, and aloha.