I received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1984, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Manoa in 2004. I currently work as an environmental planner with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Other Pacific Island work I’ve done includes doing research for a community-based watershed management program in Guam, developing a territorial ocean policy program in American Samoa, and serving as a community public health worker through the Peace Corps in Micronesia.

Prior to this I spent a decade in the mental health field. This encompassed everything from doing street-level programs with gangs in Detroit to emergency crisis intervention for suicidal or homicidal persons, as well as for the forensic mentally ill, in Honolulu and Hilo.

I’ve served for two years on the Neighborhood Board for St. Louis, Kapahulu, and Diamond Head. It’s been a fascinating look into Honolulu politics, but I’ve realized that if I am going to have the impact I want then I need to become active at a higher level. We have such amazing cultural, social, and physical resources here in Honolulu - and we should be at the forefront in designing a sustainable, livable city. Our natural areas and parks should be pristine, our streets safe for pedestrians and bicyclists, and our neighborhoods models for the world.

I'm tired of reading about the progressive accomplishments in Portland and Austin, in Paris and New York. Honolulu should be setting the lead, not struggling to catch up.

We can do so much better.

I have more information available online at www.michaelcain.net.