OIA PRESS RELEASE

Mike Gabbard - State Senate. [Photo Credit: www.mikegabbard.com]

First of Samoan Ancestry to Serve in Hawaii Legislature

American Samoa native, Mike Gabbard, was elected November 7 to the Hawaii State Senate making him the first individual of Samoan ancestry to serve in the Hawaii Legislature. Gabbard will represent District#19, which is comprised of the West Oahu communities of Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale and portions of Waipahu and Ko Olina. Gabbard was born to Benjamin Harrison Gabbard and Agnes Yandall Gabbard of Leloaloa and lived in American Samoa from 1971-1983.