Every day, at our airports, Marvin witnesses something no community should ever grow numb to. He sees local families leaving H awaiʻi; not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other option.

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Parents holding their children close, carrying everything they can, sometimes saying goodbye to the only home they’ve ever known.

And the hardest part is… this isn’t rare anymore. It’s happening every single day.​ For a period of time, Marvin tried to tell himself it was temporary—that it was COVID-driven, disaster-driven. But eventually, he could no longer ignore what was right in front of him.

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When the Maui wildfires devastated the community, everyone was tested. In that moment, there was no time for politics or hesitation, only time to act. Marvin worked alongside multiple government agencies and community partners to help coordinate critical resources when people needed support most.

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Through the airport system, he helped deploy state firefighters and essential equipment into other areas of Maui because every second mattered. And during those difficult days, he saw what real leadership truly looks like.​ Leadership is not about titles, it’s not about speeches- it’s about showing up, stepping in, and doing the work when people need you most.

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But what stayed with him the longest was what happened after the fires. Even after the air had cleared, the struggle continued... Families still searching for stable housing, local residents were being crushed by the rising cost of living, and workers who are trying to rebuild while opportunities disappear around them.

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And now, every single day, Marvin sees the outcome of that struggle at the airports. He sees Maui’s people leaving their home 

and believes that should never become normal for us.