Michelle was elected to the 17th Senatorial District seat on Primary Election night, September 2008.  Her district encompasses Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipi'o and Wapi'o Gentry.  

A Mililani resident for 35 years, Michelle served on the Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu Neighborhood Board from 1993 to 2005 and has been serving on the Mililani Town Association Board of Directors since 1998.  Prior to being elected, Michelle served on the cabinet of Mayor Mufi Hannemann at the City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office as an Executive Assistant. 

Michelle has four children, Malia, Sunny, Shane and Kimo and two grandchildren, Keaolana, Kamalani and Akoni. 

She is currently Vice-Chair of the Senate Education and Housing Committee and is a member of the following committees and legislative caucus:

Ways and Means

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Tourism

Hawaiian Caucus
Women's Legislative Caucus
Women in Governement State Director