My name is Michael Waters. I’m originally from Durango, Colorado, and moved to Hawaiʻi at 18 for school. My dad works in salon construction, and my mom is a teacher. They divorced when I was young, and both went through their own ups and downs—thankfully, usually at different times.

I spent a lot of my life on my own, but I received help from all kinds of places. From my English teacher making me breakfast every day to folks on the streets of Waikiki looking out for me when they didn’t have to.

I’m nothing special, and I don’t have many resources. But I’ve been lucky enough to get what I need—often because someone gave it to me or showed me how to find it.

This community has shown me love and kindness, even when I didn’t deserve it. I made mistakes growing up—like many kids I knew—some of whom faced serious consequences. I was fortunate.

Now I try to be someone others can rely on. I help new business owners navigate paperwork. I check in on elders in the neighborhood. Sometimes I just listen. I know how much that can help.

I believe in community. I think when we take care of each other in small, consistent ways, we all grow stronger—together and as individuals.

I’ve learned that being kind, reliable, and keeping your word matters. If I say I’ll be there, I’ll do everything I can to show up. That’s something I take seriously.

This community raised me in ways the world couldn’t. Serving it is how I give back. It’s not flashy—it’s small, everyday things that can mean a lot during hard times.

Kindness is free, it’s easier in the long run, and often leads to fun with great people.