Thoughtful Leadership

Kirk was born in Waipahu where his father was a plantation doctor. When Kirk was a young child, the family moved to Hilo, and Kirk was raised and went to school on the Big Island. For nearly 30 years Kirk worked in the private sector, including as a partner at Ashford and Wriston, LLP, but with his local roots, he always wanted to give back to the community and serve the public.

With a passion for issues and policies that affect people’s lives, Kirk jumped at the chance in 1978 to work in Washington, DC for one of his mentors, Senator Dan Inouye. In 1984, Kirk was offered the opportunity to clerk for the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, William S. Richardson. Both experiences shaped his future career in public service.

Kirk began his public service career in 2002 when he was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives, representing the Manoa and University area. He quickly rose to a leadership position as the House Majority Leader from 2006-2008. While in the House, Kirk fought for tax relief for Hawaii’s families, health care for all children in Hawaii, and millions of dollars in repair and maintenance funds to fix our schools.

In January 2009, Kirk was appointed the Managing Director for the City and County of Honolulu. Serving directly under Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Kirk oversaw the day-to-day operations of the City and in serving the needs of the nearly one million residents on Oahu.

As Managing Director, Kirk was the city’s primary point person for two of the biggest issues facing Honolulu, transit and homelessness. He also successfully expedited $150 million in road repaving, creating hundreds of new jobs. Kirk was proud to be part of an administration that has balanced the last two budgets during the worst recession our country has experienced since the Great Depression, while at the same protecting vital city services.