By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– As part of a new DHLM staff profile initiative, we’re spotlighting the people behind the work — sharing their stories, motivations, and perspectives in their own words. Through a conversational Q&A format, these profiles offer a closer look at the public servants helping move housing solutions forward for our community.
In this February 2026 edition, we’re featuring David T. Oi, our finance division chief, whose career path and personal values reflect a deep commitment to progress, accountability, and service.
Q: Before joining DHLM, you spent many years in the private sector. What experiences led you to this line of work?
I spent nearly 20 years in the title and escrow industry with Title Guaranty. During my tenure I worked on a variety of residential and commercial transactions for different properties on all islands. There were a couple of trends that began to become more prevalent that started me thinking of making a change. First was that one of my moments of joy always was closing for first time homebuyers. The second was that while I was increasingly busy, those clients were fewer and further between. Where were they all going? I began to notice that more and more young people and families were leaving Hawaii as they could not build wealth here to afford a home. I wanted to do something that could not only help locals find a way to stay in Hawaii, but also contribute to a team that develops the solutions to plan and finance the construction truly affordable housing.
Q: Housing work can be complex and challenging. On a personal level, why does this work matter so much to you?
One of the most important things in my life is to practice gratitude. Being grateful for what I have inspires me to do what I can to give back what I can. Housing is many things to me. It’s stability, shelter, and an indirect form of healthcare for every family. Housing insecurity unfortunately affects far too many locals, from keiki to kupuna. Instead of focusing on a disheartening, large number that people continue to focus on as “the need”, we should all have the chance to speak to a resident in one of our projects on how having a roof over their head improves their lives. Each unit we produce makes a difference, and finding the unique formulas for faster, cost-efficient housing development in Hawaii will only come through action.
Q: What inspires you inside or outside of work?
My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity and accountability. My two sons are my world, and I make it my priority to live up to the standards my parents set, while making sure to give my kids the time and opportunities that they deserve. My girlfriend is a social worker, and her commitment to making lives better and the patience she shows when helping those in incredibly challenging situations is truly inspiring.
At work, I draw inspiration from everyone on the DHLM team. The collaborative spirit and the willingness to move forward and embrace the opportunities before us as a new team is something that should be commended.
Q: For someone considering a career in public service — especially in housing — what advice would you share based on your own experience?
Public service, especially in housing, is about having a passion for the mission. If you truly have that, you can be successful. It will inspire you to do more every day, which is essential because complacency and the lack of innovation is what has contributed to our housing crisis.
Q: Finally, outside of work, how do you like to unplug and recharge?
Working on my truck, whether repairing or detailing is my form of self-care. I enjoy going to my sons’ sporting events. My older son is a senior at Saint Louis and we are eyeing a state title this year in wrestling. Helping to coach him and the team has been a truly amazing experience. My younger son is a 5th grader at Saint Louis and does ukulele, robotics, flag football and basketball. More the musician than athlete, I learn a lot from him about remembering to just enjoy the experience in the moment. For myself, I enjoy cooking, catching up on episodes of NCIS, Landman and Tulsa King, enjoying a wide variety of movies, and finding other ways of appreciating the present.
About this series
This ongoing staff profile series highlights the people who make up DHLM — sharing their stories, values, and commitment to public service. More profiles will be featured as we continue introducing the team working to deliver housing solutions for our community.