Meet Derek
Rooted in Pālolo
Derek Turbin was born and raised on East Oʻahu and has proudly called Pālolo home for the past seven years. From playing basketball at Kaimukī Gym to youth football at Pālolo District Park, the neighborhoods of District 21 have shaped his life from an early age.
When Derek returned home in 2019, he chose to build his life in Pālolo Valley. He immediately stepped up to serve on the Pālolo Neighborhood Board, working on projects to strengthen public safety and improve neighborhood infrastructure.
A Life of Service
Public service has always been part of Derek’s story. Raised by parents active in community leadership and civic engagement, he learned early on that showing up and giving back matters.
He has served on the Pālolo Neighborhood Board and taken on leadership roles with organizations like Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi, including serving as Chair of its Young Leaders Board.
Derek has helped organize food drives, led fundraising efforts for Maui fire recovery, and participated in neighborhood cleanups at Pālolo District Park, Maunalani District Park, and St. Louis School.
That same commitment to service continues to guide his work and his vision for our community today.
Proven Leadership
Derek currently serves as Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, where he has worked to bring people together and strengthen civic engagement across the state. During his tenure, he helped stabilize and grow the organization while advocating for democratic values.
In his professional life, Derek is the Founding Partner and Managing Attorney of Gilson Daub Hawaiʻi. When the firm opened in 2019, it began with three cases and one client. Under Derek’s leadership, it has grown to manage more than 150 cases and serve over 20 clients, including local companies such as Hawaiian Airlines and ProService Hawaiʻi.
From neighborhood leadership to statewide responsibility, Derek brings the experience and perspective needed to represent District 21 effectively.