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.
Since moving back home in 2019, Derek has lived in Pālolo Valley and chosen to build his life in the community. He immediately stepped up to serve on the Pālolo Neighborhood Board, working on projects to strengthen public safety and improve neighborhood infrastructure.
Proven Leadership
Derek served as Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi from 2024 to 2026, 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.
A Life of Service
Derek is firmly committed to community service. He served as Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi from 2022 to 2024 and has also served on the Pālolo Neighborhood Board. He was a member of the Make-A-Wish Young Leaders Board, where he also served as Chair. In addition, Derek was a volunteer track coach for Special Olympics and helped co-organize food banks during COVID. Today, he frequently participates in community coqui frog hunts in the back of Pālolo Valley.
