Mike Gabbard

Gerald M. 'Mike' Gabbard (b. January 15, 1948) is a Democratic member of the Hawaii State Senate, representing District 20. He was first elected to the chamber in 2006. Gabbard was on the Honolulu City Council from 2003 to 2005. He then switched from Republican to Democrat in August of 2007. Gabbard earned his B.A. in English from California State University-Sonoma in 1971 and his M.Ed. in Adult Education from Oregon State University in 1980. His professional experience includes working as an Entertainer/Musician, Hotel Bellman, Legislative Advocate, Mailman, National Park Employee and Professional Tennis Player. In 1970, Gabbard was an Intern at the Emergency Psychiatric Ward of the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. He also worked as a Counselor in a Drug Rehabilitation Program for Sonoma State during this time. He taught at Faga'itua High School from 1971 to 1972 and worked as Program Director/Instructor for Samoana High School from 1972 to 1973. From 1973 to 1977 he was a Teacher/Guidance Counselor/Assistant Dean of Instruction at American Samoa Community College. In 1977 he was Head Tennis Instructor for Kuilima Hyatt Resort in North Shore Oahu. Gabbard was Owner/Operator of Mike's Sport Shop from 1974 to 1978. He then worked as Dean of Adult and Continuing Education for American Samoa Community College from 1980 to 1983. From 1983 to 1987 he was Headmaster of Ponomauloa School. He was Owner/Operator of The Natural Deli from 1988 to 1992. He owned Infotech Communications, Limited Liability Company, from 2002 to 2004. He has worked in MC Services since 1994 and has been Owner/Operator of Hawaiian Toffee Treasures from 1998 to the present. He has been a Substitute Teacher at West Oahu since 2005.