I love living in Hawaii and have called it home for most of my years. Raised in Kailua, Oahu, the oldest of seven children in an athletic and outgoing Hawaiian family, you'll recognize my first-born traits, should you be into family order. Schooled at Kamehameha Schools and Stanford University, Hilo's been my home with husband Jeff Melrose for nearly 20 years and we have two adult children.

30 years of active participation in community organizations under my belt, I've served hands-on terms as President of the Hawaii Island YWCA, Hilo Toastmasters, and the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. I currently serve as director for Hilo Habitat for Humanity and Hawaii Island Board of Realtors, and as an appointed member of the Governor's East Hawaii Advisory Committee.

I have a reputation as someone who listens well and who has the capacity to work with others to get things done. My real estate practice draws on a deep sense of the East Hawaii community, successfully brokered transactions, and good client relationships.

My early career in the legal field gave me a good understanding and respect for the importance of documentation. Detail-oriented and anticipatory by nature, I work to spot issues before they become problems. I spent a dozen years in project management and marketing for resort developments on both Hawaii Island and Molokai, and understand well the dreams of many to own real estate in Hawaii.

I'm proud of my children, recognition by the Small Business Administration as Advocate of Women for Hawaii County and that I am seen by many as a mentor and respected leader in the field.

I love to travel, read and watch dvd's to keep my French and Italian skills from rusting.