Councilperson Tyler Dos Santos-Tam ’06 returned to Punahou on Dec. 1, speaking with students in longtime teacher Yunus Peer’s World Civilizations class – the same class he took as a student 23 years ago. The visit was coordinated through the Davis Democracy Initiative, which connects students with civic leaders and opportunities for engagement.
Now representing Honolulu City Council District 6, Dos Santos-Tam traced his path from Punahou and Yale to public service, noting that his interest in community work began early as one of the Luke Center’s first student leaders.
He shared insights on issues such as housing affordability, zoning, homelessness, traffic and public transportation, emphasizing how city decisions shape daily life. Dos Santos-Tam encouraged students to stay involved, reminding them that even small actions – like emailing about a neighborhood concern – can spark meaningful change.
During a Q&A, students asked about the Aloha Stadium project, food security, nonprofit partnerships, building and solar permits. Dos Santos-Tam also highlighted his student internship program, inviting students to participate.
His visit offered a valuable look at the impact of local government and the importance of active participation in building a better Honolulu.
