As part of a new DHLM staff profile initiative, we’re spotlighting the people behind the work — sharing their stories, motivations, and perspectives in their own words. Through a conversational Q&A format, these profiles offer a closer look at the public servants helping move housing solutions forward for our community.
We’re kicking off the series with Elsa Kings, our Division Chief of Housing Development, whose career path and personal values reflect a deep commitment to progress, accountability, and public service.
Q: Tell us about your work at DHLM and how you got here.
My role at DHLM is to drive the development lifecycle. I lead the solicitation of City-owned dispositions and act as a strategic partner for developers, ensuring seamless collaboration throughout the entire development process.
While I began my career in for-profit single-family development, I discovered my true calling through a serendipitous introduction to the affordable housing sector. I realized that I wanted my professional impact to go beyond the bottom line; I wanted to serve the community by expanding access to high-quality, affordable multifamily housing.
Q: Why does this work matter to you personally?
My commitment to this field is rooted in my own upbringing. As a former recipient of affordable housing, I view my role at DHLM as a way to pay that stability forward and advocate for the communities that shaped me.
Q: Is there anything about your background that shaped how you approach your work today?
My background is rooted in the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico. I grew up on a farm and am proud of my Tarahumara indigenous ancestry—a heritage that shaped my perspective on community and resilience.
Q: What motivates and inspires you—both in your work at DHLM and beyond?
I am inspired by the opportunity to honor our Kupuna and provide for our Keiki. My goal, both personally and professionally, is to leave the world a better place than I found it for the generations that follow.
I am driven to meet the administration’s ambitious housing production goals. Ultimately, I hope my work ensures that DHLM serves as a catalyst for community health by providing high-quality, accessible homes for those who need them most.
Q: Outside of work, how do you like to recharge?
To recharge, I stay active outdoors by hiking and running, and I find a lot of peace in gardening. I also stay deeply connected to my home in Mā‘ili by volunteering within the community.
Q: What are you most proud of at DHLM so far, and what advice would you share with someone considering public service?
I am most proud of contributing to such a committed and high-caliber team. Collaborating with colleagues who are as intelligent as they are dedicated to our mission makes the complex work we do at DHLM incredibly rewarding.
Public service provides a sense of purpose that is hard to find elsewhere. For anyone starting out, embrace the opportunity to give back; you’ll find that the ability to make a difference in your own backyard is the greatest professional reward there is.
About this series
This ongoing staff profile series highlights the people who make up DHLM — sharing their stories, values, and commitment to public service.
More profiles will be featured as we continue introducing the team working to deliver housing solutions for our community.
