Joje May Mizuno Appointed to House District 29

On January 17, Governor Josh Green appointed Joje May Mizuno to House District 29. The district covers parts of Kalihi, Kalihi Valley and Kamehameha Heights.

She replaces her husband, lawmaker John Mizuno, in the position. He left his post as Representative to serve as the governor’s coordinator on homelessness. He was previously the House vice speaker.

“I worked closely with her on health care initiatives over these years,” Green said. “I was absolutely excited, when I took a moment and let people weigh in, to see this outpouring of support for her to enter into this House of Representatives seat.”

Mizuno’s appointment just came in time for the opening of the legislative session on the same day. In House Speaker Rep. Scott Saiki’s opening remarks, he emphasized Mizuno’s knowledge of the community.

“Mizuno has deep roots in her community, in her experience serving as Office Manager for the District 29 office,” Saiki said. “[She] is a dedicated member of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16. Her dedication to the constituents will continue in her role as House Representative.”

Green emphasized Mizuno’s experience of 17 years as the District 29 office manager. “My suspicion is May told John what to do more often than not, and she appropriately then knows everything about this district, inside and out,” he said.

Additionally, Mizuno worked as a legislative aide for former Rep. Jun Abinsay and drafted House Bill 274 which established Hawaii’s “Patriot Day” that honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Moreover, she’s an active part of various organizations such as the Congress of Visayan Organization and Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Day and Month.

“I am grateful for the appointment by Governor Green as State Representative for District 29,” Mizuno said. “I want to thank my husband, John Mizuno, the Representative for Kalihi Valley for the last 17 years, for providing me with the necessary foundation to serve in public office.

“I am an immigrant from the Philippines, and female. I never anticipated I would ever be appointed to serve as a State Representative. To all people of color, immigrants, women and girls, please never give up in all your life’s endeavors as you aspire to serve your purpose.”

As the new District 29 representative, Mizuno shared she will prioritize affordable housing, healthcare, and crime.

“With gratitude and one obligation to best serve the people of District 29 and the state, I will work to serve the people. Mahalo to Governor Green for this trust and belief in me,” she shared.

Mizuno will be serving the entire legislative session, noting that all House members will be up for reelection this year, Star-Advertiser reported.