HONOLULU — In seeking a suitable candidate to fill the District 29 seat of the state House of Representatives formerly held by John Mizuno, who left to become the new state coordinator on homelessness, Gov. Josh Green opted for someone well acquainted with both the Legislature and her predecessor’s office – Mizuno’s wife Joje May Mizuno.

What You Need To Know

  • Green announced the appointment at a news conference on Tuesday, one day before the new legislative session is to begin
  • Mizuno served as her husband’s chief of staff for the last 17 years, and prior to that, she was a legislative aide for state Rep. Felipe “Jun” Abinsay

  • Mizuno led the Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Day Month for six years, and drafted House Bill 274, establishing Patriot Day in Hawaii, honoring the victims of 9/11 and supporting U.S. servicemen and women

  • The appointment is effective immediately

Green announced the appointment at a news conference on Tuesday, one day before the new legislative session is to begin.

“I have known May for many years, and we have worked closely on several health care initiatives,” Green said. “Her deep roots within the community and experience in legislative matters will make her a phenomenal representative for District 29. She was selected from a list of three fantastic nominees, all with strong ties in the community, all of Filipino ancestry, and all leaders in their own right. That said, there was an overwhelming amount of support for May.”

Mizuno served as her husband’s chief of staff for the last 17 years. Prior to that, she was a legislative aide for state Rep. Felipe “Jun” Abinsay. In her time at the legislature, Mizuno led the Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Day Month for six years, and drafted House Bill 274, establishing Patriot Day in Hawaii, honoring the victims of 9/11 and supporting U.S. servicemen and women. 

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve,” Mizuno said. “I want to thank Gov. Green and I promise to work hard on the important issues for our state like affordable housing and healthcare. But, also, I want to use my legislative experience to be a strong advocate to address issues like controlling the costs of living and fighting crime to make our communities feel safer. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues at the Legislature to truly help make life better for our local families.” 

Mizuno serves on Neighborhood Board No. 16, (Kalihi Valley) and is a member of the Congress of Visayan Organizations, the Aloha Medical/Goodwill mission and other community organizations.

The appointment is effective immediately.  

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.