Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has appointed Guihulngan-born Joje “May” Besario-Mizuno as the new State Representative for District 29 for Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley in Honolulu.
Besario-Mizuno takes the place of her husband John Mizuno, who has served as Representative for 17 years.
Governor Green has also designated John Mizuno to be a member of his Cabinet, particularly as Hawaii State coordinator on Homelessness.
Prior to being named as State Representative, Besario-Mizuno served as office manager of her husband for 17 years, where she became known to the public for introducing health care initiatives.
She is the third office manager in the Hawaii Congress to be named State Representative.
“I am an immigrant from the Philippines, and a female,” Bersario-Mizuno said. “I never anticipated I would ever be appointed to serve as State Representative.”
She also expressed hope that all people of color, immigrants, and women will never give up their life endeavors as they aspire to serve their purpose.
In her acceptance speech, Besario-Mizuno said she will prioritize affordable housing, health care, and crime prevention during this legislative session
Governor Green told reporters he is “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.” He said Besario-Mizuno’s “deep roots within the community, and experience in legislative matters will make her a phenomenal Representative for District 29”.
The Governor chose Besario-Mizuno from three nominees, all of Filipino descent.
Aside from her new role as Representative, Besario-Mizuno is also chair of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board, the Congress of Visayan Organization, and the Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children & Youth Day and Month.
As office manager, she had drafted a proposed legislation, and also organized the Aloha Medical/Goodwill Mission.
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Photo caption: NEGROS ORIENTAL REPRESENT! Joje May Besario-Mizuno at the Hawaii State Capitol Executive Level after she was newly-appointed as Hawaii Representative. With her on that occasion were her brother Clint Besario, and her husband John Mizuno who is now with the State Cabinet of the Governor of Hawaii. (contributed photo)
