Thank you to everyone who recently contacted me to discuss traffic congestion on Highway 130!
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced the schedule for the second and final round of virtual public informational meetings to discuss and solicit comments on the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for federal fiscal years 2022 – 2025. Please consider voicing your support for the Highway 130 4-Lane widening project. Attending these meetings was how we got 4-lanes on 2012-2017 STIP and how we can advocate to have it back on the STIP.
The STIP is a four-year programming implementation document that identifies State and County transportation projects, statewide, to be funded, in part, with Federal Highway and Transit funds. The STIP delineates the funding categories and the federal and local share required for each project. HDOT is responsible for the development of the STIP programs for the islands of Hawaii and Kauai, and the islands of Molokai and Lanai.
The virtual public informational meeting schedules for Hawaii Island
Hawaii island meeting #1 – Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Hawaii island meeting #2 – Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 6:30 PM
The link to attend each meeting and meeting materials will be posted on the STIP website prior to each meeting:
You can also visit the STIP website to view the Hawaii Island and Kauai FFY 2022-2025 (+2) STIP program, project location maps, and survey results.
Comments can be submitted by Friday, August 13, 2021 using the contact information below.
Thank you again for contacting me about Highway 130! As always, I sincerely appreciate your feedback and hope you will share this with others who may also be interested in supporting transportation infrastructure improvements in our district.
October 1, 2020
E-Newsletter Update from the Office of Joy San Buenaventura
September 14, 2020
E-Newsletter Update for September 14, 2020
Mid-month September E-Newsletter Update from the Office of Joy San Buenaventura
August 31, 2020
E-Newsletter Update for September 1, 2020
September 1, 2020
E-Newsletter Update from the Office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura
August 28, 2020
Committee on Human Services & Homelessness Informational Briefing 1:00 PM August 28, 2020
Committee Chair Joy A. San Buenaventura will ask participants to explain the plan, initiatives,
and processes being implemented by the Department of Health and other State agencies to quarantine
and isolate individuals in order to contain the transmission of COVID-19. Participants will also
be asked to identify the challenges and obstacles that need to be immediately addressed in order to
ensure further containment of community transmission of COVID-19 and identify next steps in the process.
Click the link below for the notice: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSH_08-28-20_INFO_.HTM
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for June 6, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
June 4, 2020
PPP and EIDL for Farmers, Ranchers, and Ag Small Businesses Event Recording (59 min)
Click
here
to listen to the audio recording of the US Small Business Administration's recent
Tele-Townhall, "PPP and EIDL for Farmers, Ranchers, and Ag Small Businesses."
May 28, 2020
Mental Wellness Workgroup Meeting May 26, 2020
Monday (May 26) I joined fellow legislators Rep Della Au Belatti and Rep Nadine Nakamura for a meeting of the
Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHHSURG). We met via teleconference as
distance working has become the new normal because we won't let the pandemic stop this important work that
needs to be done for our communities. The meeting was recorded and can viewed
here.
May 26, 2020
Legislature Passes Bills to Cover $1 Billion State Budget Shortfall, Allocates CARES Act Funds to Counties
The 2020 Legislative Session recessed today after passing several bills to shore up a currently projected $1 billion
shortfall in the state budget caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation will allow essential government
services to continue without having to implement drastic measures such as statewide pay cuts or furloughs and give
neighbor island counties funding to assist residents with rent and food needs.
Read full article here
May 7, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter May 7, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for May 7, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
May 5, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter May 5, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for May 5, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
May 1, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter May 1, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for May 1, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
April 28, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter April 28, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for April 28 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
April 24, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter April 24, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for April 24 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
April 22, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter April 22, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for April 22, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
April 15, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter April 15, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter for April 15, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
here
March 24, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter March 23, 2020
COVID-19 E-Newsletter March 23, 2020 from the office of Representative Joy San Buenaventura.
URL for Read More:
click here
March 20, 2020
Hawaii County lawmakers implore Mayor Harry Kim to order 15 days of shelter-in-place
The letter signed by four state senators and the seven state House members who represent Hawaii
island also urges Kim to shut down all non-essential government operations, and require quarantine
of all travelers arriving from outside Hawaii at the Hilo and Kona International Airports for a
minimum of 15 days.
URL for Read More:
click here
March 20, 2020
Big Isle lawmakers mixed on how state Legislature will proceed
"The reality is that, because of COVID-19, our supplementary budget is
going to look very different," said Puna Rep. Joy San Buenaventura,
adding that "high-money bills" are unlikely to be approved.
URL for Read More:
click here
February 28, 2020
Report finds failures in county's lava response
State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna called the report "alarming," but said it "could not
have come at a better time, now that we are facing the potential of a pandemic" with the
coronavirus COVID-19.
View article here
February 26, 2020
Gun Bills Likely to Pass In Wake of Diamond Head Shooting
San Buenaventura introduced HB 2709, which would require representatives of dead gun owners
to notify the county of the firearms. Courts wouldn’t be able to close the decedent's estate,
like reconciling their assets with their debts, until the guns are disposed of.
View article here
February 26, 2020
Initial funds released for Puna boat ramp
San Buenaventura said she has requested further funding for Pohoiki as part of the Capital
Improvement Project priorities in the House budget.
View article here
February 26, 2020
Minimum wage increase moves forward
"State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, D-Puna, one of more than 40 legislators to co-sponsor HB
2541, said she'd personally like to see the minimum wage rise to $15 an hour, "but I understand
that with allowing for the earned income credit, which specifically targets the ALICE families
… that we actually help those that actually need it …"
The hope is that with the total legislative package, the state can "prevent these ALICE families
from falling into homelessness," she said.
View article here
Hawaii lawmakers announce plans to expand mental health treatment, tighten gun laws
State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said lawmakers have been working on plans to provide better mental
health care to people who have not committed a serious crime but are showing obvious signs of mental
illness. "It's a shame that it (took) this tragedy to actually bring it to the forefront," said San
Buenaventura
View article here February 3, 2020
Puna meeting to focus on broadband access,telehealth
The meeting was initially about broadband, San Buenaventura said she wanted to make sure people
could see the benefits beyond education and email.
View article here
December 20, 2019
3 Big Island residents honored by Healthcare Association of Hawaii
Among those honored this year were three Big Island residents:
• Legislator of the Year: state Rep. Joy San Buenaventura
• Legislator of the Year: state Sen. Russell Ruderman
• Advocacy award (nominated by her peers): Brenda Ho, MS, RN; Hawaii Care Choices. View article here
Thank you to everyone who participated in my first constituent survey.
I appreciate your taking the time to provide me with your thoughts on the various topics relating to our district.
Your responses give me a better understanding of your views and ultimately helps me to better represent the
people of Puna.
Click here to see survey results
March 16, 2017
BBC World News: Interview with Representative Joy San Buenaventura
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. In this edition, we review some of the bills that we will be working on during this year's session.
December 12, 2016
Hawaii Next 50 Contest
Stopped by Pahoa High & Intermediate school this morning to drop of Governor George Ariyoshi's book, Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years to a 7th grade class.
Ms. Ogawa was one of the teachers from the Pahoa district to reach out and request books so her students could enter the contest which is open to Hawaii students in the 4th - 12th grade.
For more information on the contest visit: http://hawaiinext50.com/
December 12, 2016
2016 Self-Help Recognition Awards
On December 2, 2016 Representative (Attorney) Joy San Buenaventura along with other Hilo Attorneys were recognized at the 2016 Self-Help Recognition Awards for our volunteer service to the East Hawaii Community. We provide free legal information to Hawaii Island Residents at the Hilo Courthouse Self-Help Center.
Established in July 2012 the Self-Help Center is part of the Hawaii State Judiciary’s commitment to increasing access to justice in the courts. Since its, thousands of Hawaii Island residents have been assisted with legal questions at almost no cost to the state.
July 15, 2016
SIGNING OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL HB2707
At the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) for the signing of the medical marijuana bill HB2707. Pictured: JABSOM Dean, Jerris Hedges; Senator Will Espero; Rep. Dee Morikawa; Governor David Ige; Rep. Della Belatti; Rep. Mark Nakashima and Rep. Joy San Buenaventura.
This website allows you to sign up for Civil Defense messages and alerts via text and email, keep current with the total number of confirmed cases, and provides a detailed map updated weekly with location data provided by the State Department of Health.
Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) Upcoming Albizia Workshops
Calling all albizia assassins to help continue to curb the regrowth of albizia near Lava Tree State Park. Interested in learning how to control young albizia before these fast growing trees become a menace? Want to know more about how to contact absentee landowners or report trees in the row? Come to a hands-on albizia workshop and learn how to take action on albizia.
Saturday, February 20, 2016 9am - 1pm: Lava Tree State Park
Saturday, March 19, 9am - 12pm: Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center
If you want to sign up for a hands-on workshop, email biisc@hawaii.edu
All seven members of the Hawai'i Island State House Delegation are co-sponsoring a bill that would bolster efforts to combat invasive little fire ants. The bill, HB 1607, attempts to address the disproportionate impact the ant has had on Hawai'i County as compared to other islands, by establishing a pilot program which would allow Hawai'i County residents with documented little fire ant infestations to receive a coupon for a free one-year supply of the appropriate pesticide treatment. It also calls for the state Department of Agriculture to create a map detailing all infestation sites.
Do you have a business that is about to take the next step in business development?
There may be manufacturing grants that you may qualify for - applications due in January.
Tom Leonard, the neighbor Island coordinator for Hawaii's High Technology Development Corporation, can mentor you for free to create a business plan, apply for grants, etc. as part of Hawaii's High Tech Innovation Program that was funded by the legislature the past few sessions.
It was Oahu-centric before but with Tom, they are reaching out to the neighbor islands.
According to the latest business tax survey, Hawaii ranks number 2 in the country in incentivizing/removing tax burdens on Research & Development start-ups.
The end of 2015 is quickly approaching, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season and I look forward to continue working with you in 2016.
November 25, 2015
Hawaii: Next 50 Contest
Teacher, Pohai Montague-Mullins, of Ke Kula 'O Nawahiokalani'opu'u, public charter school responded to the email we sent out to the public and charter schools in Representative San Buenaventura's district to participate in the Hawaii: Next 50 contest. For more information on the school visit the website at http://www.nawahi.org/.
On November 19, 2015, Rep. San Buenaventura delivered the books Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years to the school. She was greeted with a traditional Hawaiian welcoming ceremony and told the children "the world is your oyster" - how they care for it will either create a pearl or just sand. If you would like information on the contest click on the following link: http://hawaiinext50.com/
Ke Kula 'O Nawahiokalani'opu'u was named after Joseph Nawahi was a native Hawaiian legislator, lawyer, newspaper publisher, and painter. For more information on Joseph Nawahi click on: https://www.google.com/#q=joseph%20nawahi/
Rep. San Buenaventura is pictured with student leaders, Pohai Montague-Mullins and principal, Kauanoe Kamana.
November 17, 2015
Representative San Buenaventura's Lawmaker Listen
Packed crowd at Puna's Lawmaker Listen. For the first time, Pahoa was the center of Hawaii's Political Universe. From the questions asked, people came from Kona and Hamakua.
Representative Mark Nakashima answered the Highway 19 bridge construction question.
Speaker Joseph Souki made people laugh, and Representative San Buenaventura answered the evolution of the Medical Marijuana dispensary law.
For those who have not been following her facebook posts. Fom Speaker Souki's 16 dispensary & $25K asset floor; Senator Green's 4 dispensary & $2 million asset floor to the current 8 with potential for more dispensaries & $1 million asset floor. Reprsentative San Buenaventura argued against the proposed 35% tax & prohibition of home grow so at least we don't have the additional tax & we kept home grow in current bill.
July 16, 2015
2015 HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD VIGILANT GUARD/MAKANI PAHILI:
Representative San Buenaventura at the Hawaii National Guard, 2015 Vigilant Guard, a national disaster preparedness exercise held for the first time in Hawaii in conjunction with Makani Pahili, Hawaii's annual hurricane preparedness exercise. Military personnel from the Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand came to participate.
Photo was taken at Diamond Head's Civil Defense site with Representatives Ryan Yamane, Joy San Buenaventura, and Richard Onishi.
June 25, 2015
Representative San Buenaventura's End of 2015 Legislative Session Newsletter
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your voice in the House of Representatives during the 2015 legislative session. View Newsletter
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Please follow the link to view my interview with Paul Drewes re: HB1501.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. In this edition, we review some of the bills that we will be working on during this year's session.
Stopped by Pahoa High & Intermediate school this morning to drop of Governor George Ariyoshi's book, Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years to a 7th grade class.
At the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) for the signing of the medical marijuana bill HB2707. Pictured: JABSOM Dean, Jerris Hedges; Senator Will Espero; Rep. Dee Morikawa; Governor David Ige; Rep. Della Belatti; Rep. Mark Nakashima and Rep. Joy San Buenaventura.
Thank you for your continued support to serve as your voice in the House of Representatives this past session.
The end of 2015 is quickly approaching, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season and I look forward to continue working with you in 2016.
Teacher, Pohai Montague-Mullins, of Ke Kula 'O Nawahiokalani'opu'u, public charter school responded to the email we sent out to the public and charter schools in Representative San Buenaventura's district to participate in the Hawaii: Next 50 contest. For more information on the school visit the website at http://www.nawahi.org/.
Packed crowd at Puna's Lawmaker Listen. For the first time, Pahoa was the center of Hawaii's Political Universe. From the questions asked, people came from Kona and Hamakua.
Representative Mark Nakashima answered the Highway 19 bridge construction question.
Speaker Joseph Souki made people laugh, and Representative San Buenaventura answered the evolution of the Medical Marijuana dispensary law.
Representative San Buenaventura at the Hawaii National Guard, 2015 Vigilant Guard, a national disaster preparedness exercise held for the first time in Hawaii in conjunction with Makani Pahili, Hawaii's annual hurricane preparedness exercise. Military personnel from the Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand came to participate.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your voice in the House of Representatives during the 2015 legislative session. View Newsletter