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Joy San Buenaventura
Politicians/Joy San Buenaventura
Joy San Buenaventura (D)
State Sen. (HI-2)
Running for re-electionState Senate (District 2) · HI · Nov 3, 2026
Role Summary

State senators serve in their state's upper legislative chamber. Responsibilities include drafting and voting on state laws, representing their district, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and shaping the state budget. State senators typically serve longer terms than state representatives and represent larger districts. State legislation covers education, healthcare, infrastructure, criminal justice, and taxation.

Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Birthplace
Manila, Philippines
Residence
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI
Family
Husband: Sheldon
Contact
808-586-6890sensanbuenaventura@capitol.hawaii.govwww.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=206&year=2023
Election Info
District2, HI
Current Term01/20/2021 — Present
First Elected11/03/2020
Last Elected11/08/2022
Next Senator Election2026
Education
BS, Mathematics
University of Nevada at Las Vegas
JD
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
1980-1983
Political Career3
Representative
Hawaii State House of Representatives
2014-2021
Majority Whip
Hawaii State House of Representatives
2019-2021
Senator
Hawaii State Senate
2021-present
Professional Background6
Lawyer
Bob Marx and the Corp Counsel
1984-1985
Business Law Professor
University of Hawaii-Hilo
1986-1987
Per Diem District Court Judge
State of Hawaii
1991-1995
Owner/Lawyer
Joy A San Buenaventura Attorney At Law
1986-present
Former Computer Programmer
Environmental Protection Agency
Former Law Clerk
Reynolds Electrical Engineering
Organizations11
The Ku'ikahi Mediation Center
Mediator
Hawaii Trial Lawyers Association
Member
present
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii
Attorney
Hawaii County Bar Association
Member
present
Hawaii State Bar Association
Member
present
Legal Aid Society's Self-Help Center
Volunteer
Senator Gil Kahele Campaign
Volunteer
American Trial Lawyers Association
Member
present
Court Annexed Arbitration Program
Arbitrator
Hawaii Photo Shooters
Member
present
Hilo Photography Club
Former President
Committees6
Government Operations Committee
Hawaiian Affairs Committee
Health Committee
Health and Human Services Committee
Human Services Committee
Judiciary Committee
Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Birthplace
Manila, Philippines
Residence
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI
Family
Husband: Sheldon
Contact
808-586-6890sensanbuenaventura@capitol.hawaii.govwww.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=206&year=2023