MEDIA RELEASE

Rep. Joy San Buenaventura (Puna) and leaders from the state House of Representatives held a Lawmakers Listen session Thursday evening at the Pahoa Community Center, where they heard a wide range of concerns from residents.

Discussions at the meeting were on a number of topics including managing invasive species, the rat lungworm parasite, homelessness, medical care, the public hospital system, infrastructure concerns, and the lack of broadband internet service in the region.

Members of the community were invited to share their questions and concerns directly with San Buenaventura, Speaker of the House Joseph M. Souki, Majority Leader Scott Saiki, and House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke.

The group was also joined by Hamakua Rep. Mark Nakashima.

‘Lawmakers Listen’ is an ongoing series of community town halls across the state with district Representatives, members of the House Leadership, and Committee Chairpersons.

The purpose of the meetings is for legislators to listen to the concerns of area residents and to discuss solutions.