Hilo attorney Joy San Buenaventura has filed papers to run against state Rep. Faye Hanohano for the District 4 seat that represents Puna on the Big Island.

“I would not run if I thought she was being effective,” Buenaventura, 54, told Civil Beat. “I decided to run because I was urged by people who feel that there needs to be an alternative to Faye Hanohano to represent them.”

Buenaventura describes Puna as a district with diverse groups of people, many of them with low incomes, who feel “disenfranchised.” She said the controversy generated by Hanohano’s recent public remarks has reduced any effectiveness she might have “to almost nil.”

Hanohano ran unopposed for re-election in 2012.

Photo: Joy San Buenaventura. (Courtesy)

—Chad Blair