Gene Ward

Gene Ward was a Republican who represented Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley, and Portlock in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. He passed away on April 4, 2025, at age 82, just days after retiring from office on March 31, 2025.

Gene R. Ward was born on March 9, 1943, in Conneaut, Ohio. He was a Vietnam War veteran who served as a translator-interpreter during the conflict. Ward was married to Faredah and had one child, Johanna.

Throughout his career in public service spanning over three decades, Ward became one of the longest-serving members of the Hawaii House of Representatives, with more than 27 years dedicated to serving his East Oahu constituents.

Education

Ward earned a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii Mānoa. He subsequently taught as an adjunct professor at both Chaminade University and Hawaii Pacific University.

Political Experience

State House Service: Ward served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 1990 to 1998, then returned to serve from 2006 until his retirement in 2025. He was elected to the state house in 1990 and served an initial 10-year term before stepping away from electoral politics.

Leadership Positions: He served as House Minority Leader from 1993-1997, 2011-2012, and 2018-2020. He also held the position of House Minority Policy Leader from 2022-2024 and served as House Minority Caucus Leader from 2025 until his retirement.

Congressional Campaign: In 1998, Ward ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress.

Federal Service: Under the George W. Bush administration, Ward served as a Senior Democracy Adviser in the USAID Office of Democracy and Governance from 1999-2004, where he promoted democracy worldwide. Following this appointment, he served as Peace Corps Country Director of East Timor from 2005-2006, overseeing 46 volunteers and a $1 million budget.

Legislative Initiatives: Ward co-founded the Small Business Caucus in 1993 alongside former Representative David Stegmaier, which remained active under his continued involvement.

Community Involvement: In his home district, he served as Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board and was a member of the Hawaii-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce. He was also selected by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to serve on the East-West Center's Board of Governors.