Latest news with #HawaiiStateHouseofRepresentatives
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Celebration of life to honor former Rep. Gene Ward
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Preparations are underway for a celebration of life honoring former state Rep. Gene Ward, one of Hawaii's longest-serving and most influential Republican lawmakers. Rep. Gene Ward retires from Hawaii State House of Representatives Volunteers gathered Sunday at The King's Chapel East Oahu to collect flowers ahead of Monday's memorial service. Doors will open at 9 a.m., with the service scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The event will also be livestreamed on ʻŌ died one month ago at the age of 82, just days after resigning from the state House of Representatives. He served for decades and was widely respected across party lines. 'The pouring out of love is coming from Democrats and Republicans,' said House Minority Floor Leader Rep. Diamond Garcia. 'Gene impacted everybody he came into contact with.' Garcia also reflected on a lesson he learned from Ward: 'One thing I learned from Gene that I will never forget is: when we don't have the votes, we always have the voice. God forbid we don't stand up and use that voice.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Gov. Josh Green has not yet appointed a successor to fill the vacant seat in Ward's district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Rep. Gene Ward passes away at 82
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Just a few weeks after sharing his retirement from the Hawaii State House of Representatives, state leaders announced the passing of former Rep. Gene Ward. State officials said Ward, who serviced Portlock, Hawaii Kai and Kalama Valley, passed peacefully on Friday, April 4 at the age of 82. Rep. Gene Ward retires from Hawaii State House of Representatives Rep. Ward retired from the State House of Representatives on March 31, citing ongoing health setbacks including anemia, sciatica and pneumonia. Rep. Diamond Garcia, (R) Portions of Varona Village, ʻEwa and Kapolei, Fernandez Village, described Rep. Ward as a mentor, servant-leader and pillar of integrity in Hawaii politics. 'His lifelong commitment to serving the people of Hawai'i—whether in the Legislature, the Peace Corps, or as a diplomat—has left a legacy that will long outlive his time with us,' Rep. Garcia was known for his deep love of Native Hawaiian people and had a passion of protecting their culture, rights and future. Officials emphasized that Rep. Ward lived a life full of purpose and love with a legacy that will live on forever. On this Aloha Friday, my father, Gene, peacefully passed away in the early morning. On behalfof my mother and I, we want to thank the community for the abundance of prayers and kindthoughts. My father did what he loved most, serving others, until the end. We will miss him, buthe will live forever in our hearts. Faredah and Johanna Ward Governor Josh Green M.D. has ordered the Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff at the state capitol and other state agencies from Friday, April 4 to sunset on Monday, April 7. In a statement, Gov. Green said Ward's passing is a 'profound loss for Hawaii,' describing him as a fighter in every sense, overcoming personal challenges with resilience and determination. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Let us honor Representative Gene Ward by continuing the work he began: serving with compassion, leading with courage and always putting the people of Hawaii first.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Gene Ward retires from Hawaii State House of Representatives
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Rep. Gene Ward (R) Portlock, Hawaiʻi Kai, Kalama Valley announced his retirement from the Hawaii State House of Representatives. The House Representative said his retirement comes due to ongoing health concerns. Hawaii Volcano Observatory, NOAA face big changes with new round of cuts Rep. Ward retires with over 30 years of public service under his belt including more than 27 years working in District 18. In a release sent to his district, he emphasized the gratitude and privilege it has been to serve his community all these years. 'Although I will not be asking for your vote again, I only kindly request that my privacy and my family's privacy is respected,' Rep. Ward who worked alongside him said he was always up for a good fight and would go the extra mile for any issue he felt strongly about. Honestly, he's been such a fixture here that this session hasn't been the same without him. He always said, we don't have the votes, but we have the voice. And he made himself heard almost every single day he was here. We wish him all the best going forward. Lauren Cheape Matsumoto, House Republican Caucus Leader, District 38 Check out more news from around Hawaii Officials said that Rep. Ward's resignation will be official on March 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nadine Nakamura, first Asian American woman House speaker, honored
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii State House of Representatives marked Women's History Month today by unveiling a portrait of House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, honoring her groundbreaking role in state politics. Former Disney star under fire for touching honu Nakamura, the first woman to hold the position of House Speaker and the first Asian American woman to do so in the United States, now has her photo displayed in the House chamber.'I think women have to stay strong, we have to be focused, we have to look at the opportunities to move our society forward and do great things for our nation, especially at this time, where there's so much uncertainty,' Nakamura said during the unveiling. 10 facts about Kelly Slater's $16.5M Hawaiʻi North Shore home for sale March is recognized as Women's History Month, a tradition that began in 1981 when Congress passed legislation designating the week starting March 7 as 'Women's History Week.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news In 1987, the week expanded to a full month to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
