HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A longtime state lawmaker is retiring after nearly 27 years of public service.
State Rep. Gene Ward, R-Portlock, Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley, announced his retirement Friday.
His last day in office will be March 31.
The 82-year-old said recent health setbacks, including a pneumonia diagnosis, led him to this difficult decision.
“Despite the many efforts of medical professionals, my recovery has been much slower and more painful in the last few weeks. In light of the recent pneumonia diagnosis, I have found myself at a difficult crossroad to decide my future as a member of the Hawaii State Legislature,” Ward wrote.
Ward added, “It has been the utmost privilege to serve the people of Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley and Portlock.”
In a statement, Gov. Josh Green said, “Gene has always been a fighter, and I know he will approach this chapter with the same strength and determination he has shown throughout his career.”
State Rep. Diamond Garcia, R-Varona Village, Ewa, Kapolei, Fernandez Village, said, “Even if he was the very minority minority, even amongst own caucus, he still stood for his own beliefs and never backed down. We are going to miss him here in the Capitol.”
State Rep. Lauren Matsumoto, R-Mililani, Waipio Acres, Mililani Mauka, agreed. “He’d always say something. ‘We don’t have the votes, but we have the voice,’ and he made sure to stand up on every single issue. He’s a fixture in this building and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
Hawaii’s GOP party will now give the governor the names of three nominees from District 18 to replace Ward.
The governor will have 60 days from Ward’s last day in office to appoint one of those individuals to the seat.
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