Reflections of Gene

by Stan Fichtman, Politics Hawaii

It would seem that the last time I would see recently passed Representative Gene Ward was also the last time I would see other friends from the Republican Party, at Marian and Jim Grey’s house in Hawai‘i Kai in December 2022.

We were watching the Hawaii Kai Holiday Boat Parade, an event held every year where boaters in the area would dress up their boats in Christmas livery and parade them. Every year that my wife, daughter, or I attended the event, Gene was typically there.

Representative Gene Ward (standing giving a speech) sometimes stood with very few friends in the legislative halls as he represented the Republican Party’s small minority in the House. But he continued to serve, to the end. -- PC: Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Logico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For this last time, though, in reflecting on a person I got to know over my years of participation in the political world of Hawai‘i, we were able to chat a bit about the current fortunes of the Republican Party in Hawai‘I, which recently saw an upswing in Representatives and Senators elected to the Legislature.

In that talk, I, as the publisher of this blog, told him that I had written a piece about the expansion of the party’s influence on O‘ahu, and even mentioned that O‘ahu was becoming more bi-partisan.

While talking to him I noticed that Gene was wearing a long-sleeved, silk-like shirt—something rare to see in Hawai‘i. It wasn’t an aloha shirt, but rather resembled the style you might find on the streets of Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. The fabric shimmered under the lights, with a dark green background and intricate design.

At first, I simply thought it was a unique and elegant choice, a step above the usual attire. But then I remembered his time in the Peace Corps and the years he spent living and working in Southeast Asia. It made perfect sense—this shirt wasn’t just a fashion choice; it was a quiet nod to a significant chapter of his life, one that shaped his global outlook and ultimately, his approach to public service in Hawai‘i.

Going back to the conversation that we had about the article, Gene became intrigued by the subject. Noting that he may not have seen it and may have been unaware of how the electoral victories started to change the political map of O‘ahu, he asked me if I could send him a copy of the article.

I sent it to him as soon as I got home. He thanked me—that would be the last time we spoke.

Earlier this year, when this blogger was approached by one of his sources asking what was going on with Gene, in that he didn’t come to the opening session and that he was absent for the first two weeks, that was the first indication that something was up.

Just a short time later, news came out that he had been medically waylaid, but didn’t give any indication that he was about to step down because of it. The assumption was at the time, he would bounce right back and continue to be the voice of East Hawai‘i Kai as he had been for the last 16 years, 18 years in total.

Then the word came down that he was announcing his retirement. With the health reasons for his absence more serious than first expressed, his announcement was akin to the bell being rung on the ship, noting that a milestone event had just happened. Again, even with retirement due to health, the assumption was by this blogger that Gene would get well and then nicely convert into a statesman for the Republican Party, working on the more moderate side of the political philosophy.

Much like Charles Schulz, who retired shortly before passing, Gene closed his chapter in public service with quiet dignity, and then graduated from life in the same way.

For those who have been named to replace Gene, they will face the task of both filling the shoes of a Republican icon and then taking everything that they can to keep the seat Republican in the next election cycle in 2026.

That will not be a small feat.

They’ll have to capture the same magic Gene brought to East Hawai‘i Kai—first by making a meaningful mark in the community. Then, by becoming so connected and trusted that any Democratic challenger would think twice before pulling papers.

This is especially critical given the Democratic Party’s steady eastward march since the turn of the millennium, flipping seats in traditionally Republican East Honolulu. Gene’s district is the last GOP stronghold in that region; everything westward is now represented by Democrats.

And finally, his successor must build relationships across the aisle with the Democratic supermajority to bring needed resources back to the district. If they can manage all that, perhaps Gene’s legacy will not only endure but inspire the next generation of service in East Hawai‘i Kai.

As for now, though, rest well, Gene, you will be missed.