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 t he 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. Lei draped over former Rep. Gene Ward's chair at the Hawaii State House of Representatives on Friday, April 4, 2025. "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 wrote. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You He 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." ...read more read less