Everything Local. Everything East Honolulu.

We’re pleased to announce that our East Oʻahu community has a fresh and local voice representing us in the State Legislature. Governor Josh Green has appointed Joe Gedeon as the new representative for House District 18—which covers the neighborhoods of Portlock, Hawaiʻi Kai and Kalama Valley. He succeeds the late Gene Ward, who retired at the end of March and sadly passed away at the age of 82 on April 4. Ward served for over three decades and was the House’s longest-serving member. Governor Green selected Joe from a slate of three candidates submitted by the Hawaiʻi Republican Party. “Gene was a family friend, a mentor and a lifelong example of integrity and public service. His legacy in Hawaiʻi Kai is profound, and I hope to carry forward the values he championed: community, accountability and unwavering commitment to the people he served.” — Joe Gedeon Gedeon will serve out the remainder of Ward’s term until the 2026 election. A true local, Joe was born and raised in Hawaiʻi Kai. He graduated from Kaiser High School and Kapiʻolani Community College, and went on to study at ITT Technical Institute in San Diego. Professionally, he co-founded JPG Hawaii and JPG Media—marketing and advertising firms deeply rooted in our community. He also serves on the boards of the American Advertising Federation of Hawaiʻi and the Central YMCA. 📧 Contact Representative Gedeon: repgedeon@capitol.hawaii.gov Hawaii State Legislature We’re excited for Joe’s leadership and fresh energy. He brings hometown roots, business experience, and a real focus on community values. Let’s welcome him with aloha and look forward to working together to keep Hawaiʻi Kai thriv ing.