🌺 Meet Our New Hawaiʻi Kai Representative: Joe Gedeon

Kevin Bornemann • May 11, 2025

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 thriving.

🌟 Hawaii Kai Christmas Boat Parade 2025: Everything You Need to Know

November 19, 2025
One of East Honolulu’s favorite holiday traditions is returning once again! The Hawaii Kai Christmas Boat Parade will light up the marina on Saturday, December 13, 2025, bringing festive cheer, shimmering lights, and holiday magic to our waterfront community. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to kick off the Christmas season, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 📅 Event Details Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Time: Starts at sunset Location: Hawaii Kai Marina As dusk settles over Koko Head, watch boats of all shapes and sizes cruise through the marina decorated with lights, music, and creative holiday themes. 🎄 What to Expect The Hawaii Kai Christmas Boat Parade is a visual treat for all ages. You’ll experience: Boats covered in twinkling lights and holiday decorations Creative themed displays — from classic Christmas to fun tropical concepts Families and neighbors gathering along the shoreline A festive, relaxed local atmosphere Whether you're bringing the kids or enjoying a date night, the parade is one of the most magical evenings of the season in East Honolulu. 👀 Best Viewing Spots Looking for the perfect place to watch the parade? Try these waterfront locations: ⭐ Hawaii Kai Towne Center Great public walkways and waterfront dining. Website: https://www.hawaiikaitownecenter.com/ ⭐ Koko Marina Center Beautiful views and restaurants along the water. Website: https://www.kokomarinacenter.com/ ⭐ Hawaii Kai Shopping Center Easy access, family-friendly, and wide marina views. Website: https://www.hawaiikaishoppingcenter.com/ Arrive early if you plan to dine — waterfront seating fills up quickly on parade night. 🚤 For Boat Captains & Participants If you’re planning to join the parade on the water, the 2025 boat captain application and route map are provided by the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association. You can find them here: HKMCA Website: https://www.hawaiikaimarina.com/ HKMCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiikaimarina/ These resources include parade rules, route details, and registration information.  🎅 Celebrate the Holidays in Hawaii Kai The annual Hawaii Kai Christmas Boat Parade brings our community together for a night of joy, lights, and island-style holiday spirit. Whether you’re watching from the shore or taking part in the parade, it’s a must-see event on the East Honolulu holiday calendar.

🎃 Let the Ghoul Times Roll at Kahala Mall!

By Kevin Bornemann • October 15, 2025
Get your costumes ready — it’s time for some fang-tastic family fun! 🦇 Join us for Mall-wide Trick-or-Treating at Kahala Mall on Friday, October 31, from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. It’s a safe, festive evening filled with sweet treats, live music, and spooky smiles — all in the comfort of the mall’s cool A/C! 👻 Here’s what to expect: Safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating throughout the mall A live DJ in Center Court to keep the energy high Festive Halloween decorations from participating merchants Tons of treats (and a few surprises!) for all the little witches, ghosts, and goblins 🎈 Look for the balloons! Stores and restaurants with balloons out front are ready to welcome your keiki with candy and goodies galore. 🍪 Special Mahalo to Diamond Bakery Kahala Mall has once again teamed up with our friends at Diamond Bakery! In addition to candy and other fun treats, keiki can look forward to receiving some classic local favorites — Diamond Bakery Animal Crackers and Cookies in flavors like Butterscotch Delights, Candy Bead, and Salted Caramel. So grab your costumes, bring the ʻohana, and come celebrate Halloween Kahala-style! See you there, witches, ghosts, and goblins — and Happy Halloween from all of us at Kahala Mall! 🎃🕸️