HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Joe Gedeon to succeed the late Rep. Gene Ward to serve House District 18 (Portlock, Hawai‘i Kai, Kalama Valley).

Gedeon was among three nominees sent to the Governor by the Hawai‘i Republican Party. He is the co-founder of marketing and advertising companies JPG Hawaii and JPG Media and has a history of volunteer public service, including as the youngest president of the Waik?k? Rotary Club from 2016 to 2017 and currently on the board of directors of the American Advertising Federation of Hawai?i and the Central YMCA.

Graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School, Kapi?olani Community College and ITT Technical Institute in San Diego, Gedeon earned the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He was born and raised in Hawai?i Kai, where his family has lived for some 45 years.

“I appreciate the willingness of Joe Gedeon and the other nominees to step up and work hard to fill the huge void left by such a lifelong and passionate public servant as Gene Ward,” said Governor Green. “We believe one human being cannot truly replace another, but we hope as Gene’s successor, Joe will bring the same caring dedication that made his predecessor so valuable to his community.”

Gedeon says he carries a deep and personal connection to this district through late Rep. Ward. “Gene was a family friend, a mentor and a lifelong example of integrity and public service. His legacy in Hawai?i Kai is profound and I hope to carry forward the values he championed: community, accountability and unwavering commitment to the people he served.”

The seat was vacated by Ward’s retirement, announced March 21, after more than three decades of public service. His retirement was effective March 31 and he sadly lost his battle with health issues on April 4, 2025.

The appointee will serve in the House District 18 seat until the term of the late Rep. Ward expires on November 3, 2026 (General Election Day).

A photo of new House Representative Joe Gedeon can be found here.