Representative Gene Ward is a Vietnam Veteran who served as a translator-Interpreter. In the House from 1990-1998. He served in USAID Office of Democracy and Governance and promoted democracy throughout the world after writing text on the ills of campaign finance for developing countries. He has written a number of articles about business and politics and recently authored a text on campaign finance and a Commentary for the Honolulu Advertiser: Money in Politics: published by USAID in English & Spanish. 

During his time in the Peace Corps as a country director Gene Ward supervised the humanitarian efforts of 46 Peace Corps volunteer, 18 staff and $1 million budget in East Timor.

Representative Gene Ward returned to Hawaii was once again elected to the House of Representative in 2006.