Rep. Joe Gedeon

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Honolulu's transportation departments to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. It highlights concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion while noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. The resolution requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing existing technologies and the feasibility of integrating AI systems into current infrastructure. This measure does not mandate implementation but asks agencies to evaluate and report on the potential for adopting AI-driven traffic solutions.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 creates the Hawaii Benefits Hub within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to centralize access to human services. It requires the Chief Information Officer to develop and implement a single statewide portal for residents to apply for government benefits, replacing current fragmented systems. The bill appropriates funding for this portal's development and operation, effective July 1, 2030. This directly affects Hawaii residents seeking services like food assistance, healthcare, or housing support by simplifying their application process.

Establishes, for a county with a population greater than three hundred thousand, enforcement procedures to prevent people or personal property from blocking or otherwise impeding ingress or egress to private doorways and entranceways. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized swimmer classification system for public schools to improve water safety education. The bill directs the department to adopt a framework developed by Leahi Swim School and Na Kama Kai, which defines three proficiency levels: Swimmer, Water Safe Individual, and Water Smart Individual. Each level includes specific criteria such as swimming distances, treading water duration, stroke proficiency, and knowledge of ocean safety and environmental responsibility. The resolution aims to ensure consistent water-safety benchmarks across schools for physical education, athletics, and enrichment programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes the same resources and protections as other varsity sports. The resolution requests that the state education department develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal criteria for classifying cheerleading as a sport. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to certified coaching, athletic training, facilities, and transportation for female cheerleaders while promoting gender equity in school athletics. This is a non-binding resolution that calls for administrative action rather than creating new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to study the state's utility infrastructure, particularly in the City and County of Honolulu. The group will examine how well current utility systems can handle demand, how long existing coastal infrastructure is expected to last, and the costs of expanding services to support community growth. The working group includes representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions, and will produce an assessment of infrastructure capacity, lifespan risks, funding needs, and any permit-related strain on systems. This study aims to provide data for better community planning and ensure utility services can meet current and future demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate the state's emergency shelters and create a plan to strengthen their ability to withstand hurricanes. The agency will identify all designated disaster shelters, assess their structural capacity to handle hurricane-force winds, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution requires the agency to develop recommendations for improving shelter capacity through upgrades or retrofits and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure directly affects emergency management officials and aims to provide residents with clearer information about safe shelter options during storm events.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate which emergency shelters can safely withstand hurricane-force winds and create a plan to strengthen the state's shelter capacity. The agency will identify all designated shelters, assess their structural ability to resist storms, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution directs the agency to recommend improvements such as building upgrades and submit a final report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action is intended to help residents make informed decisions during evacuations and improve overall disaster preparedness.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their specialized training and critical role in emergency response. The bill highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach emergencies, providing medical aid, rescue services, and scene security similar to police and firefighters. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it urges state and county agencies to grant lifeguards the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders. The measure also encourages collaboration among public safety agencies to improve emergency response capabilities across Hawaii's ocean and shoreline environments.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority to modify its Signature Event Program by requiring 30% of awarded grant funds to be spent on marketing events to visitors from outside Hawaii. The bill directly affects the Hawaii Tourism Authority and organizations that receive funding for major state events like the Honolulu Marathon and Hawaii International Film Festival. Under current rules, grant recipients can use funds for operational costs without a specific requirement to promote events to out-of-state audiences. The resolution seeks to ensure that publicly funded events actively contribute to attracting more visitors from other states and countries.