Rep. Joe Gedeon

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their critical role in public safety and emergency response. The resolution highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach and water emergencies, providing life-saving assistance, medical care, and scene management similar to police and firefighters. While the bill does not change laws or grant new legal powers, it serves as an official statement of recognition that encourages state and county agencies to provide lifeguards with the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Department of Defense to extend the renewal period for medical authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis. It directly affects military personnel, their families, and civilian residents who were exposed to contaminated water at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations to improve continuity of care and asks the Defense Health Agency to expand access to civilian medical providers, implement coordinated referral practices, ensure long-term medical monitoring, and explore reimbursement programs for out-of-pocket medical costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to evaluate the state's utility infrastructure capacity and lifespan, particularly for the City and County of Honolulu. The working group will include representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions to assess current service levels, identify aging infrastructure, and analyze the costs of expanding systems to meet growing community demands. The study aims to provide data on potential funding gaps, projected rate increases, and whether existing permits are straining utility capacity, ultimately supporting more informed community planning and infrastructure investment decisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority to modify its Signature Event Program by requiring 30% of awarded grant funds to be used for marketing events to visitors from outside Hawaii. The resolution directly affects the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the organizations that receive funding for major events like festivals, film festivals, and sports competitions. Currently, grantees can use these funds for operational costs or local purposes without a specific requirement to promote the events to out-of-state audiences. The proposed change aims to ensure that publicly funded events actively attract visitors from other states to support Hawaii's tourism industry.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the U.S. Navy to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings in person regarding the Red Hill fuel storage facility cleanup on Oahu. The resolution addresses a history of fuel leaks from the Navy's storage tanks that contaminated drinking water used by hundreds of thousands of residents and caused health concerns for thousands of people. While the Navy previously attended these meetings, a 2026 plan removed that requirement, prompting this request for consistent participation to improve transparency and community engagement. The bill also asks the Navy to provide regular updates on water testing and remediation progress to affected residents. This measure is non-binding and serves as a formal request rather than a law that imposes penalties or mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to create a three-year business plan and strategic vision for the Hawaii Film Studio. The resolution directs the department to consider how the studio fits into the state's broader film industry goals and to submit the plan to the Legislature by 2027. It acknowledges the studio's role in supporting Hawaii's growing film and television industry, which has benefited from state tax incentives and local workforce development. The measure does not change laws or funding but requests the department to develop a formal long-term strategy for the facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 28th as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day, encouraging residents to participate in community-building events that foster connection and strengthen neighborhood ties. The resolution recognizes the importance of social organization and community bonds in reducing crime and promoting asset-based development, where existing community strengths are utilized to mobilize people. It follows the national model established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, which was later adjusted to September 28th in 2003, and mirrors similar initiatives in cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Phoenix. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition to promote civic engagement and neighborly interaction across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill nominates former Governor John D. Waihe'e III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor recognizing individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution highlights Waihe'e's historic role as the first Native Hawaiian governor, his leadership in advancing education, health care, and economic development, and his ongoing civic engagement. By passing this resolution, the House formally recommends Waihe'e for the award, with copies sent to the Governor and the Aloha Order of Merit Committee for further consideration.