Rep. Joe Gedeon

Maddy summaryHB 1799 allows counties to include commercial development projects within their existing authority to test and demonstrate new initiatives. It directly affects counties by expanding their ability to experiment with commercial ventures as part of local pilot programs. The key provision amends current law to explicitly permit counties to develop commercial projects under their experimental authority, rather than requiring separate approvals. This change streamlines how counties can pursue economic development through pilot programs without additional legislative steps. The bill passed committee with all members voting in favor on February 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution encourages Hawaii's Department of Education to allow the public to use outdoor school facilities like playgrounds and sports fields during non-school hours, particularly on weekends. The bill aims to provide more safe recreational spaces for residents in areas where parks are scarce and to promote physical activity and community health. It does not mandate changes but urges the department to explore feasible opportunities for shared use while balancing school operations and community needs. The resolution directs the Department of Education to engage with stakeholders and consider policies that support this expanded access.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to exclude the state from the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow families to use federal tax credits to fund scholarships for private school tuition and education services. The program, set to begin in 2027, is funded through private donations and federal tax incentives rather than state money, and it is available only to states that opt in. Currently, 23 states have chosen to participate, while Hawaii has not, meaning local families would miss out on additional funding opportunities for education choice options. The resolution highlights that Hawaii's current proficiency rates in reading and math are low, suggesting that participating could provide more financial resources to support students.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study barriers that prevent timeshare owners from exiting their contracts and to recommend consumer protection measures. The study will examine consumer complaints, contractual obstacles, the practices of third-party exit companies, existing legal protections, and best practices from other states. The agency must submit a report with findings and potential legislation recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution does not change current laws but directs officials to investigate the issue before considering new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point to serve the Volcano community. The study will examine potential locations, operational models such as part-time providers or mobile clinics, staffing needs, costs, and partnership opportunities with local organizations. The bill aims to address the community's lack of direct primary care access and emergency stabilization capacity, which are compounded by geographic isolation and environmental hazards. If the study finds it viable, the resolution directs the health system to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to allow local communities to use outdoor school facilities like playgrounds and sports fields during non-school hours, including weekends. It aims to increase access to safe recreational spaces for residents, particularly in areas where parks are scarce, by encouraging schools to share their grounds with the public. The resolution asks the department to explore ways to facilitate this shared use while ensuring it does not interfere with regular school operations. It also calls for the department to engage with community stakeholders to develop practical plans for expanding access to these public resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study how to help more people living in Hawaii work remotely for companies based outside the state. The study would examine ways to make it easier for out-of-state employers to hire Hawaii residents by clarifying tax rules, simplifying registration requirements, and ensuring worker protections are maintained. The department must also consider policies that prioritize opportunities for long-term Hawaii residents and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This is a non-binding resolution that directs an evaluation rather than creating immediate new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision not to allow the state to participate in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. The program would provide federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations, which could then be used to fund scholarships for K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. By opting in, Hawaii would enable families to use these funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational support services without reducing public school funding. The resolution requests that the state designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, thereby expanding educational options for Hawaii students.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that urges the United States Navy to waive rent charges for the State of Hawaii's use of the Kalaeloa Film Studio facilities and to establish a long-term lease agreement for their continued operation. The resolution directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a three-year business plan and strategic vision for the studio, ensuring it aligns with the state's broader film industry goals. It aims to support Hawaii's film and television sector by maintaining access to affordable studio space, which is critical for the industry's competitiveness and economic growth. The measure is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to federal and state agencies rather than creating enforceable legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that asks state and city officials to acknowledge that mental health facilities, sober homes, and homeless shelters are unevenly distributed across Oahu, with too many concentrated along the Waianae coast. It requests that Partners in Care Oahu consult with community stakeholders on issues such as facility proximity to schools and parks, transparency, insurance, law enforcement resources, oversight, and community engagement. The resolution formally notifies various government leaders and officials about these concerns but does not create new laws or mandate specific actions.