Joe Gedeon

East Honolulu

House District 18

Joe Gedeon was appointed in May 2025 to complete the term of the late Rep. Gene Ward, who served East Honolulu for nearly three decades. Born and raised in Hawaii Kai and a Kaiser High School graduate, Joe co-founded JPG Hawaii and JPG Media and spent his career in marketing and advertising. Since taking office he has built his approach around access: he attends Neighborhood Board meetings and hosts monthly Let's Talk Story sessions. As a husband, father and business owner, his focus is public safety, affordability and the everyday cost pressures facing families and employers.

Past president, Rotary Club of Waikiki; board of directors, American Advertising Federation of Hawaii and Central YMCA; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Eagle Scout

Because East Honolulu has limited access in and out, emergency preparedness is especially important.

THE ISSUES

Emergency Preparedness for a District With One Way Out
East Honolulu has limited access in and out. Joe treats evacuation planning and emergency readiness as a core responsibility rather than an afterthought.
Cutting the Cost of Basics
Joe backed exempting groceries and medical services from the general excise tax and opposed automatic shipping rate increases granted without real oversight.
Permitting That Doesn't Take Years

Joe supported streamlining permitting to cut the delays that hold up housing and infrastructure projects and add cost to every one of them.

Accountability for Public Money

Joe backed a public dashboard for Green Fee spending so residents can see where the money goes.

Showing Up

Joe attends Neighborhood Board meetings and hosts monthly Let's Talk Story sessions, because a representative who is hard to reach is not representing anyone.

Oahu

Portlock; Hawaii Kai; Kalama Valley; Koko Isle

96825

Hawaii Kai, Portlock and Koko Isle