GaryHooser's Blog

When the news first broke I sent out “Court Says Hawaiʻi House of Representatives Violated Hawaiʻi Constitution”.

If you’re interested in the fine print and details of such things – I’ve put together below, a broader legal update summarizing in “laymen’s terms” a few key implications of the decision.

If you’re not into “legalese” and just want to help, here are two actions that need your support, today if possible.

#1) Please reach out to YOUR District Representative and ask them basically, “Who’s side are you on?”

As a sample, and to help with messaging, I’ve posted here on my blog, “Helping the 8 citizen plaintiffs: One action that costs nothing, and is HUGELY important”.

#2) The second important action is to join the 276 individuals who’ve contributed an average of $63 apiece in support of the “Protect Open, Honest Government in Hawaiʻi” GoFundMe campaign.

If you’ve already given, mahalo plenty. If not, please help if you can. The campaign is about $2,500 short of reaching it’s goal and it would be FABULOUS if that could happen TODAY.

I’m not a lawyer (though I did complete a semester at U.H. Richardson School of Law AND I’ve spent 16 years making laws at the County and State level) AND have read the constitution, reviewed the written court record, attended Judge Ashford’s hearing, AND consulted with various real attorneys to better understand some of the most important ramifications of the courts action:

Eight citizen plaintiffs: Former state Sen. Laura Acasio, Kaʻapunialiʻiona Lanikiʻekiʻe Kanaloa Aiwohi, Sergio Josephus Alcubilla III, Tanya Aynessazian, Douglas L. Cobeen, Karen K. Cobeen, Michaela Ilikeamoana Ikeuchi, and Robert Hale Pahia – took the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives to court for holding secret meetings and making secret decisions — and won.

1) This ruling is precedent setting. It’s the first and only time our courts have interpreted the constitutional mandate that “[e]very meeting of a committee . . . held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committees shall be open to the public.” The court interpreted this language to apply broadly to legislative matters.

2) The court’s order only applies to the closed-door legislative committee meeting at issue. However, the ruling is highly persuasive in that it can be relied on in future cases challenging closed-door decision-making activities conducted by State House and Senate committees.

3) The House first argued it has “legal immunity,” and claimed, in essence, that only the House can tell the House what to do, not the court—as in, the House makes and operates under its own rules. The court, however, determined that the legislative branch does NOT have carte blanche authority to do whatever it likes. Legislative actions MUST follow the State Constitution.

4) The House also argued that the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure is an “advisory committee” which is different from purely legislative committees that pass bills which then become law. Shutting down this argument, the plaintiffs succinctly pointed out—and the Judge agreed—that EVERY legislative committee is advisory in nature. Meaning, committees merely advise the legislative “body,” which then accepts or rejects that advice via public votes by the entire House and/or Senate.

5) When requesting a “remedy” to address the Houseʻs secretive conduct, the plaintiffs asked for one thing: a declaration that it was unconstitutional to hold the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures meeting out of the public eye. The plaintiffs could have gone so far as to ask the court to “throw out” the rules decided in that committee meeting. But, because all of last yearʻs legislative activity took place under those rules, such a remedy could have called all of last yearʻs legislative decisions into question. Such a sweeping remedy would be “too disruptive.”

So what happens next?

The political reality is 26 members of the House constitute a majority and this majority will ultimately drive any and all decisions relating to this.

26 or more individual members of the House must unite in their commitment to actively honor the courts decision, follow the Hawaiʻi State Constitution to the letter of its plain language, and fully embrace citizen participation in the legislative process. AND they must ensure House Rules are amended to require ALL members of the House are required to do the same.

Please reach out to YOUR District Representative TODAY – it cost nothing but perhaps 5 minutes of your time.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

As a father, grandfather, and uncle – I’d like to have a word with you all.

“You ALL” means family, friends, hanai ohana, and all who are kindred spirits in this journey of life.

While I certainly don’t know everything, I have learned a few things over the years that I’d like to share.

My goal is to help make your path forward a little smoother, your journey up the mountain a little swifter, and the joy and fulfillment of it all perhaps a bit brighter.

First however, you must do something for me.

Please take a few minutes, read the lyrics and listen to the music of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young”.

Can you do this now please?

I’ll wait.

Thank you.

As brother Bob says in his opening refrain:

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young

So, how can I add to this? What wisdom or basic advice does Dad, Pop Pop, and Uncle have for you that can top the words of Bob Dylan?

You are a unique individual with unlimited potential to achieve whatever goal you set your sights on.

Of this I have no doubt whatsoever.

You must set out your goals on paper, develop a plan to get there, stay laser focused, adapt the plan as needed, enroll others to help, and work very, very hard.

Some basic truths of success:

Let go your fear of doing the wrong thing or making mistakes.

Be your authentic self.

Follow your na’au.

Always be truthful in your communications.

When you say you’re going to do something, come through on it.

Your reputation as an honest, truthful, dependable human being – is everything.

Get rid of negative friends, with bad habits.

Drugs and alcohol get in the way.

Surround yourself with those who share your core values.

Asking for help is an essential component for success.

It goes without saying we can accomplish much more when we work with others.

If your goal requires money, then ASK. You will be asking adults. Let them make the decision to tell you yes or no, but if you believe in your mission then ASK.

Remember when you come against a roadblock, there are ALWAYS “work-arounds”.

When faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge preventing you from reaching your objective, NEVER GIVE UP, but instead seek out other ways to accomplish the same goal.

Thank profusely those who help, and forgive gently those who fall short.

There is no shame in losing.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming…but who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

So to my friends, family, and extended ohana sorting through the thicket of life (as I am still), remember always:

1) Your potential is limitless.
2) Set your goals, plan your work, work your plan.
3) Ask for help. Help others.
4) Surround yourself with good people.
5) Work hard. Always know there’s a path to victory.
6) Always, Always, Always – speak the truth.
7) When you fall, get up, get back into the ring.
8) Let go of the fear. Be your authentic self. Follow your na’au.
9) Celebrate the wins, reward the work, learn from the mistakes.
10) Drink water, eat right, go out and walk – every single day.

And if you ever need help from Dad, Pop Pop, or Uncle – just call.

Love you all,

Gary

Tune in to watch and listen to Nadia Alves candidate for the State House District 28, Sand Island, Iwilei, and Chinatown – as she makes her debut on PBS Insights – TONIGHT June 4, Thursday night at 7:30 PM.

It doesn’t matter what island or district you live in.

I’ve known and worked with Nadia for many years and can say without any doubt whatsoever that she is incredibly smart, caring, hardworking, warm hearted, and totally committed to serving and protecting people and the planet.

Nadia Alves is awesome.

She’s running for the Democratic primary in a 5 way race. She’s the only woman in the race, the only candidate who’s signed the Our Hawai’i pledge to take no corporate PAC money, and the only Moho ʻĀina endorsed candidate in the race.

I know from first hand experience that Nadia Alves will be a strong champion – for ALL of us.

Nadia has worked at the State Legislature since 2022 and has the skills, experience, and knowledge to be effective from day one.

She’s committed to fighting against the corruption, and making government more transparent, responsive, and accessible to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Please join me with $28 contribution and help bring a smile to her face and a spring to her step as she enters the newsroom.

Whether it’s environmental protection, community safety, truly affordable housing, equality and equal treatment for all, or the fundamental premise of a government that puts the needs of working families, keiki, and kūpuna first – Nadia is there and will continue to be there, for us and with us.

It’s time now to show up for her. Please support Nadia Alves and her quest to serve in the State House of Representatives with a $28 donation today.

My hope is to let her know we have her back via our collective ActBlue contributions today, before she heads into that no doubt daunting PBS show.

Please forward to friends and supporters!

And watch the PBS show here and on YouTube here

Nadia was not consulted about this ask and she doesn’t know about this message 🙂 

As mentioned in my previous post about the recent court decision in Acasio V House of Representatives, 26 is the magic number.

I’m guessing because you are on this list, or have clicked on this post, that you’re serious about making change happen. Below is one clear easy thing you can do TODAY, that will take 5 minutes at the most and won’t cost you a dime, but could move mountains in terms of changing the way business is done in our state government.

Yes, the GoFundMe campaign in support of the 8 citizen plaintiffs still needs help to raise an additional $4,000 and any amount $25 to $100 or whatever will help.

But the below action costs nothing and is also hugely important.

Fundamental principle: If/when 26 members (or more) of the State House want to do something, it will get done.

This is the power of a majority.

26 members decide who will be Speaker of the House, Chair the all powerful Finance Committee, and in general control/direct all meaningful actions that occur or fail to occur in the House of Representatives.

If you, as a private citizen/voter, want to make change happen and support the 8 citizen plaintiffs – you must reach out today and ask your District Representative to do the right thing and be part of a 26 member majority that values citizen participation, open government, and following the constitution.

I’ve pasted below an actual email (I’ve deleted the names) that was just sent out by one concerned citizen, that NAIL’s IT.

Please use this as a template and write your own email TODAY directly to YOUR DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE.

A complete contact list of all Representatives is HERE and if you need help identifying your own District Representative – here is a link to an easy to use search tool – just enter your address.

Now please. Send this one email out

Aloha Representative NAME,

As a constituent in your district, I am writing on behalf of the 8 citizen plaintiffs in the Acasio v. House of Representatives who just won in court.

I am writing to strongly urge your support of the following actions:

1) A formal apology: The State House of Representatives should offer an apology to the 8 citizen plaintiffs and acknowledge the validity of Judge Ashford’s decision

2) Financial reimbursement: the House should reimburse plaintiffs’ legal expenses incurred while defending the public’s constitutional rights

3) Strict Constitutional Compliance: House members should follow the constitution and only conduct committee decision-making discussions during a public meetings, that have been properly “noticed”

If you have not been following this case closely, this group sued the House for not following Article III, Section 12 of the State Constitution which mandates that “[e]very meeting of a committee … held for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to the committees shall be open to the public.”

The lawsuit specifically challenged the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure for making decisions and finalizing rules in secret, closed-door meetings without public notice or public access.

The Court ruled the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives violated the Hawaiʻi Constitution when the committee met in secret and made decisions.

The plaintiff’s goals are altruistic and essential for democracy:

Hawaiʻi’s constitutional protections remain strong
Public access and open meetings are honored and embraced
Legislative committee decisions are made in public

Re-establishing public trust in the Hawaii State Legislature has to begin with the legislature following its own laws.

The judge has ruled.

I am writing today to request that action be taken by you, and a majority in the House that is congruent with this ruling. If you are in agreement, please express your position on this issue to Speaker Nakamura, and to your colleagues in the House.

Thank you in advance for letting me know your thoughts on this important issue.

Mahalo,
(NAME)
Your Constituent
Zip Code

On Friday May 29th, 2026 – First Circuit Court Judge James Ashford ruled in Acasio V House of Representatives that the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives violated the Hawaiʻi Constitution when the House Advisory Committee on Rules met in secret and made decisions.

Here is a copy of the decision.

This is precedent setting and the first time in history the constitutional provision requiring House and Senate Committees to conduct their decision making in public has been tested in court.

It’s a critically important win, and a clear reminder of the importance of an independent judiciary, a third branch of government willing to hold the legislative and executive branch accountable.

Article 3 Section 12, of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution provides that “[e]very meeting of a committee . . . held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committees shall be open to the public.” 

The 8 citizen plaintiffs: Former state Sen. Laura Acasio, Kaʻapunialiʻiona Lanikiʻekiʻe Kanaloa Aiwohi, Sergio Josephus Alcubilla III, Tanya Aynessazian, Douglas L. Cobeen, Karen K. Cobeen, Michaela Ilikeamoana Ikeuchi, and Robert Hale Pahia – deserve a huge MAHALO from all of us.

Mahalo plenty as well to the amazing legal team of attorneys Bianca Isaki and Lance Collins. They took on this case well over a year ago, and have donated hundreds of hours of research and legal consultation.

On May 29th they presented arguments to the court that were succinct, articulate, and on point.

Judge Ashford listened intently to both sides, asked relevant questions, and then announced his decision two days later.

None of this would have been possible without the help of hundreds of regular people who showed up to help pay via the GoFundMe account, for the unavoidable basic legal expenses incurred over the past 18 months.

Yes. We, collectively, our local democracy won, and won big.

It’s hard to refrain from screaming out loud, doing major fist bumps into the sky, and going into happy dance mode on top the nearest table.

I remember clearly when this issue first came to a breaking point. It was January 17th, 2025. The passing of the House Rules was on the House agenda for floor discussion and vote.

Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto was the only Representative out of all 51 members who voted No and cited the lack of public participation in the process.

I watched the entire sad spectacle live from my home and kept waiting for other Representatives to raise their hands, and join Rep. Iwamoto in voting No.

But no one did. Most just sat in silence. Some fumbled through words obviously attempting to appease both House Leadership and those citizens hoping for genuine rules reform and a transparent process.

It’s not easy being the only No vote. Please reach out and let Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto know how thankful we are that she’s there and willing to stand up for transparency, citizen involvement, and following the constitution. repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

What happens next?

Will House Speaker and Kaua’i Representative Nadine Nakamura offer an apology to the 8 citizen plaintiffs, acknowledge the validity of Judge Ashford’s decision, and suggest the House reimburse the plaintiffs legal expenses?

Will she instruct House members to follow the constitution and only conduct committee decision-making discussions during a public meeting, that has been properly “noticed”?

Or will she attempt to dismiss Judge Ashford’s ruling, assert the legislative branch doesn’t have to follow the courts direction, and appeal the ruling to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court?

Will she attempt to “run out the clock”, delay actions that require committee members to make decisions in public, and drive up the future and ongoing legal bills for the plaintiffs?

The answer: She will take whatever action a majority of House Members decide is appropriate and necessary.

Which means that citizens who care about this issue must call and email their District Representative and demand that they do the right thing – Apologize to the plaintiffs, reimburse their legal expenses, and follow the judges ruling by ensuring ALL Committees conduct decision-making in PUBLIC.

If a majority of House Representatives (26 members) demand that Speaker Nakamura and House Leadership take these actions – then it will happen.

If not, the full-throated fight for transparency, open government, and full public participation, will continue into the coming election season AND inevitably into the 2027 legislative session.

You can be sure every single committee of the House and Senate will be under close scrutiny in the future to ensure the constitution is followed.

Please join me in making it so.

Call and email YOUR District Representative TODAY and ask them to do the right thing. Keep all communication polite and professional please. AND please help with the GoFundMe campaign which is still about $5,000 short of meeting its goal.These funds are needed to pay legal expenses leading up to this court decision and big win for the community. None of the funds raised go directly to the Plaintiffs.

For specifics and background read Secret meetings in secret rooms making secrets decisions

Note: I first wrote about this constitutional provision in 2017, Hawaiʻi State Senate and House regularly violate the State Constitution – or not? And so yes…it feels good to be proven right even if it has taken 9 years to get here.

The Democratic Party of Hawai’i meets on May 29th and 30th at the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel Village – to choose a new Party Chair.

Two candidates will be on the ballot, one of whom has refused to publicly declare his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In my house, this is nonnegotiable.

My daughter who has always been wise beyond her years, told me once, “Dad, there are some things, you just cannot agree to disagree on.”

For me, equal treatment of all people is one of those things.

The Stonewall Caucus is the official Hawai’i Democratic Party Caucus representing the LGBTQ+ community.

The Stonewall Caucus AND the Women’s Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i sent both candidates running for election to be Democratic Party Chair, a “Pledge to Protect and Respect Every Member of Our Community”.

The pledge affirms support for LGBTQ+ equality, transgender rights, marriage equality, diversity, inclusion, and the dignity of every member of our community.

Only one candidate signed that pledge.

That candidate is Tina Marie Even.

The other candidate, Makai Freitas, is unwilling to sign this pledge, AND did not participate in a “candidate forum” cohosted by all the party caucus’s – Stonewall, Education, Kūpūna, Labor, Veterans, Women’s, Environmental, and Hawaiian Affairs Caucuses and the Young Democrats of Hawai’i.

He could have used the forum to explain his position on this and other important issues, but chose not to participate even when offered alternative dates.

I guess by now you know who I’m supporting.

Though I’m not a Delegate and thus will not be casting a vote at the upcoming convention, I will exercise my right to speak out as a member of the Democratic Party, and as a former Party Vice Chair – in support of Tina Marie Even.

It is my understanding that Mr. Freitas has also been selected by Governor Josh Green to serve on the University of Hawai’i Board of Regents.

Mr. Freitas is no doubt qualified to serve as a U.H. Regent and/or as Democratic Party Chair – EXCEPT that his unwillingness to pledge his support for LGBTQ+ equality seems an untenable position for anyone seeking either or both leadership positions.

It’s unfathomable to me, how Hawai’i Democrats could possibly even think about electing someone to lead the Party who is not an open and enthusiastic supporter of LBGTQ+ rights.

As a member of the Party for the past 30 years, I find this disheartening at best.

Yes, of course there are many issues of importance such as the rights of labor, environmental protection, homelessness, public education, climate change, energy independence, the proposal to make Hawai’i the hub of weapons manufacturing in the Pacific, criminal justice reform, healthcare, etc.

Some of these are also nonnegotiable, and on some we can agree to disagree on various aspects and language nuance.

You could argue it’s impossible to find a candidate that’s “good” on every issue.

Yes, you could argue that and my response would be, BS.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are NON-NEGOTIABLE.

The Democratic Party has already slid way too far away from it’s core values, down the path of “corporatism”, where the guy, or the idea, or the proposal, or the bill – with the most money gets the support and attention.

I’m not interested in being a member of a Party of corporatists, who call themselves centrists, and cloak themselves as Democrats.

I’m looking for a Party Chair who will shout our values from the roof-tops, and who is proud to tell the world of their support of diversity, equity, inclusion, for the LBGTQ+ community and EVERYONE.

After speaking with many in the community who know her personally and have worked with her extensively, I have come to the conclusion that Tina Marie Even is that person and much more.

It is clear from her track record and her daily actions, that she not only believes deeply in our core values, but she SHOWS UP, communicates well, and is a tireless and effective organizer.

I’m hopeful that Delegates attending the upcoming Party Convention will think long and hard about the decision before them, and cast their vote for Tina Marie Even.

Gary Hooser
This is the sign I proudly display in front of my house.

“Who is this guy Gary Hooser and why is he emailing me?”

Excellent question, and I’ll jump right to it 😉

Probably my biggest claim to fame (besides having 4 beautiful grandchildren) is that I formerly served as a Hawaiʻi State Senator/Majority Leader (2002-2010). For those who want to dig deep, a full resume

If you’re interested in the “back story” you might enjoy this 700 word missive about how Claudette dragged me off the streets of Waikīkī…and my subsequent 20 year journey from pedi-cab driver to small business owner, to Councilmember, to State Senator.

The historical figures who’ve greatly influenced my world view, range from revolutionary leaders such Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, to writers such as Norman Vincent Peale (The Power of Positive Thinking).

The words and music of Bob Dylan are embedded in my psyche, and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is always there to remind me about what a wonderful world we live in.

To stay healthy (mind, body, and spirit), I walk 6 miles a day (weather permitting).

My core values revolve around the premise that “We’re all in this together”.

I spend almost every day of my life thinking, writing, and working with others across all the islands – trying to help make our planet and community a better place.

Which is why I’m emailing you (and blogging the message also).

The United States of America is going to hell in a hand-basket.

The world seem perpetually on the edge of blowing up.

President Donald Trump, is clearly cognitively challenged and surrounded by supplicants and enablers, collectively drunk on their insatiable lust for power.

Here at home, hard-working local residents cannot afford the basics.

We have thousands of people living under bridges, on the streets, and in the bushes. I posted this 700 word piece in my blog a few months ago and the reader response was overwhelming “No Room At The Inn”

Our dependency on imported oil and food is a disaster waiting to happen.

Now, believe it or not, the “Military wants Hawaiʻi to be a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing” – I describe the plan and consequences here “Can’t make this stuff up. And it’s sickening”.

Meanwhile we have State legislators meeting in secret rooms, cutting secret deals, and going to jail for bribery. Fortunately we have 8 brave citizen plaintiffs taking the issue and State House of Representatives to court – but they need your GOFUNDME help.

Note: Several of you, my friends who read this blog…several of you have already given generously to support these 8 plaintiffs and help pay their legal expenses — but to meet the goal of having all their expenses paid in full prior to their upcoming court hearing on the 27th…they still need to raise about $5,000 more…Please help if you can before that key date, with a contribution of any amount…no matter how small.

Our world is in a tumultuous and dangerous place, and it will only get better when we, the people, roll up our sleeves, and do the work to make it so.

I know it sounds corny, but it’s the truth.

This is why I’m emailing/blogging you, and will continue reaching out to you.

My writing/missives/rants are normally limited to 700 words. I encourage folks to “think globally while acting locally” and always provide tangible and specific ways you can help make a difference.

I strive to educate AND I always include a “call to action” AND offer specific guidance on how to do so for those new to the world of policy and politics.

No one pays me to do this, and I am not running for election.

I work for no organization, I am selling no products or services.

This is a labor of love and my only objective is to make a positive difference.

I’m hoping you will join me. If for whatever reason you’re not interested, you’re welcome to unsubscribe here and I’ll not bother you further.

We are still all in this together – of this I am 100% certain.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

Today I’m including these three specific calls to action.

1) Nadia Alves is running for election to represent Chinatown, Iwilei, and Sand Island in the State House of Representatives, District 28 – I’ve known and worked with Nadia on many issues over the years and know without a doubt that all Hawaiʻi will be well served by her election. REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU LIVE – please help Nadia Alves via a donation if you can.

2) I know it’s last minute, but if you live in Honolulu – check out this joint fundraiser “Dim Sum” event with Nadia Alves, Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, and others – TONIGHT 05/23 Saturday, 6:30pm at Native Books – Arts & Letters Nuuanu 1164 Nuuanu Ave. Honolulu – Looks to me like a fun event and great opportunity to connect with multiple candidates AND to network with likeminded friends and allies.

3) Read Secret Meetings In Secret Rooms Making Secrets Decisions and then support the 8 Citizen Plaintiffs who have taken the State House of Representatives to court demanding that they follow the State Constitution. Their GoFundMe goal is to raise $1,000 per day over the next 5 days. Please help – 10 people a day giving $100, or 20 giving $50 – there’s many ways to make the math work. Please give what you can before 05/27!

*I apologize in advance for not always getting my apostrophe’s and grammar and punctuation all just right – too often, like today…I’m just racing to get the message out 🙂

I’ll never forget my favorite uncle telling me shortly after my first successful election in a rather blunt kind of way, “Congratulations on your election, I hope you don’t turn out like all the rest.”

Wow. In one short sentence, he says what 80% of people are thinking.

All politicians are crooks.

From that moment on, I redoubled my commitment to make my family proud and prove my favorite uncle wrong.

And it’s not true of course. All politicians are not crooks.

The great majority of those serving in public office, in my experience, are good human beings just trying to do their job.

But yes, all politicians, including of course your’s truly, without a doubt are imperfect.

As evidenced by almost daily headlines, some take cash bribes stuffed into paper bags. Other’s load up their campaign coffers by soliciting contributions from special interests. Still others exercise their corruption by standing on the sidelines, doing nothing, and looking the other way.

When the doors are closed, nobody is watching, and lawmakers can work in secret to manipulate legislation and state taxpayer funding to help their friends – bad things are gonna happen.

Of that we can be sure.

This is where you, the average citizen on the street comes in.

To keep our democracy, our government and our politicians “on track” two things are essential – YOUR participation and SUNSHINE.

Which brings me back to the title and purpose of today’s column.

The Hawai’i Constitution says unequivocally that state legislative committees (where all the lawmaking occurs) must conduct their decision making in public.

Unfortunately the majority of legislative committees are making a mockery of this constitutional requirement and the vast majority of committee decisions are made behind closed doors.

To stop the corruption, we must stop the backroom meetings, and insist that lawmakers follow the constitution.

The decision as to whether or not a legislative committee will even hold a hearing on a bill is made in secret. The public has no clue as to how, why, or even when this decision is made.

For bills that do receive a public hearing, the ultimate decision by the committee to pass, defer, or amend a bill is also made in private, and then later announced in public.

As part of the decision-making process, the committee chair meets with and discusses the bills in private, with various committee members, staff, and influential “stakeholders”.

This process does not come even close to meeting the requirements of Article 3 Section 12, paragraph 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution which states, “Every meeting of a committee in either house or of a committee comprised of a member or members from both houses held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

So, what are we going to do about it?

Fortunately for us, 8 citizen plaintiffs decided they’re not going to take it anymore and filed a lawsuit against the House of Representatives in early 2025 – Acasio, Aiwohi, Alcubilla, Aynessazian, Cobeen, Cobeen, Pahia and Ikeuchi v House of Representatives.

The core argument before the court is based on the fact that at the start of the 2025 legislative session, the State House of Representatives convened the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure which then conducted 100% of its deliberations and decision-making in total secrecy.

This official House committee held no public meetings whatsoever yet “made decisions on matters referred to their committee”.

After fighting this in court for over a year, on May 27 these 8 citizen plaintiffs went before a judge and won!

Important end note: Two or more people communicating with each other (in person, via phone, text, email, zoom) is a meeting. A meeting may be held “in-person” or “on-line” and may be conducted as a “serial meeting” where participants are not all in the same “room” together at the same time.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN HELPING THEM FUND THEIR LEGAL EXPENSES via GoFundMe – THEY NEED TO RAISE $5,000 MORE TO REACH THEIR GOAL AND CATCH UP ON ALL OF THEIR LEGAL EXPENSES.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – SHOW THESE 8 CITIZEN PLAINTIFFS HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEM. AND GIVE WHATEVER YOU CAN TODAY!

Screenshot

Because you took action, made the phone call, sent the email, showed up to testify, and kept pressing hard all the way through – SB2471 has been passed into law!

Now known as Act 011, it restricts certain political spending in Hawaiʻi by corporations and other “artificial persons”, helping move our state closer to a democracy where political power belongs to people, not corporate bank accounts and “Citizens United”.

To be clear, this is a very big deal, politically earthshaking, and making news across the country. See this Associated Press (AP) article “New Hawaii law targets corporate influence in politics after Citizens United ruling”.

Yes of course it will be taken to court by the Big Money guys. But smart lawyers from across the country believe SB2471/Act011 will withstand judicial challenge.

Read this excellent overview by Aria Juliet Castillo, the Reclaiming Democracy Program Director for HAPA – “Major Win! Governor Green Signs Historic Corporate Money Reform Into Law”.

This would not have happened without the active involvement of regular citizens like yourself, making those calls, sending the emails, and showing up to testify.

Aria Juliet Castillo and I will be digging deep into SB2471 now Act 011, on our video/podcast Policy + Politics this coming Monday May 18 at 5pm. We will be live on YouTube and Facebook discussing this legislative milestone – other “post session” topics – and of course “next steps”!

Take a moment now to pat yourself on the back, and high-five a friend and ally.

Take another moment to reach out and thank those legislators responsible for pushing SB2471 through the process, and the governor who signed it into law.

Now before we turn to the next action:
Go outside, smell the plumeria, listen to Brother Iz, and recharge.
Take some time for yourself.

Then, mark your calendar for May 27, 2026, at 9:00am and join the 8 citizen plaintiffs in Acasio V House of Representatives in Honolulu as they seek a motion for summary judgment at the First Judicial Circuit, Tenth Division at Ka`ahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, 4th Floor, Courtroom 17 –

I’ll be there and hoping we can fill the room in quiet respectful support of the 8 plaintiffs – who are fighting this court battle on our behalf.

The core issue is simple and straightforward.

The State legislature should follow the State Constitution and STOP making committee decisions in secret meetings behind closed doors.

Article III of the Hawaii State Constitution explicitly states, “Every meeting of a committee in either house … held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

The argument before the court on May 27th is based on the fact that when convened during the start of the 2025 legislative session, the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure conducted 100% of its deliberations and decision making in total secrecy. The committee did not hold any public meetings whatsoever.

For background, read this StarBulletin piece I’ve pasted in my blog (so there’s no paywall) and linked here: Acasio, Aiwohi, Alcubilla, Aynessazian, Cobeen, Cobeen, Pahia and Ikeuchi v. House of Representatives

Please show up if you can to support these 8 citizen champions.

Regardless of where you live, please also chip in and help with the legal expenses.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – Go to the their GoFundMe site and give something – 100 people donating $100 apiece would bring them current with all outstanding expenses as they enter into this critical “down the home stretch” phase of the legal journey.

Whether it’s $100, or $50, or $20 – or whatever you can afford and feel good about giving – PLEASE help. The GoFundMe site makes it very easy.

Mahalo plenty for taking action on SB2471 AND for helping the 8 citizen plaintiffs.

Your help and involvement – matters.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser

How did I meet Claudette, and how did we end up making Kauaʻi our home?

And how and why in the world did I get into politics?

Funny you should ask. 😉

It was 46 years ago, on May 17, when I fell in love with and married a beautiful young South African woman by the name of Claudette Comrie.
 
We had met just months before in front of the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikīkī.

She was literally just getting off the bus coming from the airport on her first-ever trip to Hawaiʻi.
 
My occupation at the time was driving a pedicab, peddling tourists around, and in general acting as a local tour guide. It was early evening and I was waiting in front of the hotel, soliciting rides from the arriving travelers when she disembarked from the bus.

While her first response to my pedicab ride solicitation was an emphatic “no”, later when by chance I ran into her again and asked her a second time, she said, “maybe later.”

As the reader of this missive has by now figured out “later” came soon enough, my lovely South African bride-to-be climbed onto my humble pedicab, I took her on a tour of Waikīkī, we had a whirlwind romance, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Neither of us of course knew what the future would hold.
 
We had known each other for less than 6 months when we were married in South Africa at Durban’s Old Fort Chapel. We spent several months (and all of our money) backpacking around Southern Europe and Israel.

We were broke, unemployed, and in love – without a clue as to what was coming next.

I called a former employer, who then offered me a job managing the Fernandez Fun Factory in the Waipouli Shopping Center on the east side of Kauaʻi.

We rented a unit at the Pono Kai where I walked back and forth to work until that first paycheck allowed me to buy an old Buick.

Kauaʻi was now our home. Our children and our grandchildren would be born here. Ultimately, our ashes will be scattered here as well.

We were broke, but with a lot of hope.

A year or so later I started with a partner, Reef Cleaning and Maintenance, then came Bali Ha’i Realty and Waiʻoli Properties, and eventually a small publishing business “Kauaʻi Business and Real Estate Magazine” and “Kauaʻi Magazine”.

I learned from the diverse experiences, and grew personally and professionally.

Claudette got a job working the front desk at Pono Kai and eventually with United Airlines in Līhuʻe.

I developed a love for writing and in the early 1990’s penned a missive entitled “I don’t want to be Donald Trump Anymore.”

I’m not making this stuff up. I was in the real estate business and Donald Trump was a real estate tycoon who had written “The Art Of The Deal”.

Claudette and I were able to purchase our first home (a “no money down” fixer-upper), we drove a nice car (Jeep Cherokee), and had two beautiful children (a boy and a girl).

I found myself thinking, I don’t need a bigger house or nicer car.

I was comfortable, happy, but still seeking greater challenges. I still had bills to pay on the 1st and the 15th like everyone else, but no longer yearned to chase the almighty dollar.

Don’t get me wrong, I was raised on Norman Vincent Peale and “The power of positive thinking.”

I believed then, as I believe now, that each of us has unlimited potential and we can reach whatever goal we set our sights on.

Claudette and I have traveled the world and experienced places and events many only read and dream about. My work in public service has been incredibly fulfilling and I know Claudette greatly enjoyed the career she chose with United Airlines (and has since retired from).

There’ve been very high peaks, deep valleys, and occasionally times of great stress, but the journey has been truly extraordinary.

We look now towards the coming day, the journey ahead, the accomplishments yet to be achieved, and the mysteries yet to be revealed.

Imua!

Note: Here’s another “Fun Fact” about my history “before politics”…Note…these snippets are intended to ultimately be “chapters” and so…undergo editing now and again…consequently…this is a work in progress and the “flow” does not always “flow” 😉

And here is a piece about “before” I met Claudette and how “It all started in Weedpatch”