GaryHooser's Blog

Did your telephone call and email to WAM on the MACRO issue make a difference?

I think so.

Actually I know so.

Mahalo plenty to each and every one of you for taking the time to show up, make the calls, send the emails, and share/like the blog/FB posts.

Many of you posted follow-up comments about the response your phone calls to WAM members generated. It seems clear that most of the staff who took the calls, and their bosses, were not aware that the State budget was funding MACRO.

But of course now they are. Because YOU took the time to call, this issue has been dragged from the shadows into the SUNSHINE.

The MACRO issue was in fact raised out loud in the HB1800 state budget WAM meeting.

In fact, this was the ONLY issue raised by committee members.

For 13 seconds or so it seemed this important topic might actually be discussed in public at a public meeting (as required by the State Constitution) when several members of the committee said on record, “What about MACRO?” and “ MACRO, all the emails we have been getting!”.

The Chair quickly shut this conversation down, called a recess, turned off the cameras and sound, and consulted privately (secretly) with the members.

Sorry about the acronyms.

The State Senate committee on Ways and Means (WAM), manages issues related to the state budget (HB1800).

The Hawaiʻi Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) is a state office/agency funded with $8 million from the U.S. Department of Defense/War. MACRO’s mission/purpose is focused on PR efforts intended to manage “public sentiment” in support of expanding the military footprint and weapons manufacturing industry in Hawaiʻi.

MACRO also seeks access to public school students in grades K-12 as part of their efforts to fill the “jobs pipeline”required by the planned military expansion.

WAM/MACRO issue very brief – MACRO was entirely funded by the federal government until recently when state funding was quietly channeled to them via the State budget.

The community (you) first became aware of MACRO’s efforts to seek state funding two months ago via SB3240 that sought $1.3 million. The word got out, testimony flowed in, people showed up, and the House Public Safety Committee heard you loud and clear – and killed the bill.

Then it was discovered that in addition to the $8 million in federal funding, PLUS the requested $1.3 million state taxpayer funds contained in SB3240, the Hawaiʻi state budget ALREADY included “$650,000 in both fiscal years for the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO)” – Maui Now, March 6, 2025.

According to reliable sources, these funds were “inserted” (without any public notice or discussion) into the State budget by the House during the 2025 legislative session.

Thus the purpose of the community calls/emails was to inform WAM committee members that using state taxpayer funds to pay for federal department of defense PR efforts is not ok, AND the great majority of us are vehemently opposed to the plan as reported in the Honolulu StarAdvertiser, “Military wants Hawaiʻi to be a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing”

Seriously, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, And It’s Sickening”.

While it is remains unclear what exactly happened during the secret, “off the public record” (and unconstitutional), portion of the WAM meeting held on April 8th – it’s absolutely clear that legislators are NOW far more aware AND more sensitive to the issues surrounding MACRO and the future of weapons manufacturing in Hawaiʻi.

In short, our growing effort to pull back the curtain is working.

The telephone calls and emails are making a difference.

Let’s double-down, and share the message far and wide.

No state taxpayer dollars should go to support MACRO.

The federal governments mission of making Hawaiʻi the center of weapons manufacturing in the Pacific – is unacceptable.

Stop this insanity and instead build a future we can be proud of.

Aloha,

The rain just keeps coming. 
Fortunately, my ʻohana in Wailua Homesteads on Kauaʻi has escaped major damage, but the recent and ongoing storms have hit some of our friends and neighbors pretty hard.

Seems a metaphor for the planet right now.

We can all feel it. Some are being devastated and losing everything. For others it’s just breaking news, a minor inconvenience that interrupts our normal, safe, and comfortable routine – but not really a big deal at all.

And yes, we must take care of our own home first, but we must reach out also to help our neighbors.

Whether they live down the street, on another island, or across the globe – we are all in this together. And like “the star fish story” — as individuals we may not be able to save or help everyone, but working together we can make a huge difference in the lives of some, perhaps many – maybe even all.

We’re all in this together and we all gotta help each other.

Sounds corny, but it’s the answer.

Those with more, gotta help more – but we all gotta do what we can.

When we unite in purpose and effort, when we show up together – we can improve the lives of every single star fish on that beach.

I’ve spent the past 30 years of my life working in the area of policy and politics.

My experience includes serving as a Hawaiʻi State Senator, a Council Member, and Director of the State Office of Environmental Quality Control OEQC).

I also served as Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and been involved with and helped start nonprofit advocacy organizations, with the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) being the most notable.

Prior to politics, I was in small business, direct sales, construction, truck driver, dishwasher, and paper boy. In 1979 I was driving a pedicab in Waikiki. Actually, if you are interested – It All Started In Weedpatch. 

At this particular moment in time, I’m just me. I hold no official or formal affiliation with any organization. Lots of friends, allies and extended ʻohana but my work and actions are driven, managed, and supported by just me – yours truly.

Yes, I get help from good hearted and talented people, who assist in many ways. And yes, occasionally I’ll receive a surprise gift in my Venmo account that I immediately regift to others in support of upgrading my technical capacity.

But basically I’m just a tūtū man, living in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, seeking to seize the moment, speak truth to power, make good trouble, and help make our world a better place.

I write my weekly garyhooser.blog, TGI column, send my email, and post on social media – to share what I’ve learned over the years and help others who also have that burning desire to make a positive difference in the world around us.

If you want to help – please share with friends my Blog and FaceBook posts you deem worthy. – “likes and shares” help drive FB algorithms and increase visibility. If you’re not already on my list, please consider subscribing at http://www.garyhooser.com

Thinking globally and acting locally is fundamental.

What I truly need to ask of you today is to “up your game” ;-).

If you’re already active in the world of political advocacy, I ask that you show up both virtually, and in person – even more.

If you are not actively involved now, I ask that you move past the doom scrolling and giving advice from the sidelines. Please take that next step and actually submit testimony, make the calls, and send those emails.

Thank you so much for caring.
I know you would not have read this far if you didn’t care.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

In case you’re interested here are three things I’ve written recently that have resonated with many –

Is WAM meeting in secret on MACRO issue in violation of the State Constitution?

No Room At The Inn

Shajareh Tayyebeh, Say The Name

I’d like to invite – no, I’d like to BEG attorneys, law students, and constitutional scholars to tell me I’m wrong about this – or not.

See for yourselves; it’s all on video.

The April 8th public meeting regarding HB1800, the state budget bill, begins at the :24:17 mark.

At :25:01, Senate Ways and Means (WAM) chair Donovan Dela Cruz says, “The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Any discussion?”

Six seconds later, a committee member says, “The MACRO issue… the one we’ve been getting emails on…”

Another committee member responds, “Oh, yeah, the MACRO issue!”

The Chair says, “Okay, recess.”

And suddenly everything STOPS.

For 13 seconds, “the MACRO issue” is seemingly on the table for public discussion.

Then? Nothing but silence and a blank screen.

***
Exactly what was discussed during the 55-second private conversation between Chairman Dela Cruz and committee members?

We’ll never know.

At :26:15 Chairman Dela Cruz reconvened the public meeting. The image and sound came back online.

He reviewed the budget, recommended passing HB1800 with amendments, and called for the vote, which was unanimous in support.

There was NO mention of MACRO.

Not one committee member asked any further questions about MACRO or said anything at all about its impact on the budget.

No member said anything, about anything.

At :43:45, the meeting was adjourned.

Incidentally, in the days before this hearing, the public had been calling and emailing WAM committee members incessantly, sharing opposition and concerns about the funding of MACRO operations.

Article III, Section 12, Paragraph 3 of the Hawaii Constitution 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.”

The facts are indisputable:

1) On April 8th, the WAM committee held a meeting for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to it.
2) During that meeting, the committee Chair excluded the public by calling a recess.
3) During that recess, committee members and Chair discussed in private the topic of MACRO (a state office/agency) and potential budget decision-making implications.
4) When the meeting was reconvened, the Chair publicly announced the decisions made. However, all conversations around MACRO, and the actual process of decision-making for the entire budget, were held in discussions that were NOT open to the public.

Incidentally, a previous “public decision-making” meeting was held by WAM on March 3rd for SB3240, a bill that ALSO contains MACRO and potential state budget implications.

Like the decision-making for HB1800, the entire decision-making for SB3240 was conducted in private.

Watch this bill fly through on YouTube (at the :24:52 mark), after the Chair says, “The recommendation is to pass unamended. Any discussion?”

There was NO discussion; there were no questions. The committee members were again, totally silent.

The vote was called with all 12 committee members present voting in support of SB3240.

How is it possible to make a decision without any discussion?

Is the Chair a mindreader? Had every committee member already decided how to vote on this bill before the meeting started – without ever meeting with the Chair or other members to discuss it?

Of course not.

Before the public meeting, the Chair HAD to have discussed various options in private conversations (in-person or virtual) with committee members.

And then, at the public meeting, he announced the decision made in those private discussions — in clear violation of our State Constitution.

Though this matter is similar to that being litigated by eight citizen plaintiffs in Acasio v. House of Representatives, there are important distinctions.

In the Acasio case, the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure met and made decisions without any public meetings whatsoever, not even fake ones.

In both SB3240 and HB1800, however, WAM went through the charade of holding a public meeting — but every single word of the committee’s actual decision-making discussions occurred behind closed doors.

Why must regular citizens be forced to go to court just to make our lawmakers follow the Constitution?

Why are our lawmakers breaking the law???

Please join me in supporting the eight citizen plaintiffs in Acasio v. House of Representatives – and give to their GoFundMe account as a way of saying THANK YOU for representing all of us in our ongoing quest for sunshine and accountability.

Gary Hooser

Both literally and figuratively, we wait daily for the next bomb to drop.

The United States government is like a demented circus show, providing live, onstage, non-stop world entertainment with dark and deadly consequences.

The President, without question, has crossed over from predictably unpredictable to maniacal madman.

He’s surrounded by enablers who bend at the knee, kiss his ring, and thank him for his wisdom (and stock tips).

We have a Secretary of War who believes the job of the military is to “kill people and break things.” He believes that rules of engagement, compliant with international law and designed to prevent civilian deaths, war crimes, and the escalation of violence, are for weaklings and losers.

Under the guise of pragmatism, jobs, and economic development, our state leaders are rushing to capture the money that comes from selling one’s soul to the devil.

Please read “Military wants Hawaiʻi to be a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing” in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (and if you are interested in my thoughts, read “Can’t Make This Stuff Up, And It’s Sickening” at garyhooser.blog).

Owners and major shareholders of Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon), and General Dynamics are laughing all the way to the bank.

Every bomb dropped, and every missile fired, means more profits for arms manufacturers, and more jobs and more “economic development” in the towns, cities, and states where they are located.

Many at the top of the military, business, and government economic development food chain want to ensure that Hawaiʻi doesn’t miss out on all of that money.

Consequently, they insist that Hawaiʻi must become the center of Pacific arms manufacturing, so that local families can benefit financially from death and destruction, too.

Our state government has actually established an agency whose mission is to convince you this is a good thing. It’s called the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO), and it’s part of the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

MACRO’s mission is basically that of a public relations office responsible for evaluating and managing “public sentiment” in support of U.S. military operations in Hawaiʻi, and supporting a pipeline of workers and small businesses for the defense industry.

Leadership at MACRO has stated publicly: “We are not recruiting for the military, and we do not work directly for the Department of Defense.”

However, MACRO’s top staff includes a U.S. Navy officer. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense has provided MACRO with over $8 million in start-up funding (via DEBDT).

According to DBEDT, MACRO’s mission and goals include…”implementing education and training programs aligned with defense industry needs… [and] train or engage at least 500 students statewide through STEM, Cyber, and Trades programs aligned with defense industry workforce needs.”

While we can parse the words, MACRO is clearly working in alignment to fulfill the needs of the Department of Defense. Clearly, a key part of its mission is to train/groom/recruit people for military and weapons manufacturing-related jobs.

In addition to the federal funding, Hawai’i’s state budget also included “$650,000 in both fiscal years for the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO)” (Maui Now, March 6, 2025). According to reliable sources, these funds were “inserted” into the State budget by the House during the 2025 legislative session.

And just recently, via SB3240 and HB2235, MACRO sought another $1,300,000 for the same purposes. Fortunately, in my opinion, both bills died in the House.

My message today: We must honor and respect our men and women in uniform serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, but we also MUST resist the siren’s call of the money, jobs, and economic development that are promised with a buildup of military operations here in the islands.

We CAN do better. We can teach our children about the importance of mutual respect, negotiation, de-escalation and conflict resolution.

We can focus on diversifying our economy, starting with food and energy independence, healthcare, and education.

Please join me in reminding our government leaders that we live in a community grounded in the core values of aloha. We must honor those values, and resist selling out to the highest bidders.

There is no better day than TODAY to send a message to our leaders in State government, especially those who sit on the State Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM).

My own message to them, is simple and straightforward. Please add, edit, embellish, or whatever – JUST SEND OUT AN EMAIL AND/OR MAKE THE TELEPHONE CALL!

“RE: With all due respect I ask that you say “NO” to the use of State taxpayer funds in support of MACRO, NO to spending our local tax dollars to support the expansion of the defense industry footprint in our islands, and NO to the twisted vision of Hawai’i becoming the center of weapons development in the Pacific.”

An email and/telephone call to all WAM members is needed NOW, today April 8th and this morning if possible.

sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov, senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov, sendecoite@capitol.hawaii.gov, senelefante@capitol.hawaii.gov, senhashimoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov, senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov, senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov, senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov, senlee@capitol.hawaii.gov, senrichards@capitol.hawaii.gov, senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov, senfevella@capitol.hawaii.gov

Chair Senator Donovan Dela Cruz
808-586-6090
sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov

Vice Chair Senator Sharon Moriwaki
808-586-6740
senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Lynn Pualani DeCoite
808-587-7225
sendecoite@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Brandon Elefante
808-586-6230
senelefante@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Troy Hashimoto
808-586-7344
senhashimoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Lorraine R. Inouye
808-586-7335
seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha
808-586-9385
senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Michelle Kidani
808-586-7100
senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Donna Kim
808-587-7200
senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Chris Lee
808-587-8388
senlee@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards
808-586-6760
senrichards@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Glenn Wakai
808-586-8585
senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Kurt Fevella
808-586-6360
senfevella@capitol.hawaii.gov

I’m not sure if you were able to make it or not, but the “No Dictators” gatherings held Saturday were an awesome example of our collective community “showing up”.

I went home that evening and wrote, “The key to winning is showing up.”

When we fill the room, we win.

In the 30 years I’ve been involved in government and politics, I’ve seen it happen over and over again.

When we fill the room — whether physically or virtually — WE WIN.

Your emails, phone calls, and testimony MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your social media posts, and your likes and shares informing and encouraging friends to do the same, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Our world is teetering on the edge.

So, I gotta ask you today to show up again and submit a single testimony and send off that email. Please. Now. Today. No later than the end of the day tomorrow March 31.

If only 10% of the people who showed up Saturday would submit testimony on HB1800 (the state budget) to the State Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee – it would without question make a difference.

Regardless of the island you call home, EVERYONE please take a moment and tell the Chair of WAM and Committee Members to support those areas of public life at the top of your priority list (education, healthcare, environmental protection etc) AND ask them also to support funding for good governance initiatives and publicly funded elections.

They may tell you “It’s too late” or “You missed the deadline”.

Please remind them that THEY MAKE THE RULES AND if needed THEY CAN CHANGE THE RULES – bills can be re-referred, the deadlines can be amended, and the session if necessary extended.

AND when they tell you there’s no money, what they’re really saying is that it’s not a priority.

Please also ask WAM committee members to oppose funding the State’s Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO). Though SB3240 and related bills were already soundly defeated, word on the street is that WAM will try to include funding for them in the state budget anyway.

Big Island Residents: Please also reach out to House Finance Chair Representative Chris Todd – 808-586-6200 reptodd@capitol.hawaii.gov

Ask him to support a STRONG SB2530 that will end or dramatically reduce “pay to play” and the corruption that goes along with it.

Read this excellent Civil Beat Essay on the topic: The House Finance Committee Is Now Key To Pay-To-Play Reform By Aria Juliet Castillo

Let Rep. Todd know you are a resident of the Big Island and that you are counting on him to do the right thing.

Big Island folks, please step up a little bit more today and also contact House Judiciary Chair Representative David Tarnas 808-586-8510 reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov

Ask Rep Tarnas to schedule SB2471 which addresses the Citizens United SuperPac issue.

Please also ask Rep Tarnas to give members of the House an opportunity to vote Yay or Nay on SB2313 (comprehensive public funding of campaigns).

The funds are available for this long overdue election reform measure. The implementation can be phased in over time if needed. IF the legislature deems it a priority, comprehensive public funding of campaigns can become a reality. The Senate has already voted unanimously in support. The people deserve to know how their individual Representatives will vote, and not hide behind the cover of Rep. Tarnas.

If you’re a resident of the Big Island, your calls and emails to Rep. Tarnas and Rep. Todd – are hugely important. Please of course keep them courteous and professional.

When calling and emailing, please also consider including: “The courtesy of a reply stating your position on this issue would be greatly appreciated.”

Finally, last but certainly not least – I’m asking my friends on Kauai to reach out and send an email to our County Council in support of increased funding for our neighbors and family who are homeless, living in their cars, under bridges, at the beach, and along side the road.

A message sent to councilmembers@kauai.gov will go to ALL Councilmembers.

I’ve written more about the issue here on my blog: To Kauaʻi friends who care about the homeless and would like to do something to help.

PLEASE TO EVERYONE ON EVERY ISLAND – SUBMIT TESTIMONY TO WAM & BIG ISLAND RESIDENTS CONTACT REP. TODD AND REP. TARNAS & KAUAI RESIDENTS CONTACT ALL COUNCILMEMBERS

TODAY IF POSSIBLE
NO LATER THAN 6PM TOMORROW TUESDAY MARCH 31 – TESTIMONY, TELEPHONE, AND EMAIL!

When we fill the room, we win.

When we show up at the ballot box and vote, we win.

In the 30 years I’ve been involved in government and politics, I’ve seen it happen over and over again.

When we fill the room — whether physically or virtually — 9 times out of 10, WE WIN.

Your emails, phone calls, and testimony MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your social media posts, and your likes and shares informing and encouraging friends to do the same, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Our world is teetering on the edge.

It’s more important than ever before that we show up.

We must show up first in our own homes, neighborhoods, and communities, and prepare for the worst.

The war and destruction in Iran will only end when it literally burns itself out.

Any long-term disruption of oil production will impact overseas shipping, air transportation, and electricity generation and ground transportation.

What happens when the barges stop coming or are delayed, and when the oil and food stop arriving weekly?

As an island community, and in our own homes, we must prepare for that.

We prepare for the worst, hope and dream for the best, and plan and work relentlessly towards the future we need and deserve.

Our all-important primary election is August 8, with a candidate filing deadline of June 2.

We must identify and support candidates at ALL levels who are proactive and willing to stand up to the Trump regime in D.C.,and to the corporatist DINO appeasers here at home.

We must, with utmost urgency, address the issue of food and energy self-sufficiency NOW, at BOTH the County and State levels.

It is more important than ever before that we elect leaders who feel that urgency, and who are willing to work and fight for permanent affordable housing, a true living wage, healthcare for all, food and energy independence, AND exposing government corruption and ending the “pay to play”.

And we MUST confront the ugliest of all the elephants in the room.

“Military wants Hawaiʻi to be a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing.” The Honolulu Star-Advertiser headline says it all.

Add to this the U.S. Army’s threats to take over the lands at Pōhakuloa by force via eminent domain, and its refusal to complete an acceptable environmental impact state (EIS) as required by Hawaiʻi law HRS343.

Stir in the poisoning of water at Red Hill, and the uncountable acres of conservation lands throughout the islands that have been abused, contaminated, and desecrated.

Now we learn that Hegseth’s Department of War has partnered with the State DBEDT and funding PR companies to manage public sentiment and pave the way in Hawaiʻi for his war machine.

We must, of course, support and honor our men and women in uniform, and we must maintain a strong defense.

However, our goal must be PEACEMAKING, not warmongering.

According to numerous studies, the United States spends nearly a trillion dollars per year, and has the highest rate of military spending of any country in the world. China comes in a distant second place with an estimated $314 billion U.S. dollars spent, with Russia in third place at around $150 billion.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

We need a U.S. Department of Peace, not a Hegseth Department of War.

Food and energy independence, ending corruption and the influence of big money in politics, and a military industrial complex that is shrinking, not growing, in our islands. THIS is what we must show up for next.

Please send a message today (see contact info) to: Governor Green, our congressional delegation and your state legislators and councilmembers and tell them all …

ENOUGH ALREADY –

Thousands of community members from across the islands are expected to join the upcoming “No Dictators Rally and Gatherings” on Saturday March 28th to mobilize against the Trump administration’s escalating abuses of power.

(I believe the below info to be accurate however I encourage all to double check via social media or google)

Kauai
Eleele Bridge (11am -12pm)
Princeville Library (11am -12pm)
Lihue Rice Street (3pm-5pm)

Oahu
10:15 AM: Peace March begins from Thomas Square Park
11:00 AM: Rally at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol
12:30 PM: Singing in Resistance performance

Peace March: Thomas Square Park
925 Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814
No Dictators Rally: Hawaiʻi State Capitol/Father Damien Statue
415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813

Protest and Food Drive
Kapolei Regional Park
11am – 1pm HST
1077 Manawai St

Maui
March and Rally
2 to 6 p.m.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center

Hawaii Island
Protest, Rally, Food Drive
11 to 1pm
Hilo Bayfront Beach Park

Kailua-Kona
4-5pm
Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy
South of Henry Street

Naalehu
12- 1:30pm
Ka’alaiki Road &
Mamalahoa Highway

Waikoloa
1 – 2pm
Sidewalk – Waikoloa Plaza

Waimea
10 – 11am
HWY 19 fronting
Ikua Purdy Monument

I’m guessing there are gatherings in Kona and other areas…but a quick search failed to show any?

Let’s send an email today that can really change lives
 
A few months ago, I wrote a column entitled “No Room At The Inn.”
 
Since writing that column, I haven’t slept well. At night, I lie awake thinking about that family living under the bridge, in the woods, in their car.
 
I spent hours on the phone recently trying to find a man and woman a place to sleep for the night. I got nothing.
 
I got nothing except disconnected numbers, voice mail, and messages from overworked social workers with good intentions, telling me to “have them come in and apply, but there’s nothing available at the moment.”
 
Since writing that column, I’ve spoken to dozens of nonprofit providers who serve the homeless community, and I’ve spoken at length with those who have “lived experience” actually being unhoused.
 
Here’s the truth: There is NO safe, dry, or legal place for an unhoused person on Kaua‘i to sleep, whether on the ground, in a tent, or in a car.
 
Yes, there are “women’s shelters” and “family houses” with a handful of rooms or beds, but normally there’s a long waiting list.
 
The upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Kaua‘i County Operating Budget is now under review by the Council.
 
The proposed budget includes $500,000 to fund qualified nonprofit organizations that submit grant applications for services, outreach, emergency shelters and related items for unhoused people.
 
The budget for these items for the previous year: $500,000.
 
The County actually received grant applications from various nonprofits totaling approximately $1.7 million. That’s $1.2 million more than was available in the budget.
 
Without question, there’s a critical lack of emergency beds, temporary shelters, direct outreach services, transitional support, and safe overnight parking zones.
 
Also without question: there are many qualified, experienced, and dedicated Kaua‘i nonprofits willing to step up and fill the need for those things, if funding was available to do so.
 
If the Kaua‘i County Council stepped up to the plate and amended its proposed budget from the current $500,000 to at least $1.5 million, it would have a direct and positive impact on the lives of so many people.
 
In December 2025 the Hawaiʻi County Council authorized $6 million in similar grants for its homeless programs/services. Additionally, the Council is auditing those grant awards to ensure the funds are well-spent.
 
One of the many continuing initiatives on the Big Island made possible by these funds: “Safe Zones,” overnight shelters in which 50 unhoused adults can sleep. Accommodations aren’t fancy: a cot under a large tent, with a toilet, a shower and one meal. They’re not campgrounds where people live 24/7.
 
Kaua‘i has NOTHING. If you should find yourself living in your car, police and others will inevitably tap your window in the middle of the night and tell you to move along.
 
But there’s nowhere for you to go.
 
An increase in grant-funding to qualified nonprofits that includes “Save Zones” as a priority item is a critical need that must be filled immediately.
 
Yes, we need permanent affordable housing. Yes, we need increased mental health services, addiction treatment, job training, and basic on-the-ground outreach.
 
But at the core — at ground level – is this simple, unavoidable truth: To even get a START at improving their lives, unhoused people need safe, legal places to sleep.
 
Please join me today in emailing our County Council (councilmembers@kauai.gov) and asking them to take action, increase the County budget for homeless services, safe zones, and facilities, and help our brothers and sisters living in their cars, in the bushes, and on the streets.
 
Let’s send an email today that can really change lives.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
808-652-4279

SB3240 is dead.

You, the regular citizen on the street, decided to get involved – YOU read the bill, YOU submitted testimony, YOU called and emailed the committee members directly, YOU shared the “action alerts” and “liked” the social media postings.

The Committee members and Chair Belatti heard you loud and clear and decided it was best to “defer SB3240” and essentially “kill the bill”.

Congratulations to each and every one of you that took the time, made the effort, and showed up (both virtually, via email, and in person).

To be absolutely clear, this was a very big win.

When we show up, we win. Please help again today if you can (see at the bottom).

You may be wondering, what’s the back story?

What is SB3240 all about and how is it related to HB2235? Who is MACRO and what is their mission and purpose? How does it all relate to Pōhakuloa and making Hawaiʻi “a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing”?

SB3240 was introduced by Senators: Carol Fukunaga and Stanley Chang.

A similar measure, HB2235 was introduced by Representatives: Della Belatti, Terez Amato, Sam Kong, Lisa Marten, Garner Shimizu, and Adrian Tam.

Both Bills were intended to provide $1.3 million in State funding to boost the defense industries local public relations effort, AND to support access to public school students K-12.

The money was to be channeled through the Hawaiʻi Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) into the budget of the attached Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO).

MACRO was established via a federal grant of $3.2 million in March 2024, one month before the U.S. Army’s proposed Pōhakuloa lease extension “second draft” Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review period began on April 19, 2024.

MACRO’s mission is “To promote positive relationships between Hawai‘i’s military and civilian sectors…”.

Needless to say the Army’s EIS failed to gain the acceptance of both the “civilian” sector (aka community) and the State of Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR).

MACRO is now a member of the Governors Advisory Committee For Military Leased Lands which will be making recommendations on Pōhakuloa and other pending leases.

To achieve their goal of making Hawaiʻi’ “a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing”, the federal government then began shoveling more millions through the State DEBDT to MACRO who dutifully stepped up their game.

They generated more press releases, ghost wrote additional opeds, public testimony, community workdays, tv interviews, and school “careers days”, etc.

MACRO hired a PR company to use “automated data scraping tools to collect and analyze relevant public commentary from news sites, blogs, forums, and social media platforms to assess evolving sentiment toward military-related issues…”.

Convincing the Chair of the House Public Safety Committee Representative Della Belatti to kill SB3240 which was essentially the Senate version of HB2235 that she herself sponsored – represents a major win for our community.

Yes, we should thank Chair Belatti and committee members.

But to be absolutely clear, credit for this huge achievement goes to those hundreds of citizens who took the time to submit testimony, send off those emails, make the phone calls, like and share FB posts, Instagram reels etc etc etc.

When the House version…HB2235 was first “heard” on Feb. 6, Chair Belatti and every committee member voted in support, except Vice Chair Kim Coco Iwamoto who was the solitary No vote.

Kudo’s to Rep. Iwamoto!

HB2235 then sailed through the House Economic Development Committee under the guidance of Chair Representative Greggor Ilagan.

There was no testimony opposing HB2235 in either House committee.

Nothing. Zero. Nada. Radio silence.

Fortunately, Finance Chair Rep. Chris Todd chose not to schedule HB2235 for a hearing, thus killing it dead. He also deserves a big mahalo.

Meanwhile, SB3240 with similar language and purpose, was moving along without opposition until a single citizen submitted opposing testimony, AND most importantly started spreading the word about this “very bad bill”.

Unbelievably, prior to “crossing over to the House”, SB3240 passed through two Senate committees with unanimous votes, and on the Senate floor – 24 of 25 State Senators voted in support of (Senator Ihara was absent).

Really?

24 of 25 State Senators believed it was a good idea for the State to fund a defense industry cheerleading squad AND invite them to meet our k-12 graders?

Like wildfire the word then began to spread to civic minded advocates across the islands.

The testimony, email, phone calls, and social media awareness – grew to a point that could not be ignored and SB3240 was killed in the House Public Safety Committee, when Chair Belatti recommended deferral.

Mahalo to all who took the time, showed up, sent in testimony, called Representatives, and shared the message with family and friends – This huge win would not have happened without you.

What’s next?

I thought you would never ask 😉

URGENT – 2 (easy)actions that are needed NOW – ASAP

Just two telephone calls and two emails can make a huge difference. Please help.

Action Alert #1

Please call 808-586-8510 and email reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov and ask Representative David Tarnas Chair of the House Judiciary Committee professionally and politely to schedule SB2313 for a hearing by by tomorrow, Wednesday 03/25.

We need to go to the wall for SB2313 which “Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year.”

If we are serious about campaign finance reform, this is it folks.

SB2313 provides the framework and contains the necessary safeguards to ensure qualified candidates can focus on the needs of regular working people, and not always be seeking big money contributions from special interests.

SB2313 has already passed unanimously in the State Senate. It must be scheduled soon in the House by Rep. Tarnas – or it will die.

PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL REPRESENTATIVE TARNAS TODAY!

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Action Alert #2

Please call 808-586-6130 and email senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov and ask Senator Karl Rhoads Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee professionally and politely to schedule HB772 for a hearing by tomorrow, Wednesday 03/25.

HB772 is a critical piece of the “citizens good government agenda” and has zero impact on the State budget. HB772 if passed will stop what is sometimes described as the “two-tickets-for-a-fundraiser scam” – that presently allows legislators to transfer funds between their campaigns.

HB772 closes this loophole.

HB772 has already passed unanimously in the State House. It must be scheduled soon in the Senate – or it will die.

PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL SENATOR RHOADS TODAY!

Just two telephone calls and two emails can make a huge difference. Please help.

Action Alert #1

Please call 808-586-8510 and email reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov and ask Representative David Tarnas Chair of the House Judiciary Committee professionally and politely to schedule SB2313 for a hearing by this coming Wednesday.

We need to go to the wall for SB2313 which “Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year.”

If we are serious about campaign finance reform, this is it folks.

SB2313 provides the framework and contains the necessary safeguards to ensure qualified candidates can focus on the needs of regular working people, and not always be seeking big money contributions from special interests.

SB2313 has already passed unanimously in the State Senate. It must be scheduled soon in the House by Rep. Tarnas – or it will die.

PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL REPRESENTATIVE TARNAS TODAY – by the end of tomorrow Tuesday at the very latest.

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Action Alert #2

Please call 808-586-6130 and email senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov and ask Senator Karl Rhoads Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee professionally and politely to schedule HB772 for a hearing by this coming Wednesday.

HB772 is a critical piece of the “citizens good government agenda” and has zero impact on the State budget. HB772 if passed will stop what is sometimes described as the “two-tickets-for-a-fundraiser scam” – that presently allows legislators to transfer funds between their campaigns.

HB772 closes this loophole.

HB772 has already passed unanimously in the State House. It must be scheduled soon in the Senate – or it will die.

PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL SENATOR RHOADS TODAY – by the end of tomorrow Tuesday at the very latest.