Kauai, the chemical companies, and the little island that could

Posted on May 31, 2014 by garyhooser

This is probably the best, most comprehensive summary of the origins and present status of the Bill 2491 saga. If you are curious about who I am, why/how Bill 2491 came about and how the chemical companies are fighting us on Kauai then watch this video and share with your friends who also might be interested.

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About garyhooser

This blog represents my thoughts as an individual person and does not represent the official position of any organization I may be affiliated with. I presently serve as volunteer President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org I am the former Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. In another past life, I was an elected member of the Kauai County Council, a Hawaii State Senator, and Majority Leader, and the Director of Environmental Quality Control for the State of Hawaii - in an even earlier incarnation I was an entrepreneur and small business owner. Yes, I am one of the luckiest guys on the planet. Please visit my website AND sign up for my newsletter (unlike any email newsletter you have ever gotten, of that I am sure) - http://www.garyhooser.com/#four “Come to the edge.” “We can’t. We’re afraid.” “Come to the edge.” “We can’t. We will fall!” “Come to the edge.” And they came. And he pushed them. And they flew. - Christopher Logue (b.1926)
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14 Responses to Kauai, the chemical companies, and the little island that could

  1. Gail Jackson's avatar Gail Jackson says:
    June 2, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    I’m sure you probably know about the Chamacos Study re pesticides and health, but if not here is the link: http://cerch.org/research-programs/chamacos/

    Reply
  2. Toby Hazel's avatar Toby Hazel says:
    June 4, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    Why do you say the governor interfered? what did he do?

    Reply
    • garyhooser's avatar garyhooser says:
      June 4, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      It is a long story but I believe it would be clear to any impartial observer that the governor tried to derail the passage of Bill 2491. He consulted with the chemical companies, and industry lobbyists but never met with or consulted with any of the advocates. The governor issued a series of press releases timed to hit the media on key days when votes were scheduled at the County Council – these releases carried a messages designed to encourage the County Council to defer and/or cancel the effort to pass Bill 2491. The governors representative on Kauai was reporting to the governors top staff (a State government official reporting to another government official) on my(a County government official) efforts, informing them of when I traveled to other islands to speak and characterizing it as as “Wanted to let you know…tomorrow Hooser is taking his anti-gmo agenda to Hawaii County…etc”. There is more…but time does not permit me to continue at this particular moment in time.

      Reply
  3. Yael's avatar Yael says:
    June 7, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    Well, I now know I’m not voting for him again.

    Reply
  4. Steven Kline's avatar Steven Kline says:
    June 7, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    Wow very powerful information
    Thanks for informing us
    The people really need to
    Know?

    Reply
  5. Sandee Phillips's avatar Sandee Phillips says:
    June 8, 2014 at 5:55 am

    Mahalo Gary for doing your honorable best and the “right thing” to protect the HEALTH and LIFE of the people of Kauai including visitors while those in other struggling communities fighting the ill affects of these chemical companies continue to watch the little island that could. My partner and I flew from Honolulu to support and march with the Kauai community and upon entering into the aircraft we had to pause a few minutes in the first class seating area. A Kauai county official was seated there on his cell phone saying “Yes, Governor the anti gmo people are playing to have some kind of rally after the hearings.” “Yes I will keep in touch and let you know.”
    I leaned over after hearing this and waved my hand in front of his face greeting him and he quickly gave me a crossed look and turned his head away continuing his conversation. I think he mistook us as tourist at first until I greeted him by name and title. The line finally moved and were seated. My partner and I both shook our head disappointingly after witnessing this official’s conversation with the governor.

    Reply
  6. Lisa Fraser's avatar Lisa Fraser says:
    June 10, 2014 at 6:29 am

    Go Gary, I live in Canada but this is a global issue and WE will win !!

    Reply
  7. Lorrz Lewer's avatar Lorrz Lewer says:
    June 11, 2014 at 4:58 am

    Awesome work team Gary Hooser keep up the fight! … preservation for humanity our lands,seas and animals moreso for our future grandchildrens too come..’AOTEAROA IS NOT FOR SALE’..our govt has allowed and opened up to big major overseas Oil companies to come and drill oil here in the southern pacific imagine the disaster if theres a oil spill DISASTER!! ..the ocean is our food cupboard and every Kiwi spends time at the beaches..Good luck..Kia kaha! (be strong)

    Reply
  8. William barragan's avatar William barragan says:
    June 17, 2014 at 12:55 am

    I live in Miami,fl an I am also very concerned living in a farming area called redlands n I see the spraying of the fields on our fruits n vegetables I found this to be informative. I will spread the word an share this on FB. Good luck n don’t stop the fight.

    Reply
  9. sensibleviews's avatar sensibleviews says:
    June 18, 2014 at 3:02 am

    Reblogged this on Sensible Views Weblog and commented:
    If you’re concerned with the power Monsanto wields, check this out!

    Reply
  10. Molly Greacen's avatar Molly Greacen says:
    June 26, 2014 at 5:27 am

    shameful reckless action on part of these corporations!
    join our Bee Safe Neighborhood movement – http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_25960458/boulder-neighborhood-states-first-be-declared-bee-safe

    Reply
  11. williamvv9's avatar williamvv9 says:
    July 11, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    Thank you for this. I have shared in my community of Santa Cruz, CA.

    Reply
  12. Mary Norris's avatar Mary Norris says:
    September 20, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Aloha and thank you Gary I as well as every one I know have and will vote for you. Most people do not read the paper and we heard nothing negative about you. I have talked to many people and when you educate them they want to vote for you and Tim, Chock and the awesome two ladies.

    Reply

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