As I am sure you already know, it is really not about the chemical companies.  Nor is it about affordable housing or raising the minimum wage, or protecting water and the environment.  It’s about interests, not issues.  And it is about elections.

It’s about electing political leaders who care deeply about protecting and enhancing the public’s interest, the interests of people and the environment.

The issues are only symptoms, and too often victims of a much deeper problem. Our political institutions operate today in a manner clearly biased toward serving the interests of those in positions of wealth and power.  This fundamental truth is not unique to Hawaii, but I believe we in Hawaii have the people power and the momentum in place, to flip the power structure on its head and be a model for communities everywhere.

So today, we pivot and attack with vengeance, commitment and unrelenting perseverance, our next monumental task.

We have before us an opportunity to elect into public office a new generation of civic leaders who understand the importance of integrity based decision making and who are committed to putting public benefits and protections, ahead corporate power and entitlement.

The Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) of which I am the executive director, is working in collaboration with other organizations on each island to support candidates statewide who represent these values and if elected to public office have the capacity to change the very nature of the way government works in Hawaii.

I offer you today my personal pledge to put every ounce of my energy into this effort, and ask you to join me.  Collectively, we as a community have fought hard for change and justice, and  have taken on many important tasks and battles over the years.  And yes, when we put our heart and soul into the effort, we win.

PHI will be supporting the campaigns of at least 12 candidates for election to the House and Senate, and as many as another 10 Council candidates (representing each County).  We have in place the administrative structure, the experience and the relationships with other organizations around the State to can make this happen.

To support these candidates and win, will take money and people, but frankly at this point money is the most important element.  Absentee voting for the all-important primary election will begin within 60 days.  This means we must move ahead quickly to finalize strategies, produce materials (media etc) and begin extending support to candidates.

Our goal is to extend the maximum support possible to each candidate we endorse.  Please help today if you can. Donations of any amount to PHI whether $20, $200, $2,000 or $20,000 are welcome and very much needed.  I cannot over-emphasize the need for your help with this today, and if at all possible prior to May 11, when important strategic decisions must be made.

Donations can be made here: https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/donate/

Volunteers are welcome and needed also: https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/join/

Our entire official endorsement slate will be announced soon, but for starters below are 4 candidates who when elected, I know will change the world as we know it in Hawaii politics.

As always, I am more than happy to meet in person with anyone, on any island who is interested in actively supporting our effort to make positive change happen for Hawaii in 2018.  To those with the capacity to give, we need your help now.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser – Executive Director Pono Hawaii Initiative

left to right in photo

Amy Perruso https://www.amyperruso.com/  State House District #46 Wahiawa

Tiare Lawrence https://www.tiare4maui.com/  State House District #12 Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, Kahului

Natalia Hussey-Burdick https://www.nataliaforhawaii.com/about State House District #49 Kaneohe, Maunawili and Olomana

Tina Wildberger https://www.tinawildberger.com/ State House District #11 Kihei, Wailea, Makena

* Each of these candidates is of high integrity, and will represent their district and the entire state of Hawaii in a manner in which we can be proud, of this I am certain.  And yes, I encourage you also to make donations directly to these candidates as well as to PHI, if you have the capacity to do so.  gh