I wanted to check in briefly, say thank you, and apologize if I’ve not gotten back or responded to you promptly over the past 45 days or so.

Needless to say, I’ve been swamped with pre and post-primary election activity.

And I’ve been immersed in family activities. I’ve been enjoying time spent with my son Dylan and his awesome wife Leeona, momma of my new granddaughter Kaliyah and grandson Rixon who’s a big boy now attending Kindergarten at Kōloa School. Claudette and I have also been fortunate to be able to spend time with our daughter and my political confidant Kelli-Rose, mother of the ever-precocious 5-year-old Isabella, while her daddy our son-in-law Justin, is deployed overseas. (family photos at bottom)

In addition, my Kaua`i family has been hosting an array of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins, and friends paying us long overdue summer visits – forcing me to stop, smell the pīkake, and enjoy the ocean.

And my beautiful mother Loretta Eileen Barron turned 90 years old! We joined her, my dad, other siblings, and still yet more cousins, nieces, and nephews for a wonderful birthday celebration.

So yes, my summer has been jam-packed. I’ve been doing my best to squeeze in email, text message, and zoom meetings but it’s been between extended conversations with 5-year-olds, long days hanging out at Keʻe, Hanalei, and Poʻipū Beach Park – and sometimes just stretched out with my incredible newborn granddaughter sleeping on my chest.

Now you know why if I’ve not responded to you promptly or missed responding completely over the past few months – it’s for good reason.

With the primary election now over, the summer guests departed, the grandchildren all accounted for, and my beautiful mother over the 90-year milestone – I’m spending some time catching up.

Job #1 is to personally thank the candidates and those that actively helped them. They deserve huge kudos from all of us.

To those who have been there helping, and working with me side by side over the years, please know that you are greatly appreciated. Whether that help is via a simple message of acknowledgment, forwarding of calls-to-action to your networks, or financial support to the Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative (PHI) – please know that I greatly value your help and encouragement.

And yes! PHI achieved and actually surpassed its recent fundraising goal!

Mahalo to all who were able to offer a contribution, large or small – and of course with more, we can do more 😉

My coming week will be spent “clearing my desk” catching up and following up with individual emails, texts, and calls – and scheduling future personal meet-ups on every island.

If for any reason I’ve missed responding to a question or request you’ve made in the past, and/or if you want to connect on something new – please do not hesitate to reach out.

Bottom line – know that I greatly appreciate your support and your involvement in our common quest to help make our community and our world a better place.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser (http://www.garyhooser.com)
Read Hooser blog post “Coco Palms Resort goes rent-seeking and continues to play 3 card monte with Kaua`i County”

Must read special guest post by Dawn Morais Webster (also published in Honolulu StarAdvertiser) Democracy Faces A Crisis In Hawaiʻi

Some family photos you might enjoy 😉

Me and Mom at her 90th birthday party!

Me and the youngest member of our family Kaliyah!

Rixon and Isabella – growing up way to fast!

Ohana at Haʻena Beach Park

Ohana food and fun in Koloa.

Maximus Aurelius

Kaliyah is all smiles!