I’m thankful that you take the time to click on my blog and open and read my email. Seriously, the fact that you’re taking the time to read what I write, is for me hugely motivating – it makes me want to be better, to always add value, and hopefully on occasion make you smile.

I am especially appreciative when you email testimony and make those phone calls to lawmakers – your involvement makes a difference.

Please take the time this week if you can to send your state legislators a short note, thanking them for their service and encouraging them to support publicly funded elections for Hawaii, similar to Maine and Arizona AND to also support the recommendations forthcoming from the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct.

It goes without saying that financial support for candidates, for Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI), for HAPA, and especially for the Wailuanui/CocoPalms initiative – is also hugely appreciated. No contribution is too small and the collective support of many is important.

Over $200,000 in pledges for Wailuanui have come in so far with individual pledges ranging from $50 to $30,000. While still short of the $1,000,000 goal, the outpouring of community support has been gratifying. For more information on how to make a pledge go to Wailuanuiahoʻāno – reclaiming Coco Palms – fundraising updates.

I’m especially thankful today for each and every candidate who put their name forward and ran for public office. I know personally how hard it is to run a political campaign and the deep emotions that come with both winning and losing.

A huge mahalo and congratulations are in order for the 12 alumni of the HAPA Kuleana Academy who were elected or reelected to serve in the State House of Representatives and on various County Councils. A full list is here at Hoʻomaikaʻi Kuleana Academy Alumni!!!

I’m thankful for my family, for my life circumstances that allow me to live on Kauai, and for the network of friends living across all the islands and beyond.

I’m thankful, and I’m committed to the ongoing work and our collective responsibility of making our planet a better place for all.

Wishing you and your ohana a safe, relaxing, and satisfying Thanksgiving holiday!

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser