After speaking with many residents of Hilo and the surrounding area, and based on my personal experience knowing and working directly over the years with both the incumbent Senator Lorraine Inouye and the challenger former Senator Laura Acasio, it is without question “if I lived in the district” my vote for State Senate District #1 Panaewa, Keaukaha, Hilo, Waiākea, Waiākea Uka, Kaūmana, Pi’ihonua, Wainaku, Pauka’a, Papa’iko, Pepe’ekeo would be for Laura Acasio.

Both candidates love their communities and I’ve nothing bad to say about the current incumbent. My interactions with Senator Lorraine Inouye during my 8 years serving alongside her in the Hawai’i Senate were always professional and mutually respectful. 

I’m supporting Laura Acasio because I know without a shred of doubt she represents the next generation of leadership our collective community desperately needs right now.

She has the knowledge, experience, and the core values we need in every candidate seeking to serve.

But the icing on the cake with Acasio is she has the drive, commitment, and that unique fire in the belly needed at this particular point in time. 

We need the new ideas, the energy, and the drive that Laura Acasio brings to the table.

Unfortunately the old guard rarely steps away willingly. 

Without term limits in place, it’s left up to voters to kindly, gently, but firmly tell the old guard – mahalo plenty but it’s time for you to step back so others can step forward.

There are other good people running for election to serve the people living in Hawai’i County and I encourage voters to review the endorsements of HuliPac and “Help Uplift Leaders with Integrity”.

Ballots will start arriving in the mail very soon. To register or check on your voting registration go to: https://olvr.hawaii.gov

Your vote can make a difference.  

Please, help elect Laura Acasio and other good people on all islands (see my list of endorsed House Reps statewide) representing the next generation of leadership that will help us achieve what we want (mahalo to HuliPac for the list).

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawai’i State Senator and Majority Leader (2002 – 2010)

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