The candidates listed below have the absolute best record when it come to protecting the environment, but they cannot serve and do that job in the state legislature, unless those who care about the environment show up and vote for them – by August 10th.

The public hearings are packed to capacity with young people and environmental activists when the topic is saving whales or banning single-use plastics. Thousands more will march in the streets in support of preserving and protecting our rivers, streams, and drinking water. Many more will sign petitions, hold signs along the highway, and call or email their legislators on issues pertaining to climate change.

We should be thankful for the voices and actions of environmental advocates across every island as they push back against the forces of big development, big industry, and big polluters.

My hope is these ardent and valuable voices for environmental protection, will show up over the next few critical days to vote for the change-makers running hard in support of these very same issues.

Please help spread the word to our friends, neighbors, and networks through-out the archipelago. Those who care deeply about preserving and protection our natural environment, who fight so hard every day to protect our natural environment – must show up and vote.

Like most who’re active in the work of environmental protection, I look to the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i for guidance on which candidates to support.

It does not surprise me that the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i has chosen to endorse Kim Coco Iwamoto for election to the House of Representatives, District 25 Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu. Kim Coco has proven over and over again her commitment to environmental protection.

She has even publicly called for a total moratorium on luxury residential development, along our coastlines and everywhere across the islands – until sufficient affordable housing is developed first for local residents.

Likewise, I’m not surprised the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i is also endorsing Representative Amy Perruso District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) and Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i)

All three of these candidates are dedicated and effective champions of environmental protection. Whether it’s preserving our shorelines, our open spaces, or keeping our drinking water clean, I know without any doubt whatsoever, they will always err on the side of environmental protection.

Below is a list of other candidates who “If I lived in the district, I would vote for”, and who also have received the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i stamp of approval.

Please spread the word to family and friends who may not have yet voted.

There’s only a few days left and ballots may be deposited at these drop-box locations, and/or residents may vote in person at a Voter Service Center at these locations. All drop-box and in-person Voter Service Center locations can be found here.

Some of these races will be won or lost by just a handful of votes. Please take the time. Support the protection of our natural environment and vote today, before August 10.

Senate District 1 (Hilo) Laura Acasio

House District 2 (Hilo) Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian

House District 5 (South Kona, Na’alehu, Kalehu, Ka’u, Pahala) Jeanné Kapela

House District 13 (Moloka’i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu) Mahina Poepoe

House District 20 (Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu) Tina Grandinetti

House District 23 (McCully, Mōʻiliʻili, Pāwaʻa, Kapahulu, Lower Makiki, and Ala Moana) Ian Ross

House District 25 (Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) Kim Coco Iwamoto

House District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama) Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey

House District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Hickam Village) Sonny Ganaden

District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Ho‘opili, and Portion of Waipahu) Corey Rosenlee

House District 45 (Wai‘anae, Mākaha) Desiré DeSoto

House District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) Amy Perruso

House District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai’i) Natalia Hussey-Burdick

Now please, for people and the planet, if you have not already done so, please go vote today. If you have already voted – please help spread the word and encourage family and friends to do the same.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.