Monthly Archives: January 2025

Sierra Club of Hawai’i – Sign up for action alerts at http://www.sierraclubhawaii.org/subscribe, or for legislature-specific action alerts go to http://hawaiicapitolwatch.org Hawai’i Workers Center – Priorities are paid family/sick leave, ending the tip penalty for tipped workers, and tenant protections sign up … Continue reading →

Plato (428-7 B.C.E) said it best, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” I’m thinking that pretty well describes the present moment. Too many … Continue reading →

Opening day of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Legislature on January 15 was a festive affair, full of pomp and circumstance – as is to be expected. Former Kaua`i Mayor now Councilmember Bernard Carvalho did a great job leading the audience in … Continue reading →

Today’s my birthday. At 71, I’ve much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to. My plans for the future are pretty basic: Love my family, stay healthy, never stop learning, and along the way make some serious … Continue reading →

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/01/16/editorial/our-view/editorial-transparent-isle-lawmaking-a-must/ The 2025 Hawaii Legislature began its 60-day session on Wednesday, and the public must see good-government reforms that should have been enacted years ago. For too long, the state’s lawmaking processes have been too secretive and insider-driven. Even avid … Continue reading →

Just a quick note that the earlier blog post has been slightly edited and the updated version is here: https://garyhooser.blog/2025/01/12/title-what-we-need-on-opening-day/

Hope and inspiration is what we need. Hope and inspiration backed by tangible action that says loud and clear the days of “pay to play” at the Hawai’i State legislature, are over. Current legislative rules allow a single individual committee … Continue reading →

The 2025 legislative session opens on Wednesday January 15th and we will know then whether or not the House is going to amend their rules to achieve greater transparency and accountability – or whether nothing will change and all the … Continue reading →

Affordable housing must remain a top priority in the 2025 Hawai’i legislative session. There’re many paths to get there. Unfortunately, the large landowners, real estate developers, contractors, and all the big money guys, will once again be focusing their demands … Continue reading →

“Publicly funded Clean Elections, Rules Reform to increase transparency and accountability, and tightening campaign spending laws are all worthy goals.” will be the refrain from almost every State legislator in the building. However when pressed, many will then say, “There’s … Continue reading →