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 good trouble for people and the planet.

I’ll not be slowing down – shifting gears on occasion of course, but I’ll not be slowing down.

In case you’re wondering, I refuse to allow the inauguration of a convicted felon, or the pathetic conduct of our State House of Representatives – put a damper on it.

Nope. I’ll celebrate with family and friends, mahalo all who’ve helped and supported me along the way, and then double-down in our collective battle to make our world and community a better place.

If you’d like to do something for me on this special day, I ask that you reach out to newly elected State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto and tell her mahalo for standing tall, speaking out, and voting NO on the new House Rules approved on Friday. repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

The new rules took the old very bad rules and made them worse. Here’s a “ramseyered” copy for those with the stomach for it.

I watched the entire spectacle live from my home, and kept waiting for someone to raise their hand and say, “I’m also deeply disappointed in the proposed rules and the process which brought them before us today, and am joining with Rep. Iwamoto in voting No.”

But no one did. Most just sat in silence. Some fumbled through words obviously attempting to appease both House Leadership and those citizens hoping for genuine rules reform.

Every single member of the House, except Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, voted to support rules that:

*Continue to allow a single individual committee chair, to kill legislative proposals without a public hearing, without a vote, and without a reason.

*Removed a requirement for public notice and public decision-making by the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure.

*Increased the centralization of power in House Leadership by eliminating an existing rule in place since 1959 clearly intended to limit that same power.

Members of the Advisory committee, Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Rep. Sean Quinlan, Rep. Chris Todd, and Rep. Lauren Matsumoto offered passionate floor speeches in support of passing these new rules, claiming the changes increased transparency and accountability.

In reality the net impact of these changes did just the opposite.

This same committee refused to provide public notice and/or hold a public meeting as required by the previous rules. They then totally eliminated the public notice requirement in the new rules.

The committee did not ask the public for their opinion, thoughts, or suggestions. They did not solicit public input, nor respond to email from the public inquiring about the process, seeking to provide input, or possibly attend a committee meeting.

*There’s more. Much more. But it’s my birthday and I don’t have time today for this nonsense.

I’m guessing many of the Representatives one might normally expect to fight and vote for true “Rules Reform”, just didn’t have the stomach for it on Friday, preferring instead to go along to get along and put off the fight until another day.

Ba humbug.

Sometimes, you vote No even when it’s obvious the Yes votes are going to win. Sometimes, you stand up on the right side of an issue, just to make a statement.

What’s next? What are we going to do about it?

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who took the time to call and/or email their Representative in support of House Rules Reform. Because of your action and commitment, this issue remains top of mind in the House.

And I’m certainly not going to let these 48 or so House Members (a few were absent) ruin my birthday.

Actually, I’m more motivated than ever to support expansion of the H.A.P.A. Kuleana Academy training program.

My closing “birthday ask” therefore is for your help in raising $7,100 in support of the Kuleana Academy AND another $7,100 for H.A.P.A.’s general “Reclaiming Democracy” fund to ensure the fight for good governance is sustained on all levels.

Please – Whether $7.10, $71.00, $710.00, or the full $7,100 – any and all contributions are much needed and greatly appreciated. H.A.P.A. is a 501c3 non profit which means your secure online contribution is tax deductible or if you prefer a check can be mailed to Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action – H.A.P.A., PO Box 1534, Kapaʻa, Hawai`i 96746

As Board President of H.A.P.A., I’m a volunteer and derive no financial personal benefit whatsoever from these funds.

Please indicate in the notes section if possible: “Birthday support for Reclaiming Democracy”. For planning purposes, contributions received prior to February 1 are especially appreciated.

Mahalo plenty for your help.

Imua.
Gary Hooser
8 years – Kaua`i County Council
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Now…just doing what I can to make our world a better place.