Sometimes, people in positions of leadership must step back so others may have the space to step forward.

This is why I’m stepping down from The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) Board, an organization I helped create over a decade ago. It’s been truly an honor to serve as the volunteer Board President of H.A.P.A. and I’m immensely proud of what the organization has become. I’m also 100% committed to supporting its ongoing mission during the coming decade and beyond.

But it’s time to move on and let others take the H.A.P.A. helm.

I’ve been thinking and talking about this move, and discussing it, on and off, with the Board for the past year. So while it may appear sudden – it was not unplanned.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has played a role in bringing H.A.P.A. to where it is today. We have an awesome and talented 9 member staff each who is totally committed to making our world a better place.

The backbone of the organization, H.A.P.A.’s Board of Directors, collectively possess the life experiences, track records of success, and the interpersonal leadership skills – that are invaluable assets most organizations only dream of.

Fortunately, the talent of board and staff is backed up by dedicated community and institutional support as well. Whether the contributions are individuals online and monthly at $10 -$20, or from local or national philanthropic trusts and foundations – the support continues to grow as H.A.P.A.’s work has grown.

To each and every one of you, board, staff, and funders – I offer you my deepest thanks and appreciation for your trust, support, and help over the years. Please know I am still here, still 100% in support, and available anytime to talk or should you need my mana’o.

As to my plans for the future – I’ll continue to walk my 6 miles every single day, my grandchildren will no doubt see a little bit more of “Pop Pop”, and yes I will for sure continue making “good trouble”.

But truly – my plan is to double-down on efforts to support the new leadership we so desperately need in our government both locally and nationally – especially at this particular point in time in our history.

Identifying, encouraging, supporting, and holding accountable new civic leadership, while pulling back the curtain and calling out those leaders who are failing us.

Increasingly, these two things will be my focus and mission.

Lot’s to do. Time to get moving on it.

A Hui Hou

Gary Hooser