That’s the question a friend asked recently.
“Can we actually stop this insanity?”
I believe unequivocally the answer is yes. But it will take many of us, working together, being actively involved in our community and government, voting, AND running for election and serving in public office, AND helping and supporting others who do so, AND showing up to testify…AND in general taking ownership of our community and our democracy.
Yes, it’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of community building that can and should be a fun and enjoyable experience.
We can’t give up.
Just sayin…and I know sayin is easier than doin…but we gotta keep on, keeping on.
And we must start here at home.
Last week I wrote about the power and opportunity inherent in County government and the County Council in particular. A policy and politics epiphany – Think County Council
Today, I’m asking you to offer tangible support (as in a financial contribution) to 4 County Council candidates, representing 3 different Counties.
I know each of them personally and offer my support without any reservation whatsoever.
They are already working very hard AND an extra boost from you and me during this critical homestretch period, would be a huge help. I’m 100% confident that when elected, they will serve us well.
Regardless of where you call home, please help each of them if you can. Their success on November 3 will benefit our entire collective community. Trust me. I know this in my heart.
Kaua‘i
Mike Coots (go straight to donate page)
Hawaiʻi County – District 5
Shannon Matson (go straight to donate page)
Maui County – Kahului
Carol Lee Kamekona (go straight to donate page)
Maui County – Upcountry
Bobby Pahia (go straight to donate page)
I’m making a personal contribution of my own to each of these candidates. Please join me!
Whether it’s $20, $50, or $100 – your help is needed NOW and prior to October 5.
Remember, ballots start arriving at homes across all the islands on or about October 14 (maybe sooner) AND these candidates need the boost NOW.
I’m focusing today on these particular 4 individuals because I believe they can benefit the most from our help AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME.
But to be clear every one of our friends running for election and hoping to serve us in the future NEED OUR HELP AND ALL NEED OUR VOTES IN THE GENERAL ELECTION TO WIN.
The full list of Council candidates I’m supporting plus links to all the Charter and Constitutional Amendments is here: “If I lived in the district this is who I would vote for in the 2026 general election”.
Mahalo for giving this your positive consideration.
We’re all in this together, and to win we must all step up to help.
Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Yes, but only if people vote.
What will it take for registered voters to mail in ballots?
Inspiring leaders. Just waving our favorite buzzwords around isnʻt progress.
Hold the incumbents to task.
Offer actual solutions, not categories of wish lists.
And then fulfill on the promises made.
Leaders do not have to be candidates to inspire votes, although it would be better for candidates themselves to do more than appear nicer than the competition and begin inspiring action.
Or maybe Iʻm dreaming and we just let “the machine” keep on chugging with its aloha-as-usual political pablum.
Itʻs not too late to inject some FIRE into this election.
Who can do it at scale? Letʻs convince them to do it, now.