Author Archives: garyhooser

About garyhooser

This blog represents my thoughts as an individual person and does not represent the official position of any organization I may be affiliated with. I presently serve now as a volunteer President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org I am also currently the Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. In a past life, I was an elected member of the Kauai County Council, a Hawaii State Senator and Majority Leader and the Director of Environmental Quality Control for the State of Hawaii - in an even earlier incarnation I was an entrepreneur and small business owner. Yes, I am one of the luckiest guys on the planet. Please visit my web site AND sign up for my newsletter (unlike any email newsletter you have ever gotten, of that I am sure) - http://www.garyhooser.com/#four “Come to the edge.” “We can’t. We’re afraid.” “Come to the edge.” “We can’t. We will fall!” “Come to the edge.” And they came. And he pushed them. And they flew. - Christopher Logue (b.1926)

Testimony needed now to protect brand integrity for all Hawaii grown coffee

Posted on January 25, 2020

Aloha Friends, Family, and Supporters of Hawaii Grown Coffee – on all islands, Urgent Action Alert – Your testimony is needed now to protect brand integrity for coffee grown on all islands.  Read background on the issue HERE The battle to preserve … Continue reading →

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$13 in 2024 is not a “good first step”. It’s actually a step backward.

Posted on January 24, 2020

Anyone working 40 hours a week, deserves to earn a wage sufficient to provide a dry and safe place to sleep, 3 meals a day and basic health care. Readers who do not agree with the above statement might as … Continue reading →

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Hawaii County Herbicide Ban – Update

Posted on January 10, 2020

Unfortunately, Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz one of the key votes needed and who was previously in support of Bill 101, “flipped” and voted against over-riding Mayor Kim’s veto – thus the attempt failed. Mayor Kim’s veto was not over-ridden and Monsanto … Continue reading →

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The top 5 reasons not to vote (sarcasm intended)​

Posted on January 10, 2020

1) My vote will not matter as my demographic represent the “fringe” and make up less than 20% of all voters. Most elections are won or lost by less than 10% so why should I get involved? #getrealthengetalife 2) Exercising … Continue reading →

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The death of democracy – and 3 action steps to take NOW at the local level

Posted on January 7, 2020

No time for chit chat – For those interested in personal stuff such as pictures of my family or my dog Maximus Aurelius “Max”, please scroll down to the bottom.  If you want to know about me, you can visit … Continue reading →

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My public policy wish for the holidays – bring a little more joy and tangible purchasing power to low income working people

Posted on December 17, 2019

My wish for the holidays is that public policy advocates, individuals and organizations from across the state join together in requesting that the Hawaii state legislature, upon the opening of the 2020 legislative session – reconvene the conference committee for … Continue reading →

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What does the President of the United States have in common with a Kaua’i Councilmember? Choices and accountability -national/local commonalities

Posted on December 16, 2019

The top of mind issue for those who follow policy and politics nationally is the pending impeachment of the President of the United States. Locally, the issue most are talking about is the indictment and forthcoming trial of Councilmember Arthur … Continue reading →

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