Author Archives: garyhooser

At the risk of entering the volatile realm of so-called “identity politics,” here goes an old white guy diving deep into it… What percentage of Hawaii lawmakers at the State and County level are women? The below information details the … Continue reading →

Yes, my bad. I have been extremely remiss in posting to this blog, and I have not sent out an email “thought-letter” recently either (it’s not a newsletter!) 😉 But…trust me…am getting back on track. My goal today is simply … Continue reading →

People from outside Hawai’i often assume that because our State Legislature consists overwhelmingly of Democrats, and because in 2016 Hawai’i voted solidly for Bernie Sanders, that out legislature must be progressive or at least liberal in the traditional sense. It … Continue reading →

As you may have heard by now, unfortunately a majority in the House and Senate voted to pass HB499CD1. The good news is that there was an actual public vote so legislators had to openly declare whose side they are … Continue reading →

The nature and extent of power wielded by House Speaker Scott Saiki is the subject of much speculation among policy wonks, lobbyists, and legislative advocates. Some will say he is omnipotent, and others will mock this characterization and defend his … Continue reading →

Less than totally truthful is the most gracious way to describe some of the responses being provided by State Representatives when asked to explain their inaction or lack of support for SB676 and SB614 (increasing the minimum wage to $12 … Continue reading →

This past Thursday’s much anticipated House action in support of increasing the minimum wage and blocking the tax on unemployment did not happen. To find out why, call your Representative. They will tell you “There weren’t enough votes.” Of course, … Continue reading →

On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 1:30pm, the State Legislature’s House Committee on Finance is holding a hearing on SB266. Why is this important and why have you not heard about this before? To make a long story short, back … Continue reading →

Unfortunately, House Leadership continues to play fast and loose with the rules, the law, and the intent of the State Constitution. AND they continue to “lead” their members down a path fraught with bad policy, bad process…and worst of all … Continue reading →

Expanding the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) via a new $1.9 billion radar project that the Pentagon doesn’t want, says isn’t needed and will be obsolete before it’s even completed – is a bad idea. The benefits of the pork … Continue reading →