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)

Looking the other way is not an option

Posted on February 12, 2020

Drinking from a fire hose, blind-folded with both arms tied behind your back. This is a description that comes to mind when folks ask me to describe what it’s like working in the legislative arena as an advocate. The need … Continue reading →

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Hawaii is not Iowa – Essential info on our upcoming Democratic Presidential Primary

Posted on February 4, 2020

The news is finally coming out of Iowa!  Well, not really.  I’m guessing it will be several more days before the final, final, final results are announced. Full disclosure: Though I am Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i, this … Continue reading →

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Testimony on Pesticide​ Bills needed TODAY – Tuesday,​ Feb. 4th

Posted on February 4, 2020

URGENT call for testimonies! Three important bills are being heard at the State Capitol tomorrow Wednesday 2/5 in the House Agriculture Committee (9am Conference Room #312). SO TESTIMONY MUST BE SUBMITTED TODAY. Click on links to read the bills, make … Continue reading →

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Legislative Primer #101 – the basics

Posted on February 2, 2020

A testifier stated at a recent legislative hearing, “I’m very happy to participate in this process because I was born in a country where this is not possible.”   With this very sobering thought in mind, I encourage all to … Continue reading →

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Essential info for all advocates – Know who your district legislator is.

Posted on February 2, 2020

Please put this information on your refrigerator so it is never lost or forgotten. A universal truth in politics – people (voters and constituents) who live in the district are more important to elected legislators than anyone else. When people … Continue reading →

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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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