Author Archives: garyhooser

Why does Kauaʻi County have the lowest property tax rates for hotels and resorts in the entire State of Hawaiʻi? What public purpose does it serve to charge the Hyatt’s, the Marriotts, the Hiltons, and so many other off-shore foreign … Continue reading →

As of 05/23/22, two weeks out from the filing deadline of June 7, – 9 of 51 candidates for the State House of Representatives and 10 of 25 State Senators are poised to get a “free ride” with no candidate … Continue reading →

Today the Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative is announcing its endorsement of 15 high-quality candidates, 6 incumbents, and 9 highly electable challengers – running for election to the State House of Representatives. At least two more are forthcoming in the very near … Continue reading →

Natalia Hussey-Burdick has announced her candidacy for the State House of Representatives and we all, regardless of where we live, should send her our aloha, our mahalo, and our kōkua. Natalia is one of those verifiably awesome community leaders who … Continue reading →

I’m getting this question fairly frequently and am thinking it’s important to describe the exact criteria I use that impact my personal decisions, as well as the basis for Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative endorsements – and likely most individuals and organizations … Continue reading →

Words suitable for a family audience cannot express my reaction upon reading Guthrie Scrimgeour’s piece in Sunday’s TGI which started out: “By a 4 – 3 vote, the County Council voted down a measure Friday that would have increased the … Continue reading →

Be aware when the SuperPacs again bring out their long knives – Kai Kahele will not dance and he clearly can win. Therefore the big money forces will be fighting him tooth and nail, day and night, for the next 90 days. … Continue reading →

Assuming Governor Ige’s approval, Hawaii’s minimum wage will increase from $10.10 per hour to $12 in October, then phased increases will continue until it reaches $18 in 2028. In addition working families should celebrate the fact that the Earned Income … Continue reading →

I had 3 minutes. The group I was speaking to was a new organization, formed to support candidates whose values supported people and the ʻāina. The question I was asked to speak to was: Why are we here? The question … Continue reading →

I’m hoping Congressman Kai Kahele does in fact run to be Hawaiʻi’s next governor. We should be so lucky. As a former Kauai Councilmember, State Senator, and Majority Leader, I’ve seen lots of politicians come and go. I can say … Continue reading →