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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. In another 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 website 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)

My mom called in a panic a few days ago.

Posted on August 26, 2026 by garyhooser

She’d read my piece on the stress and trauma of Hurricane Lala, and when I failed to answer her phone call, she immediately went into her “mama bear” mode, calling others to make sure I was ok. Needless to say, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Who’s watching the henhouse (AKA Kaua‘i County Government)?

Posted on August 24, 2026 by garyhooser

“We hand out subsidies, tax exemptions, no-bid contracts, loan guarantees, land concessions, and regulatory favors — and we ask for almost nothing back. No enforceable promises. No penalty when the promises break. No accounting anyone can follow.” Richard Bodien Blog … Continue reading →

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The “Lala trauma”…what’s next?

Posted on August 17, 2026 by garyhooser

My blood pressure’s elevated, the quality of my sleep has deteriorated, my general “mood index” has tanked, and overall I feel like crap. The trauma and stress from “Lala”, is weighing heavy on me. And apparently, another storm is only … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Our State legislative leaders must step up and do the right thing, and we as citizens must demand it.

Posted on August 14, 2026 by garyhooser

Pardon me while I go on a bit of a rant, but I’m sick and tired of legislative leaders who refuse to lead, preferring instead to just keep their heads down and look the other way. 70% of our friends … Continue reading →

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Post 2026 Primary – a missive of gratitude, reflection, and commitment

Posted on August 13, 2026 by garyhooser

To friends and fellow advocates. Apologies for not posting sooner my “post primary” thoughts. Honestly, I’ve been stuck, going around in circles, thankful for the many candidates who gave it their best shot, hugely disappointed in the many who lost, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

2026 Kaua‘i Primary Election Results – Translated

Posted on August 9, 2026 by garyhooser

What’s it all mean for the residents of Kaua‘i County? To summarize and speculate a bit, the next Mayor of Kaua‘i will be either Council Chair Mel Rapozo who received 7,580 votes in the Primary, or former Kaua‘i Mayor now … Continue reading →