Author Archives: garyhooser

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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 as volunteer President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org I am the former 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)

Breaking News – Hawaii Legislators Reject Pay Raise, Call For Special Session!

Posted on April 1, 2025 by garyhooser

In an extraordinary joint statement, House/Senate Leadership this morning announced the following: “Given the current instability surrounding future federal funding of our schools, parks, university, medical services, and other vital programs – we believe it’s inappropriate to accept the generous … Continue reading →

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A Dictator By Any Other Name – What’s next?

Posted on March 29, 2025 by garyhooser

As a former: Hawai’i State Senator, Majority Leader, Councilmember, Vice-Chair of the State Democratic Party, and member of the DNC – I like to believe my thinking, writing and political commentary is informed and on point. I hope I’m wrong … Continue reading →

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Guest Column: The Corporate Takeover of Hawai‘i: How Big Business and the Military Control the Economy

Posted on March 26, 2025 by garyhooser

By Richard Bodien – independent scholar, poet, and painter living in Hāwī, Hawaiʻi Hawai‘i for Sale—But Not to Hawaiians For many, Hawai‘i represents paradise—pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a culture built on aloha. But for corporations and the military-industrial complex, … Continue reading →

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Trump/Musk – A Real Life Discussion – Support and Opposition

Posted on March 22, 2025 by garyhooser

The below is an actual online conversation I had recently – edited for clarity and brevity. Hello Gary, I’m a long time resident and business owner. I’m under the impression since America is seriously overdrawn and it’s not getting better. … Continue reading →

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2026 – Candidates Wanted – Only Fighters Need Apply

Posted on March 17, 2025 by garyhooser

Received an email recently saying, “I’ve a friend who’s considering running for the House, she’s articulate, smart, and community minded. I’m hoping you can meet and possibly support her.” My first thought was absolutely yes. I’m always open to meeting … Continue reading →

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The House Money Game – Why Rules Matter – Into The Weeds

Posted on March 10, 2025 by garyhooser

It’s not like the Hawai’i Senate is a model of sunshine and good government, but the House of Representatives just keeps stepping in it. Frankly, the arrogance of the House is embarrassingly unrestrained. Case In Point – HB772 – Relating … Continue reading →

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The Answer to Trump/Musk is Self-Sufficiency & Independence – Not Appeasement

Posted on March 9, 2025 by garyhooser

President Trump has demonstrated through words and action, unequivocally – he will do whatever’s necessary to maintain control and power. He publicly sneers, belittles, and mocks anyone and everyone who has the audacity to disagree with him or push back … Continue reading →

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Acasio, Aiwohi, Alcubilla, Aynessazian, Cobeen, Cobeen, Pahia and Ikeuchi v. House of Representatives

Posted on March 7, 2025 by garyhooser

Honolulu StarAdvertiser Column: State government must lift cloak of opacity for public good https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/03/06/editorial/island-voices/column-state-government-must-lift-cloak-of-opacity-for-public-good/ By Robert H. Pahia, Sergio J. Alcubilla III and Laura Acasio March 6, 2025  The essence of democracy lies in self-governance. Article 1, Section 1 of … Continue reading →

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National Manure Pile Hits The Wind

Posted on March 3, 2025 by garyhooser

Just when you think it can’t get much worse, American diplomacy led by President Trump and Vice President Vance – implodes on national television. Regardless of which side you’re on, most will agree what happened during last weeks meeting with … Continue reading →

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DEI – A Line In The Sand

Posted on February 24, 2025 by garyhooser

Each of us looks at the world through our own unique lens, formed by our own unique life experiences. Some of us grew up surrounded by poverty and hardship, while others enjoyed lives of wealth and privilege. We are brown, … Continue reading →

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