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)

Death In The Dark- HB371

Posted on April 27, 2025 by garyhooser

“Just the facts ma’am.” That’s the only way to write about the ugly death of HB371. Below are those facts, sourced from the public record at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov If passed into law, HB371 would have extended the ban on campaign contributions … Continue reading →

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Very 1st inaugural Policy + Politics video/podcast complete!

Posted on April 22, 2025 by garyhooser

Yay! We did it! Was a bit stressful, but with the help of a whole lot of people, the first Policy + Politics video/podcast is now one for the history books. Here it is on YouTube – please check it … Continue reading →

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Title: May 1 – The House Goes To Court

Posted on April 21, 2025 by garyhooser

Serious question: Is there a single member of the State House of Representatives who would say under oath, that every House Committee meeting held for the purpose of making decisions is open to the public? Anyone who’s served or worked … Continue reading →

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Aria Juliet Castillo and Gary Hooser: Policy + Politics video/podcast

Posted on April 20, 2025 by garyhooser

Please join Aria Juliet Castillo and me TOMORROW, Monday, April 21, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm (HST) for our very first Policy + Politics video/podcast, streaming live on the FaceBook Page Policy + Politics Our goal is to educate, advocate … Continue reading →

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ENOUGH ALREADY – Stop the madness

Posted on April 14, 2025 by garyhooser

Kudos to Indivisible and the 50501 movement for organizing the “Hands Off” protest actions of April 5th. It felt good to gather with friends and neighbors, hold signs, share stories, sign petitions, and stand in solidarity across our islands and … Continue reading →

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Beating A Dead Horse – It’s a bad time for legislator pay raises  

Posted on April 13, 2025 by garyhooser

Given the current instability surrounding future federal funding of public schools, parks, university, medical services, and other vital programs, it’s completely inappropriate for Hawaiʻi legislators to accept the generous 35% to 48% pay raises proposed by the Salary Commission.   Each rank-and-file state … Continue reading →

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April Fools Confession – Joke, No Joke

Posted on April 8, 2025 by garyhooser

“Gary, you broke my heart! That was cruel!” This was just one of many messages I received after last week’s column (“Breaking news: Hawaii legislators reject pay raise, call for special session!”) Other messages contained celebratory emojis and comments that … Continue reading →

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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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