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)

Political inspiration from that young boy wearing jersey #6

He doesn’t know me at all and I only know him as jersey #6. He’s probably 9 years old, maybe 10. His actions on the soccer field this past Saturday should make us all very proud, and remind us of … Continue reading

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Changing The World – Together – One Person At A Time

While it may sound a bit corny, I believe every one of us wants to change the world for the better. We each see the injustice, the pain, the hardship, and the ugliness, and each of us want to help … Continue reading

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Title: Kauaʻi candidates on a string – SuperPacs at work

The biggest threat to democracy is not unregulated immigration, but rather the unregulated and unlimited flow of money into political campaigns – on both sides of the aisle. Billionaire Elon Musk has given $75 million to a SuperPac supporting the … Continue reading

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How I would vote if I lived in the district – Oahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, OHA Statewide – 2024 General Election

The ballots have arrived and questions are streaming in from friends on every island…asking how I would vote “if I lived in the District” – Below includes Maui, Oahu (parts), Kauaʻi, OHA Statewide, and constitutional amendments. Big Island – I’m … Continue reading

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One Kauaʻi County Council vote for Fern Anuenue Holland can make a difference

So who you going to vote for? Some will keep that answer private and others will wear it on their sleeve (or their car bumper or on the yard sign in front of their house). As a political columnist writing … Continue reading

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Voting Conundrum – The Party or the Person? 

Will you be casting your vote based mostly on the person, or the Party? Recently I received an email asking a simple and straightforward question on this topic. In formulating an answer, my brain quickly became entangled in complicated thoughts … Continue reading

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Reorganizing the State House – A Primer – Without the nuance

“I’m now curious: How does the Speaker get that position – is it a public vote or in-house vote by the other reps?” This was the question most asked following my recent Policy & Politics column How does Speaker Nadine … Continue reading

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Notes on changing House Rules to require every bill to receive a hearing and a committee vote

House Members opposing rule changes will claim there are “too many bills” and time does not allow every bill to receive a hearing and a vote. A quick google search shows that The Colorado and North Dakota constitutions require a … Continue reading

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Changing the Rules: The Movement For Legislative Reform

So what happens next? There’s the General Election of November 5, the 2025 legislative session, the movement for legislative reform, and yes it’s not too early to be thinking about the 2026 elections. At the top of my list and … Continue reading

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How does Speaker Nadine Nakamura sound?

According to the coconut wireless, Representative Nadine Nakamura, who represents District 15 on Kaua`i (Hā’ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portions of Wailua, and Kawaihau), will likely become the next Speaker of the State House of Representatives. As … Continue reading

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