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)

A Prescription For The Political Trauma –

Posted on July 14, 2024 by garyhooser

The world is in turmoil, I cannot fix it, so I’m going for a walk. In solitude and silence except for the wash of the waves and the chirping of the birds, I will walk along the beach for an hour … Continue reading →

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Last call for August 10 final, final, final deadline: Please consider voting for these exceptional individuals – across all islands

Posted on July 14, 2024 by garyhooser

In response to requests from friends and networks across the islands – The below is a list of 15 candidates running for the State House of Representatives, and others running for election to the State Senate, Kauai- Maui-Big Island County … Continue reading →

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Why I’m supporting Laura Acasio for election to the Hawai’i State Senate District #1 – continuing the “if I lived in the district”….

Posted on July 10, 2024 by garyhooser

After speaking with many residents of Hilo and the surrounding area, and based on my personal experience knowing and working directly over the years with both the incumbent Senator Lorraine Inouye and the challenger former Senator Laura Acasio, it is without … Continue reading →

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Simple but valuable policy and politics exercise – written for my Kaua`i friends and neighbors but applicable to every voter on every island.

Posted on July 4, 2024 by garyhooser

In 30 days or less voters will begin receiving their primary election ballot in the mail. Visit https://olvr.hawaii.gov to register or update your registration. On Kaua`i all 7 council members are elected “at large” (not by district). Therefore each voter … Continue reading →

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Stay home, give up, walk away, or take ownership of your democracy – it’s your choice.

Posted on July 2, 2024 by garyhooser

The cynics will say it don’t matter. Don’t waste your time. The fix is in and they’re all a bunch of crooks anyway. That my friends is hogwash. Hogwash designed to keep you from taking control of your own government. … Continue reading →

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“Upsetting the Hawaiʻi Political Applecart”

Posted on June 25, 2024 by garyhooser

The most important race in the Hawaiʻi primary election on August 10th is for State House of Representatives District 25 (Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown). Entrepreneur, attorney, philanthropist, and dedicated community advocate Kim Coco Iwamoto Versus Speaker of the House Scott … Continue reading →

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If I lived in the district…voting for the House

Posted on June 23, 2024 by garyhooser

In response to requests from friends and networks across the islands – The below is a list of 15 candidates running for the State House of Representatives that I would vote for if I lived in that District. In Hawai’i … Continue reading →

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Unpacking the 2024 Kaua’i Primary – Policy and Politics in todays The Garden Island newspaper

Posted on June 19, 2024 by garyhooser

The upcoming primary election ballot for Kaua’i at first glance looks a little boring – but read through because it’s not. Not one member of our state legislative delegation has a primary challenger. US Representative Jill Tokuda is also running … Continue reading →

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Bizarre “back-story” of Kauaʻi County Council – now underway

Posted on June 18, 2024 by garyhooser

A must read to get a glimpse at the bizarre Kauaʻi County Council “back-story” now going on. Journalist Emma Grunwald writing for “Kauaʻi Now” does her homework and quotes directly from what are normally private “executive session” minutes. If you … Continue reading →

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Policy and Politics – What’s your na’au got to do with it?

Posted on June 4, 2024 by garyhooser

Someone said to me recently, “Why do you bother doing the work you’re doing? Nothing you or I do is going to make a difference.” My answer is, I don’t have a choice. I am blessed (or cursed depending on … Continue reading →

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