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)

The Final 100 Days – Campaigning by the numbers

Posted on April 3, 2024 by garyhooser

Because the vast majority of legislative seats in Hawaiʻi are held by Democrats, the Primary Election of August 10 is everything. Even for nonpartisan County Council races, finishing strong in the primary election is hugely important. At 7pm on August … Continue reading →

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When these 4 candidates win, all Hawaiʻi wins.

Posted on April 3, 2024 by garyhooser

I’m hoping you read my earlier short blog piece – Looking for Change-Makers. You’ll be happy to know I’ve found them: Kim Coco Iwamoto, Tina Nakada Grandinetti, Ikaika Hussey, and Laura Acasio. I’ve been doing policy and politics work in … Continue reading →

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Looking for Change-Makers

Posted on March 28, 2024 by garyhooser

Got an email recently from an Oahu friend who had been reading my political ramblings posted here at https://garyhooser.blog He was asking about someone who was serving in public office, told me he had some reservations but was wondering if … Continue reading →

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Clean Elections – Tipping the scale for democracy

Posted on March 20, 2024 by garyhooser

The Chair of House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Big Island Representative David Tarnas, along with other committee members including our own Kauaʻi District #16 Representative Luke Evslin – recently killed the Clean Elections bill SB2381. Despite the measure passing … Continue reading →

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The mess that is the Coco Palms Resort development. 03/12/24 Planning Commission meeting recap

Posted on March 17, 2024 by garyhooser

There was only one person at the recent Planning Commission meeting who spoke in support of the Coco Palms development. The community members at the hearing were united in their opposition to the development with only one person offering a … Continue reading →

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Clean Elections gets thrown under the bus by Rep. Tarnas and then Committee Members kick it while it’s down

Posted on March 17, 2024 by garyhooser

The Chair of House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Representative David Tarnas from the Big Island, along with the other committee members including my own Kauai District #16 Representative Luke Evslin – recently killed the Clean Elections bill SB2381. Despite … Continue reading →

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Running list of priority bills for 2024 – status

Posted on March 13, 2024 by garyhooser

Below is a list of priority bills I am following…I’ll do my best to update this list regularly… At the top will be bills needing immediate action (testimony is needed within 24 hours), next will be bills recently voted on … Continue reading →

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Sending in testimony. Does it really matter?

Posted on March 13, 2024 by garyhooser

Does anyone really read the testimony I send in? Is it truly important that I go to the legislature’s website, log in, and submit testimony in support or opposition? Is actually showing up in person important? Why bother? Isn’t the … Continue reading →

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Please vote today in the Hawai‘i Presidential Primary. That’s today, Wednesday March 6!

Posted on March 6, 2024 by garyhooser

Given the precarious condition of the world and the fact the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i (DPH) Presidential Primary is being held today, I think it’s only right that I let folks know where I’m at on this. I suspect I’ll … Continue reading →

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CocoPalms update – Can’t make this stuff up

Posted on March 1, 2024 by garyhooser

The below has been sitting on my desk for almost two weeks. I’ve read and reread it several times, and had associates, and yes lawyers read it as well. It’s one of those “can’t make this stuff up” stories. As … Continue reading →

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