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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as 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)

Corruption by any other name, is still corruption

It’s crazy really. A Hawaiʻi grand jury has brought criminal charges against 4 individuals connected to bribes offered in return for political favors. The Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor, a former State Representative, former head of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC), … Continue reading

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It’s up to you – You can help level the playing field or accept politics as usual

According to official records, the newly appointed (April 13) HD28 State House Representative, within his first 50 days in office, paid for with taxpayer funds, the printing and postage for 5 different “constituent mailers”. These mailers were delivered in April, … Continue reading

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On the OHA discussion

In response to the many who are asking…I’ve decided to stay out of the OHA discussion. I was originally going to consult with my Hawaiian friends and allies across the islands, people whose judgement I trust, and then make voting … Continue reading

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The power of 17 – Inside political baseball

Most of us are disgusted and have lost all trust in our government. I for one am sick and tired of reading yet another story about still yet another corrupt Hawaiʻi politician caught taking bribes and or giving their friends … Continue reading

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It’s up to you…we can do this…but you/me/we gotta step up and push all the way through until August 8.

Your primary election ballot has most likely already been delivered to your home or P.O. Box.. Only 24% of eligible voters, actually voted in the 2024 Hawaiʻi primary election – the lowest turnout in the state’s 65-year existence. (Office of … Continue reading

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The truth about “bringing home the bacon”

Based on my experience serving as a Hawaiʻi State Senator (2002-2010) and as the Senate Majority Leader – the benefit of keeping an entrenched incumbent legislator in office to ensure they continue “bringing in money to the district” is hugely … Continue reading

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Island by island, State and County, Candidate Recommendations for 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Election

Many have asked me for a concise, island by island – “If I lived in the district, this is who I would vote for” listing of candidates. The criteria I used to evaluate the candidates and come to a decision … Continue reading

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Buying influence by any other name is still buying influence.

If the below doesn’t make you sit up and take notice AND take action, I really don’t know what to say. But Bob Marley does, and he says it better than I ever could. “It’s not all that glitters is … Continue reading

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2026 Primary Election – Candidates we can count on

In response to requests as to my thoughts on State and County races across all the islands, below are my “If I lived in the district, this is who I would vote for…” recommendations. As previously discussed my choice for … Continue reading

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Title: Kaua’i Council – plowing through the numbers.

There are 26 candidates running for election to the 7 member Kaua’i County Council. On August 8, the top 14 vote getters will move forward to the General Election. Based on past elections, candidates ranking #1, #2, #3, and #4 … Continue reading

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