Author Archives: garyhooser

To friends and fellow advocates. Apologies for not posting sooner my “post primary” thoughts. Honestly, I’ve been stuck, going around in circles, thankful for the many candidates who gave it their best shot, hugely disappointed in the many who lost, … Continue reading →

What’s it all mean for the residents of Kaua‘i County? To summarize and speculate a bit, the next Mayor of Kaua‘i will be either Council Chair Mel Rapozo who received 7,580 votes in the Primary, or former Kaua‘i Mayor now … Continue reading →

I’ve been there. I’ve served a total of 16 years in public office, 8 years on the Kauaʻi County Council and 8 years in the Hawai‘i State Senate. For a short period, I served as State Director of the Office … Continue reading →

Big money is a corrupting influence on our democracy, on our elected leaders, and on the legislative and government decision making process at all levels – County, State, and Federal. The actions of Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) and related SuperPacs … Continue reading →

My mother turned 94 on July 30th and yes, that’s where Claudette and I have been for the past week – celebrating this beautiful woman, talking story nonstop, revisiting family memories, and eating way too much southern cooking. Mrs. Loretta … Continue reading →

On Wednesday, July 29, at 8:30am, the Kauaʻi County Council is taking up Resolution No. 2026-24, urging Mayor Kawakami and the County Administration “to prioritize waste diversion, curbside recycling, and a Materials Recovery Facility as the Kekaha Landfill nears capacity.” This is … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →