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)

Hawaiʻi – A Blue State Charade

Posted on November 16, 2023 by garyhooser

Am wishing today, we were more like Minnesota. Yes, Minnesota. The 2023 legislature in Minnesota, with only a one-vote “blue majority” in the Senate, accomplished in a single year more than our own “super blue” Hawaiʻi legislature has accomplished in … Continue reading →

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A Day in Court – Trials, Tribulations, and MSJ’s

Posted on November 14, 2023 by garyhooser

I had the privilege of attending a court hearing on Oahu last week relating to the proposed Kaua’i Coco Palms Hotel development. It was a surreal, informative, sad, but yet still hopeful morning. On one side of the courtroom (literally … Continue reading →

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Lawmaking 101 – Tools of the trade

Posted on November 8, 2023 by garyhooser

Rules and regulations, mandates, outright bans, plus financial incentives and disincentives – These are the primary tools used by lawmakers and administrators to accomplish public policy goals needed to preserve and protect “the commons” – our health, natural environment, social … Continue reading →

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Policy, Politics, Ethics and Avocados

Posted on November 2, 2023 by garyhooser

As many of you know, I’ve taken to walking 5 miles a day. It’s a fabulous habit. It provides valuable exercise of course, but it also gives me two hours of peaceful solitude and outdoor “thinking time.” Where am I … Continue reading →

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Affordable Housing: Yes, in my backyard!

Posted on November 2, 2023 by garyhooser

Yes, in my backyard! Putting affordable housing in my backyard is totally fine, and if government just gives me a little help — I’ll build it myself. Like tens of thousands of homeowners across Hawai’i on every island, I’m allowed … Continue reading →

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Walking The Neighborhood – For Serious Candidates Only – Campaigning 101

Posted on October 19, 2023 by garyhooser

Only candidates for public office need to read further. And if you are a candidate, I hope you read and align with this: https://garyhooser.blog/2022/12/07/the-fundamental-political-question/ I’ve written recently about how walking (and eating right) has changed my life. As a candidate … Continue reading →

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What can we do to stop the madness?

Posted on October 18, 2023 by garyhooser

Innocent civilians: men, women, children, the very old, the very young, are being slaughtered – daily. Whether it’s death by bullet, bomb or bayonet – people are being targeted while running through the fields, sleeping in their beds at home, … Continue reading →

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Contact Info Hawaii Congressional Delegation, State Legislators, County Councils, Mayors, Governor, and President

Posted on October 16, 2023 by garyhooser

Contact U.S. President Donald Trump https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ THE WHITE HOUSE 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Contact Information For Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation (email contact via their websites) U.S. SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO (D) https://hirono.senate.gov Washington, DC 202-224-6361 Honolulu, HI 808-522-8970 … Continue reading →

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3 steps toward 5 important priorities

Posted on October 11, 2023 by garyhooser

Please don’t tell me it’s a waste of time, nobody listens anyway, or that you’re busy. You can be part of the solution or part of the problem. I ask that you please, please, please — today be part of … Continue reading →

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Talking trash on Kaua`i – 2 easy and important things you can do

Posted on October 3, 2023 by garyhooser

Our one and only Kekaha landfill is approaching maximum capacity. Micro-plastics are being found in the guts of fish and other living things. The trash on the beach, at the side of the road, and floating in huge garbages patches … Continue reading →

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