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)

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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To parents, grandparents, teachers and students – Send the message today and say ‘No’ to public education budget cuts

Posted on February 28, 2024 by garyhooser

A recent Honolulu news story reports the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee (WAM), Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, is proposing to reduce spending on public education in order to balance the overall state budget. Hawai‘i’s 258 public schools and … Continue reading →

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Self reflections, self care, mad as hell and not going to take it anymore

Posted on February 25, 2024 by garyhooser

I received a belated birthday congratulatory text a few days ago from a friend who asked, “You doing ok? I heard you’ve lost some weight.” *Note – if you’re not interested in the personal reflections stuff just skip down to … Continue reading →

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Civic engagement 101 – into the weeds

Posted on February 23, 2024 by garyhooser

My telephone was ringing off the hook over the weekend with people calling to let me know the State Department of Transportation (DOT) was “spraying herbicides along the highway between Kapaa and Anahola”. Please sign this petition joining me and … Continue reading →

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Leave Jeffrey Alone – reflections from July 6, 1997

Posted on February 22, 2024 by garyhooser

I read recently in “Ask Georgia” that there was a move afoot to get rid of Jeffrey. Jeffrey might possibly offend the delicate sensibilities of certain members of our community, but to my knowledge he has never hurt anybody. Jeffrey … Continue reading →

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I don’t want to be Donald Trump Anymore

Posted on February 20, 2024 by garyhooser

Interested in a good laugh and a deep dive into the Hooser psyche of 34 years ago? While going through boxes of old news clippings my dear mother has been saving, I found this missive I penned in the early … Continue reading →

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A brief list of some of the priority bills 2024 legislative session

Posted on February 16, 2024 by garyhooser

2024 Legislative Session A brief list of some of the priority bills moving through the process, that if passed into law could make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of many. Note: I understand there are perhaps hundreds … Continue reading →

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