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)

Time Sensitive: Email Testimony needed TODAY – Kauaʻi Coco Palms on BLNR Thursday agenda

Posted on December 5, 2023 by garyhooser

Attention Kauaʻi residents especially – Urgent and time sensitive Testimony should be submitted TODAY Tuesday December 5, 2023 (or ASAP) by directing an email to BLNR.Testimony@hawaii.gov See my thoughts/testimony below for context and background – but please offer your own … Continue reading →

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Calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and initiation of negotiations for a lasting peace – Democratic Party of Hawaii State Central Committee – Resolution that passed unanimously on Saturday December 2, 2023

Posted on December 3, 2023 by garyhooser

Whereas, All human life is precious and the targeting of non-combatants in a conflict zone is a violation of Rule 1 of customary International Humanitarian Law; [1] Whereas, Between October 7 and December 2, 2023, armed violence has claimed the … Continue reading →

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Sunshine reflections that every County Council and every voter might benefit from – regardless of your island or County

Posted on December 1, 2023 by garyhooser

Hooray! The Kaua‘i County Council is once again accepting remote public testimony “live” via the internet. Members of the public must sign up via email to testify no later than noon on the day prior to the meeting. On March … Continue reading →

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Title: The Politics and Policy of Gratitude

Posted on November 21, 2023 by garyhooser

Being thankful and celebrating our own good fortune comes with an obligation to reach out to help others. In the past, as a way to celebrate and honor the official holiday of Thanksgiving – I’ve taken my children with donations … Continue reading →

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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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