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)

Kaua‘i leads wrong way on Zoom testimony

Posted on May 17, 2023 by garyhooser

Effective March 22, 2023, Kaua‘i County became the only county in Hawai‘i whose citizens are not allowed to testify via Zoom or other remote technology. The reason given: “If we cannot get back online (after a power outage) within 30 … Continue reading →

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Standing up. Speaking out. Pushing back.

Posted on May 13, 2023 by garyhooser

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs called the 2023 legislative session “one of the most dysfunctional legislative sessions in recent history.” I agree 100 percent. Yes, there were some wins, but the 2023 legislative session was, overall, a bust. Big time. … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Reform/Fail = 2024 Election/Wins #motivation

Posted on May 2, 2023 by garyhooser

Two legislators were busted last year for taking bribes in return for helping a prolific campaign donor with legislation benefiting his company. Immediately, with much fanfare, House Speaker Scott Saiki created a “Commission To Improve Standards of Conduct” and vowed … Continue reading →

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Coco Palms Hotel Development Charade – an update

Posted on April 28, 2023 by garyhooser

Before I get to the nitty gritty update details of the hot mess that is the proposed Coco Palms Hotel development – may I ask you to please sign this petition and possibly chip in online to help pay the … Continue reading →

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Publicly funded elections being thrown under the bus – your action is needed now

Posted on April 27, 2023 by garyhooser

According to Civil Beat and many other sources too afraid to speak publicly – SB1543 publicly funded elections – will/may be sentenced to a slow and twisted death today April 27th at 3:05PM in Conference Room 325. It’s time for … Continue reading →

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DLNR issues cease and desist order to Coco Palms Hotel developer

Posted on April 20, 2023 by garyhooser

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has issued a cease and desist order against the owners/developers of the Coco Palms hotel for illegally entering state conservation land and using heavy machinery, tree clearing, and grubbing without a permit. In … Continue reading →

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A universal truth of policy and politics – read and share please

Posted on April 15, 2023 by garyhooser

“When they tell you there’s no money, what they’re really saying is it’s not a priority.” This my friends who are new to policy and politics is a teachable moment. I’ll never forget the exact day and time I first … Continue reading →

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On the houseless – take the drivel to your beer buddies

Posted on April 10, 2023 by garyhooser

“We’re going to close up our hotel and take our business somewhere else where the taxes are lower!” said No Hotel On Kaua‘i Ever. Ditto for luxury vacation rentals, and so many other property owners who don’t live here, don’t … Continue reading →

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“Into the weeds of power at Speakers House”

Posted on April 4, 2023 by garyhooser

“Today’s discussion is not about taking hits, or shots — nor is it about weed. It’s about power and control.” I wrote this for today’s Civil Beat and it seems to have struck a chord. “Hawaii’s House Speaker Has Way, … Continue reading →

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Game changer – SB1543 has been scheduled!

Posted on April 3, 2023 by garyhooser

The game has changed since I last posted a few hours ago. Our efforts have paid off and SB1543, publicly funded elections, has been scheduled! Wednesday at 2pm is the day and time. Please submit testimony and help pass the … Continue reading →

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