Author Archives: garyhooser

Unknown's avatar

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)

Maui on my mind – remembering Iniki and thinking about Maui

While our world locally marches forward in a seemingly normal manner, for friends and family on Maui, that same world has been turned upside down. I remember the post-Hurricane Iniki days. I remember living without electricity for months, the National … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Been on a bit of a walk-about…

It’s been over a month since I’ve posted anything here and there’s lots to catch up on. Been traveling…on a bit of a “walk-about” – both literally (5 to 10 miles a day) and figuratively (lots of reflection, introspection, and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Bold, but flawed state emergency housing proclamation

Governor Green’s Emergency Housing Proclamation represents a bold opportunity for developers, for investors, bankers, contractors, and real estate investors moving here from the continent. Local residents desperately in need of affordable housing are last in line. The proclamation is bold, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

2026 Kauaʻi elections – It’s fun to speculate

2024 will be a big year in national politics but locally on Kauaʻi it may be a bit “ho hum”. There’s no Governors race, no Mayors race, our 4 state legislative seats seem locked up, and movement on the Council … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fundraising 101 – A real life, real time lesson

If you’re a regular reader and have the capacity to do so, making an online contribution to Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative today would be hugely helpful. There, I said it. Fundraising 101 – Rule #1 – You gotta ask. It’s hard. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Campaigning 101 – Table of Contents…work in progress

If you are interested in running for election to public office in Hawaiʻi (or anywhere really), below is information intended to help guide you through the process. The information is based on my experience running myself in 10 elections – … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hawaiʻi Real Estate Development – The Play Book (unvarnished)

It was Tuesday July 11, 2023, and the room was packed. The issue at hand was a luxury residential development proposed for Kaua‘i’s south-side. The majority were in opposition, their attendance driven by deep concerns for Kaua‘i’s future. Most of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Campaigning 101 #5 – The rough and tumble of policy and politics

Pay attention to “self care” is the message I hear over and over from other “good trouble-makers” in the community. The political environment can be toxic and the work is never-ending. For a great majority of people on the planet, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Ethical or unethical? You decide.

It’s common knowledge that some legislators use their title and position to help their friends and hurt their enemies (aka people who disagree with them). They kill legislation for personal and/or political reasons — regardless of the public policy impact. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Book draft – The story of Bill 2491 Chapter 2 – Big lies disguised as little lies – Doing the Homework

See Chapter 1- It all started in a living room Chapter 2 – Big lies disguised as little lies – Doing the Homework As I promised Sol and Fern, shortly after that first living room meeting I began “looking into … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment