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)

Birthday Musings #2 – Policy and Politics, Thoughts and Emotions

Posted on January 21, 2026 by garyhooser

It’s my birthday and yes, I’m compelled to share the thoughts and emotions weighing heavy on my mind. The first is of deep gratitude for the love and support of friends and family. I am who I am today because … Continue reading →

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Please indulge me on my birthday. If can, can…but if no can…I totally understand

Posted on January 20, 2026 by garyhooser

I have a huge favor to ask. Please indulge me TODAY PLEASE during my birthday week – and chip in $20, or $72, or $100, $200 or whatever you can to help 8 citizen plaintiffs in Acasio V State House … Continue reading →

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Today’s my birthday. Here’s the basics – and yes of course I’m asking for help.

Posted on January 19, 2026 by garyhooser

Yep, it’s my birthday. January 19, 1954 (do the math) is the day I was born…and I’m totally thrilled to be sharing the day with one of my all time heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Mahalo to all for … Continue reading →

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Hawai‘i House Fights To Support Secrecy

Posted on January 12, 2026 by garyhooser

Will it be business as usual in the upcoming legislative session? Or will the House and Senate decide, at last, to start complying with the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i, and their OWN rules of conduct and procedure? Per … Continue reading →

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On Venezuela, political leadership, and removing the tyrants

Posted on January 5, 2026 by garyhooser

The ends do not justify the means. Claiming to defend itself from “narco-terrorism,” the U.S. has, in the past four months, blown to smithereens 35 small boats, murdering 115 Venezuelans in cold blood. It’s obvious now that this was all … Continue reading →

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“The stories we tell are the stories we become”.

Posted on December 29, 2025 by garyhooser

Don’t ask me when I first heard this quote or who said it first – because I don’t know and neither apparently, does Google. But it’s stuck in my brain and I’m hoping it will stick in yours as well. … Continue reading →

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This Is What Democracy Looks Like.

Posted on December 20, 2025 by garyhooser

The actions and commitment of the people of Maui County, backed by a majority of Councilmembers and Mayor Richard Bissen, epitomize leadership and democracy in action. It’s absolutely true that Kaua`i, Honolulu, and Hawai`i County are all doing some excellent … Continue reading →

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So, I’ve made a list. A “Policy and Politics” List.

Posted on December 8, 2025 by garyhooser

It’s not a “wish list”. It’s a take-action-go-to-the-wall-and-FIGHT-for list. This list (and others will follow shortly) is mostly aimed at State government issues but can/should apply to ALL of our elected leaders in all sectors. Please let me know what … Continue reading →

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Haters gonna hate – more on the unsheltered

Posted on December 4, 2025 by garyhooser

Yes, the uninformed, misinformed, and ignorant who don’t really care about the facts anyway – have triggered me. So please hold on while I vent. To the know-it-all haters out there, just shut the front door (STFD), find a comfortable … Continue reading →

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On the unsheltered. 7 missives. Starting with Jeffrey.

Posted on November 24, 2025 by garyhooser

1997 – Leave Jeffrey Alone Leave Jeffrey Alone – reflections from July 6, 1997 Something I wrote for The Garden Island newspaper in 1997 about a man who lived on the beach at the bottom of the hill from where … Continue reading →

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