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)

To those of you too busy to make a difference.

Posted on October 3, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s time to get off the couch. Summer vacation is over. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get back to the task at hand – helping to make our community, our world, and our planet a better place. … Continue reading →

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The People Versus Joe Manchin.

Posted on September 27, 2022 by garyhooser

Our 4 member all (D) Hawai’i Congressional delegation came very close to being forced to vote on a deal proposed by Senator Joe Manchin (D – but not really) of West Virginia.  Fortunately, regular people from all walks of life … Continue reading →

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The Question: “How do we get our Council to do this?”

Posted on September 21, 2022 by garyhooser

The forward-thinking and bold work of the Maui Council I wrote about previously clearly struck a chord. If you missed it read: “Policy and Politics – Learning From Maui County” The question: “How do we get our Council to do … Continue reading →

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Kauaʻi Council poised to give $7 million in exchange for 10 words.

Posted on September 20, 2022 by garyhooser

The Kauaʻi County Council agenda set for Wednesday 09/21/22 includes Resolution 2022-28 which proposes to transfer to The Grove Farm Company (Grove Farm) approximately $7 million in taxpayer-funded property improvements, newly constructed buildings, related infrastructure, and nearly 6 acres of … Continue reading →

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Wailuanuiahoʻāno – Say the name.

Posted on September 12, 2022 by garyhooser

Thirty years ago — on Sept. 11, 1992 — Hurricane ʻIniki made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane destroying many homes and businesses including the property then known as the Coco Palms Hotel Resort located on the sacred lands of … Continue reading →

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Policy and Politics: Learning from Maui County

Posted on September 5, 2022 by garyhooser

We don’t want to end up like Maui has been the refrain of many a Kaua`i resident fighting to preserve our rural character. On Maui, I’m guessing they say, “We don’t want to end up like O‘ahu”. But when it … Continue reading →

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Pushing Back Against SuperPacs Via State Law: 50-state shout-out to policy wonks, legislators, and attorneys

Posted on September 2, 2022 by garyhooser

Let’s use our collective “hive-mind” to develop state laws that push back against dark money SuperPacs. We might not be able to pass federal legislation and Citizens United means we cannot limit the amount of money they are spending to … Continue reading →

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Cleaning House, and the Senate – 6 proposals for systemic change

Posted on August 30, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s time to pivot to policy.  Mail-in voting for the general election begins around October 20th, with votes counted on November 8th. The 2023 legislative session opens on January 18th. Subtract out major holidays – and you can see there are not … Continue reading →

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What I did on my summer vacation – in addition to sending out about 1 million or more emails ;-)

Posted on August 25, 2022 by garyhooser

I wanted to check in briefly, say thank you, and apologize if I’ve not gotten back or responded to you promptly over the past 45 days or so. Needless to say, I’ve been swamped with pre and post-primary election activity. … Continue reading →

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Coco Palms Resort Goes Rent-Seeking

Posted on August 23, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s Ground Hog Day, as the Coco Palms Resort development is yet again on the Kauai Planning Commission agenda. It’s been 30 years and the parade of various owners and developers continue to tell us to trust them, everything is … Continue reading →

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