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)

Kauai Council elections: Let’s not just rinse and repeat.

Posted on November 1, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s last call. The polls will be closing soon. Voting is in full swing and the absolute deadline to walk-in your ballot and or vote-in-person is Tuesday, November 8th. All the info on how to register and vote on the … Continue reading →

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Wailuanuiahoʻāno -reclaiming Coco Palms – Fundraising updates

Posted on October 26, 2022 by garyhooser

Exciting news on our work to purchase the Coco Palms Wailuanuiahoʻāno property! *updated 11/29/22 We’ve raised almost $200,000 in donation pledges. While still short of our first-tier $1 million goal, the response has been phenomenal. Providing a pledge of financial … Continue reading →

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Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative – updated statewide House and Council endorsements.

Posted on October 21, 2022 by garyhooser

10 totally awesome progressives that when elected to the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives will – Rock the House! Plus a list of solid, forward-thinking Council candidates on every island. Plus, Plus, Plus – an update on the attacks against … Continue reading →

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Kauaʻi County Charter Amendments – Words Matter

Posted on October 19, 2022 by garyhooser

I’m getting lots of calls from folks asking my opinion about the 4 proposed Kauaʻi County Charter Amendments,. and since this is after-all an opinion column (referring to my weekly column in The Garden Island), here goes: I’m voting yes … Continue reading →

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Reading past the Kahele headline…

Posted on October 18, 2022 by garyhooser

Why doesn’t Hawaii media report on The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), the source of Congressman Kahele’s ethics probe? I spent literally 5 minutes online… which led to the below. And this particular rabbit hole is dirty and … Continue reading →

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County by County – Council Endorsements

Posted on October 9, 2022 by garyhooser

In case you missed it. From the mass email I sent out earlier today: Statewide, County by County – Pono Hawaii Initiative Council Candidate Endorsements – Please encourage friends and networks to sign up for my email at https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com Gary … Continue reading →

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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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