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 County Council: An argument over housing

Posted on June 21, 2022 by garyhooser

I have a confession. For the first time in over 4 years, I watched an entire County Council meeting. I’d be lying if I said that it was anything less than painful. Not boring. It was interesting and even fascinating … Continue reading →

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I’m not pulling any punches today. Regardless of where you live in Hawaiʻi, the outcome of these 3 races will affect all of us.

Posted on June 17, 2022 by garyhooser

I’m not pulling any punches today. The time is too short and the need is too great – read on, please. If you live in or around Ala Moana, Kaka’ako, or downtown Honolulu I encourage you to vote for Kim … Continue reading →

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Kaua`i County Council: Affordable Housing Initiative Back On The Table

Posted on June 14, 2022 by garyhooser

There is good news, bad news, and more good news. The good news is that Kaua`i Councilmember Luke Evslin and Council Vice-Chair Mason Chock are giving it another go. Undeterred by being shut down in a previous 4-3 Council vote, … Continue reading →

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Statewide List Of Endorsed (State and Congress) Candidates – Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative 2022

Posted on June 12, 2022 by garyhooser

Check out the 24 candidates below that have been endorsed by the Pono Hawai’i Initiative. Change indeed is gonna come! If you are interested in helping, see the list of candidates and campaigns below and sign up directly. Otherwise, please … Continue reading →

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What’s going on in Koloa?

Posted on June 8, 2022 by garyhooser

The battle unfolding in Koloa is oh so typical of what happens way too often on Kaua’i and throughout the islands. Big landowners use their local connections and political clout to convert agricultural land to urban use, promising jobs and … Continue reading →

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Why I’m supporting Kai Kahele over Josh Green

Posted on June 3, 2022 by garyhooser

Since coming out in strong support of Kai Kahele to be Hawaiʻi’s next governor, some have asked: Why Kai Kahele and not Josh Green? If the answer to that question interests you, read on. Otherwise, go to the beach and … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi politics: 3 ugly truths, 3 easy solutions

Posted on May 31, 2022 by garyhooser

Will your state legislator be truthful with you when answering these 3 questions? Will they seek proactive and positive solutions or will they deny there’s a problem and look the other way? 
Ask your Senator and your Representative directly via … Continue reading →

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Kauaʻi Property Tax Policy – Go Big & Go Bold

Posted on May 24, 2022 by garyhooser

Why does Kauaʻi County have the lowest property tax rates for hotels and resorts in the entire State of Hawaiʻi? What public purpose does it serve to charge the Hyatt’s, the Marriotts, the Hiltons, and so many other off-shore foreign … Continue reading →

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19 Hawaii legislators are running unopposed in both the Primary and the General

Posted on May 23, 2022 by garyhooser

As of 05/23/22, two weeks out from the filing deadline of June 7, – 9 of 51 candidates for the State House of Representatives and 10 of 25 State Senators are poised to get a “free ride” with no candidate … Continue reading →

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A political sea change is upon us. 2022 Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives endorsements

Posted on May 23, 2022 by garyhooser

Today the Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative is announcing its endorsement of 15 high-quality candidates, 6 incumbents, and 9 highly electable challengers – running for election to the State House of Representatives. At least two more are forthcoming in the very near … Continue reading →

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