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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as 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)

Dancing with the devil – a Faustian dilemma and untenable reality facing every elected official.

Posted on January 11, 2023 by garyhooser

According to the Christian bible, the love of money is the root of all evil – yet we force our politicians to dance with that very same devil every 2 or 4 years. We ask our elected leaders to regulate … Continue reading →

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Affordable Housing, Clean Elections, Legislative Reform – ‘A deep moral crisis’

Posted on January 4, 2023 by garyhooser

The cynics and skeptics will say it’s just gonna be more of the same. Always the optimist, I beg to differ. There’s too much at stake. We have a new governor and many new legislators. The public will be anxiously … Continue reading →

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Where were you?

Posted on December 29, 2022 by garyhooser

A friend asked me recently about what keeps me up at night. What do I think about most when I lay there in bed in those final moments before drifting off? I wish I could say it was about how … Continue reading →

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Why we are taking legal action against the BLNR and Coco Palms Ventures LLC

Posted on December 18, 2022 by garyhooser

I was actually in the room when it happened, and could not believe what I was witnessing. In fact, I said that out loud at the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) hearing held on October 28, 2022. There … Continue reading →

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My rant on the fundamental political question

Posted on December 7, 2022 by garyhooser

Bob Dylan sang that regardless of your station in life, “You gotta serve somebody…” My question today of those who serve in public office, who aspire to future election, or who serve now in other positions of public trust – … Continue reading →

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Title: Dr. Green Becomes Governor Green – First Steps

Posted on December 4, 2022 by garyhooser

Governor-elect Dr. Josh Green will be sworn into office at 12 noon Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena. I wish him well. It’s no secret that my enthusiastic support in the gubernatorial race was behind … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Policy & Politics – Swearing an oath is not enough

Posted on November 28, 2022 by garyhooser

Soon, our elected leaders will be raising their right hands to swear an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, the State Constitution, and the County Charter. We should insist our elected leaders actually follow through with that commitment and that … Continue reading →

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Time sensitive and overdue

Posted on November 24, 2022 by garyhooser

I’m thankful that you take the time to click on my blog and open and read my email. Seriously, the fact that you’re taking the time to read what I write, is for me hugely motivating – it makes me … Continue reading →

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Same Day Voters Choose Aiona/Tupa’i

Posted on November 21, 2022 by garyhooser

Kauai County gets bragging rights with the highest voter turn-out of all counties with 51% of registered voters, actually casting their vote. Hawaii County was second with 49.3%, Honolulu third with 48.9%, and Maui was last at 45.7%. Actually, Kauai … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Policy & Politics: We need changemakers, not placeholders.

Posted on November 16, 2022 by garyhooser

What do we want those we just elected or re-elected to actually do during the coming year? Personally, I’m looking for changemakers, not just placeholders. Yes, balancing the budget is important but there’s an algorithm for that. We need more … Continue reading →

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