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)

On the dearth and birth of leadership, Kauai style

Posted on March 29, 2022 by garyhooser

You really, really, really – need to watch this 7-minute video. Produced by two of our very own, born and raised keiki o ka ‘āina, Chris Ka’iakapu and Racquel Jaclyn Segato-Figueroa – this video will both make you proud and … Continue reading →

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Neighbor Island Alert – Preserve Remote Testimony!

Posted on March 25, 2022 by garyhooser

We do not want to lose the ability to testify remotely and be forced once again to incur the high cost of flying to Honolulu for our 2 or 3 minutes of testimony. Please testify in support! Resolution SCR 60 … Continue reading →

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My testimony on HCR92 concerning the over-militarization Hawaiʻi

Posted on March 23, 2022 by garyhooser

The U.S. is the largest supplier of arms on the planet and has more military bases deployed in more countries than any other country in human history. Testimony in Support of HCR 91 and HR 85     “DECLARING OVER MILITARIZATION … Continue reading →

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Progressive Property Tax Policy #101

Posted on March 22, 2022 by garyhooser

County property tax policy should support locally owned and operated businesses, the same way they support local homeowners who live in their homes or who rent at defined affordable rates. Though the below is written primarily for a Kaua‘i audience, … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi House Leadership Is Killing SB2018 – $18 by 2026

Posted on March 21, 2022 by garyhooser

Please call AND email TODAY: Speaker Scott Saiki 586-6100 repsaiki@Capitol.hawaii.gov AND Labor Chair Richard Onishi 586-6120 reponishi@Capitol.hawaii.gov SB2018 which gradually increases the minimum wage to $18 by 2026 and does not increase the tip penalty must get posted for a … Continue reading →

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Today, Sunday March 20 – your testimony is needed

Posted on March 20, 2022 by garyhooser

Here’s something you can do today, that is truly important. And please, don’t doubt for a moment the importance of your voice, and/or our collective voices – because they matter. HB2510 HD2 increasing the minimum wage via phased-in incremental steps and … Continue reading →

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Pulling back the legislative curtain. Cross-over, killing bills, fear, and the conference committee process

Posted on March 15, 2022 by garyhooser

Beware the Ides of March – Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March, or March 15, in the year 44 BCE. Caesar was stabbed to death at a meeting of the Roman Senate. Today in the world of … Continue reading →

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The New Political Reality – Virtual Meetings In Virtual Backrooms

Posted on March 15, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s times like this when I wish I had finished law school, or perhaps married a lawyer, or had my children grow up to be lawyers, or had a bunch of money and could just hire a bunch of lawyers. … Continue reading →

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Stand Your Ground Is Dead. Minimum Wage Is Better. Cross-over Is Here.

Posted on March 10, 2022 by garyhooser

I’ll start with the very good news, move to more good news, stray into an area of trepidation, and end with an ask for help. HB2464 “Stand Your Ground” was “recommitted” in the State House of Representatives on Tuesday 03/08, … Continue reading →

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We are in the middle of a housing emergency.

Posted on March 9, 2022 by garyhooser

I’m getting calls daily from panicked Kaua`i residents being forced out of their long-term rentals. An overheated housing market means an increasing number of landlords are selling out to wealthy investors from the continent. For many there’s nowhere to go. … Continue reading →

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