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)

A Hawaii stand-your-ground law would encourage violence. By Chris Marvin as published in the Honolulu StarAdvertiser 03/07/22

Posted on March 7, 2022 by garyhooser

Ask any military veteran: In combat, the most crucial briefing defines the rules of engagement. When can you shoot to kill? When must you use pragmatic restraint? These rules protect fellow service members and prevent the loss of innocent life. … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Right Wing Democrats at work – HB2464

Posted on March 5, 2022 by garyhooser

The so-called Democratic Majority in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives has seemingly drunk the Qlaid and gone off the deep end (on the far right side) of the pool. Can you believe Hawaiʻi Democrats would actually pass a “Stand … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Right Wing Democrats at work – HB2464

Posted on March 4, 2022 by garyhooser

The so-called Democratic Majority in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives has seemingly drunk the Qlaid and gone off the deep end (on the far right side) of the pool. Can you believe Hawaiʻi Democrats would actually pass a “Stand … Continue reading →

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Government Corruption: Time to double down – If you see something, say something.

Posted on March 1, 2022 by garyhooser

Over the past 12 months, Hawai’i government at all levels has been rocked by headline after headline, exposing the criminal activity of a wide range of public officials. Sitting in jail at the moment, or awaiting sentencing, we have a … Continue reading →

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Minimum Wage Increase – Testimony Needed TODAY Monday 02/28/22

Posted on February 27, 2022 by garyhooser

HB2510 proposes a minimum wage increase that delays reaching $18 until the year 2030, is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow, Tuesday March 1. The deadline for testimony is 11am, TODAY Monday 02/28/22. (LATE TESTIMONY IS ACCEPTED) The Senate has already … Continue reading →

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File under: Can’t make this stuff up – Hawai’i Legislature and Chamber of Commerce

Posted on February 23, 2022 by garyhooser

You might have missed it (or maybe you did not get the invite), but on Wednesday, February 23 from 5 to 8:15 pm the Hawai’i Chamber of Commerce sponsored cocktails, pupu, and essentially a speed dating event with legislators. The … Continue reading →

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Taking back our government, one seat at a time

Posted on February 23, 2022 by garyhooser

Why bother being involved in government and politics when Hawaiʻi lawmakers are crooks? Why bother testifying at the legislature when the policy decisions are fixed and insiders with money are calling the shots? As a good friend once told me, … Continue reading →

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Parsing the words, dodging the truth – The Reapportionment Commission at work

Posted on February 20, 2022 by garyhooser

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission is hiding the truth about their practice of using the home addresses of incumbent legislators as criteria to be considered when re-drawing district maps. That’s what it looks like anyway. I welcome the qualified opinions of … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi Corruption Opportunity – plus minimum wage update

Posted on February 18, 2022 by garyhooser

We must jump all over this – now. Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Judiciary Committee has scheduled SB555 introduced by Senator Les Ihara, banning campaign fundraisers during the legislative session. The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing … Continue reading →

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Which side are you on? House members will choose today!

Posted on February 17, 2022 by garyhooser

Today, Thursday 02/17 there will be a floor vote on HB2510. It will be interesting to see who votes Yes in support of delaying the $18 increase until 2030, who votes No and stands firm with working people, and who … Continue reading →

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