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)

Dealing with corruption is our collective kuleana

Posted on February 15, 2022 by garyhooser

Do you know firsthand of any corruption involving bribery of public officials or government employees occurring here in our community? I sincerely hope not, but if you do https://www.fbi.gov/tips It is our collective community’s responsibility to report if we know … Continue reading →

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Time to rock and roll. Minimum wage increase scheduled in House. Testimony needed!

Posted on February 13, 2022 by garyhooser

The House Labor Committee has finally scheduled Speaker Saiki’s minimum wage bill HB2510 to be heard this coming Tuesday and it’s absolutely essential that we flood the committee with testimony saying essentially – $18 by 2026 is the compromise Roses … Continue reading →

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Anyone want to wager on $18 minimum wage?

Posted on February 8, 2022 by garyhooser

Below is a verbatim exchange between a reader and myself on both the minimum wage issue and the potential “inside baseball” political games. “Dear Gary, I apologize for my skepticism sir but I don’t believe Speaker Saiki truly supports a … Continue reading →

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Hawai’i – 3 alarm action alert on $18 minimum wage!

Posted on February 3, 2022 by garyhooser

The State Senate and the Governor both are supporting SB2018, increasing the minimum wage in Hawaii to $18 per hour in 2026, phased in starting this October. Only the approval of Speaker of the House Scott Saiki is needed, and … Continue reading →

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Term Limits In Hawai’i – Shortening the long game for state legislators

Posted on January 22, 2022 by garyhooser

It’s time to begin a statewide conversation about term limits. Few are pleased with the status quo. Though our current legislative leadership possesses decades of experience, clearly that’s not enough. “We already have term limits, they’re called elections” is the … Continue reading →

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My birthday, a shameless ask, and 8 totally awesome Hawaiʻi candidates

Posted on January 19, 2022 by garyhooser

Today is my 68th birthday and I’m shamelessly and unabashedly asking you to help me celebrate by supporting the Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative (PHI) with an online contribution. Yes, lunch, coffee, or another suitable libation would be fun too and perhaps … Continue reading →

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Legal Housing Discrimination In Hawai’i Has To Be Made Illegal

Posted on January 18, 2022 by garyhooser

The pandemic has left many people in a place they never thought they’d be – “accepting government assistance”.   We all know someone who has suffered an unexpected illness, job loss, or death in the family that’s left them struggling … Continue reading →

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Into the weeds – Kauaʻi specific but likely to interest all policy nerds, candidates, and attorneys with too much time on their hands

Posted on January 11, 2022 by garyhooser

To be a candidate for the Kauaʻi County Council you must be a resident and a “qualified voter” for two years preceding the election. On the surface this seems like a reasonable requirement. However, it’s the most restrictive in Hawai’i … Continue reading →

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Breaking: Democratic Party of Hawai’i says Blue Dog Ed Case’s actions do not reflect the values of the Party

Posted on January 9, 2022 by garyhooser

This is really remarkable news: On Saturday, January 8th, the Democratic Party of Hawai’i State Central Committee (SCC) passed a Resolution expressing disappointment with Blue Dog Democrat Congressman Ed Case over his position, action, and inaction with regards to the … Continue reading →

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The Hawai’i reapportionment process: Does anyone else find this objectionable and inappropriate, if not downright in violation of the state constitution?

Posted on January 8, 2022 by garyhooser

According to the Hawai’i state constitution Article 4 (Reapportionment) Section 6 #2 states – “No district shall be so drawn as to unduly favor a person or political faction.” Yet: 1) The members of the reapportionment commission responsible for drawing … Continue reading →

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