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)

Public policy goals for 2022 – Your thoughts?

Posted on January 3, 2022 by garyhooser

It goes without saying that if we don’t set goals, we are sure not to achieve them. With that in mind, here are 13 public policy goals for your consideration. * Term limits for state legislators * Passage of true … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten 2021 Blog Posts – musings elaborated and quantified

Posted on January 1, 2022 by garyhooser

One of my top goals for 2022 is to write more. Perhaps I will start that book. There is no shortage of topics, both real and imagined 😉 My intention for the moment is that the Hooser Blog will be … Continue reading →

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Red Hill, collateral damage, a bigger picture

Posted on December 22, 2021 by garyhooser

The Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation must do what’s necessary to ensure that the U.S. military comply with the order of Governor David Ige to shut down Red Hill. Furthermore, until the U.S. Military demonstrates they can be trusted to operate in … Continue reading →

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Why Choose Sergio Alcubilla Over Ed Case?

Posted on December 10, 2021 by garyhooser

I’m supporting Sergio Alcubilla in his campaign to unseat Congressman Ed Case in the CD1 because Sergio shares my core values, and Ed does not. Sergio is not beholden to big business, the military, nor to any private special interest … Continue reading →

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The wrongs of the world will not be made right via the curse of apathy.

Posted on December 3, 2021 by garyhooser

As 2021 draws to a close, I think not so much about the coming holidays but more about the work being done in Congress, by our County Council, and in the coming legislative session that opens on Jan. 19, followed … Continue reading →

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Republicans and Conservative Dem’s Join Hands To Weaken The Build Back Better Plan

Posted on November 16, 2021 by garyhooser

Well, the Build Back Better plan has passed. Yes, it’s a historical piece of legislation, but it could have been so much more so. Because of a handful of conservative Democrats and 100% of the Republicans in Congress, 62 million … Continue reading →

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Legislative accountability – Four big problems, one big solution

Posted on November 9, 2021 by garyhooser

Having a government that works for the people and operates in a manner that is transparent and accountable – is a worthy goal that cuts across ideological lines. Thus we must celebrate the Hawaii Supreme Courts’ recent decision on the … Continue reading →

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Swing Votes, Leverage, and Vote Trading

Posted on October 26, 2021 by garyhooser

Recently I wrote a column in which I suggest that President Biden should “Give them (those who are blocking the Build Back Better legislation) a freeway, an airport, a rail system, or maybe a football stadium. Name an aircraft carrier, … Continue reading →

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Time for President Biden to cut a deal, lessons from Louis L’Amour

Posted on October 19, 2021 by garyhooser

Louis L’Amour’s novel Sitka should be required reading by all who serve in elective office. “He knew how to line up the votes, knew what the states and territories needed, and he knew that statecraft consists of a reconciling of … Continue reading →

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1 minute must read: thought-provoking, relevant, and timely

Posted on October 14, 2021 by garyhooser

As a lifelong readaholic, I recently decided to find out why the novels of Louis L’Amour are so popular. Being a fan of historical fiction, I borrowed his book Sitka from the library. On page 320 I found this passage, … Continue reading →

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