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)

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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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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