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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as 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)

Telling Stories: GMO, Pesticides, and the Hawaiʻi Kai connection

Posted on April 11, 2022 by garyhooser

Jeff asked me to tell my story about Bill 2491 and our fight against the 4 largest chemical companies in the world. He wanted to know how it started and of course how it ended. Jeff Gere, a Hawaiʻi storyteller … Continue reading →

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Essential information for candidates – dry but not horribly so

Posted on April 7, 2022 by garyhooser

Today’s missive is about the reality of a primary election in which voters start casting ballots in less than 100 days. That’s right, on or about the first week in July overseas absentee voters will get their ballots, and then … Continue reading →

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Fortunately there’s light at the end.

Posted on April 1, 2022 by garyhooser

It really shouldn’t be this hard. My intent today was to write something positive and uplifting. But I’m struggling to do so. Yes, I am blessed, many would say entitled. My health is good, and I have a beautiful and … Continue reading →

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A Sad Testament To How Far The Hawaiʻi House Has Fallen

Posted on March 30, 2022 by garyhooser

Gambling with the needs of working families over who gets credit and how many crumbs to brush off the table is a sad and despicable testament to how far our House has fallen. Speaker of the House Scott Saiki and … Continue reading →

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Banning political fundraising during the legislative session – Testimony needed before Thursday!

Posted on March 29, 2022 by garyhooser

SB555 is scheduled for Thursday March 31 at 2pm. Testimony in support with the amendment listed below is suggested. Testimony must arrive 24 hours before the hearing…though late testimony is accepted. SB555 SD1 Relating to Campaign Fundraising Testifying in Strong … Continue reading →

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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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