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)

Abolish the ADC – All State Owned Agricultural Lands Should Grow Food For Local Consumption

Posted on February 11, 2021 by garyhooser

Your testimony is needed NOW! Please testify in strong support of BOTH HB1271 and SB335. HB1271 Abolishes the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) and transfers its responsibility and budget to the Department of Agriculture. HB1271 is scheduled for a hearing before the … Continue reading →

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Coco Palms: The Desecration Must Stop

Posted on February 3, 2021 by garyhooser

I awoke the other morning angry and thinking about the ongoing desecration occurring at the bottom of the hill. I’ve been driving by that place every day for the past 40 years. Since 1992 it has been a total wreck. … Continue reading →

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State House Moves To Gut Auditor’s Budget & Block County COVID Travel Restrictions Plus – a note on the “long game.”

Posted on January 31, 2021 by garyhooser

The most common excuse offered to justify inaction by legislators at all levels of government is a claim of pragmatism. Lawmakers are fond to talk about playing the “long game” preferring to keep their heads down, avoid risks, build seniority, … Continue reading →

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If you live on a neighbor-island, HB1286 will impact you and the health of your island.

Posted on January 28, 2021 by garyhooser

This is important. If you live on a neighbor-island, HB1286 will impact you and the health of your island. HB1286 will be scheduled for hearings soon and your testimony is vitally important. HB1286 – RELATING TO TRAVEL https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1286&year=2021 If HB1286 … Continue reading →

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If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck – it’s probably a duck.

Posted on January 24, 2021 by garyhooser

January 14: Civil Beat reports on a scathing audit of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). Auditor: State Agriculture Agency Is Failing To Fulfill Mission Read actual audit here httpsauditor’s.hawaii.gov/auditor/Reports/2021/21-01.pdf January 20: House Speaker Scott Saiki launches probe of the auditor’s … Continue reading →

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Nothing to fear except the rabbit hole.

Posted on January 20, 2021 by garyhooser

Wednesday January 20, 2021 was a big day in policy and politics. Actually, they don’t get much bigger than this. The President of the United States was sworn into office, and it was opening day of the Hawaii Legislature. Rocked … Continue reading →

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After the insurrection, accountability and reconciliation – Honolulu Star/Advertiser by Gary Hooser

Posted on January 18, 2021 by garyhooser

President Donald Trump lied, and people died. This is the unvarnished truth. He and his enablers and those who participated in acts of violence, must be held accountable. The unsettling and dangerous situation that occurred inside our nation’s Capitol on … Continue reading →

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My granddaughter Isabella is crossing her fingers and hoping House Speaker Scott Saiki will do the right thing, and that you will offer him some encouragement!

Posted on January 17, 2021 by garyhooser

If you believe as I do, that anyone who works 40 hours a week deserves a wage sufficient to provide a dry safe place to live and 3 meals a day, please Click Here to send Speaker Saiki an email, asking him to … Continue reading →

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Bigotry and Violence Have No Place Here

Posted on January 12, 2021 by garyhooser

The images of recent violence and the storming of the Capitol in Washington D.C. are everywhere and impossible to avoid. Unfortunately and very sadly, threats of future and imminent violence have also arrived even here in Hawaii. My hope is … Continue reading →

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2020 – A ride like no other

Posted on December 30, 2020 by garyhooser

It’s been a roller-coaster of a year, and from small kid time until today – I have never liked roller-coasters. Whether it be at the E.K. Fernandez Show’s weekend carnival or at Disneyland, roller-coasters were never my cup of tea. Thank goodness … Continue reading →

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