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)

Open letter to Kamala Harris – pre-debate notes from the heart

Posted on October 6, 2020 by garyhooser

To: Kamala Harris From: Gary Hooser – on behalf of my grandchildren Dear Kamala, While we have not met in person, I am compelled to reach out and share with you my thoughts, which I know are held by many … Continue reading →

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Why is one candidate endorsed and not another?

Posted on October 2, 2020 by garyhooser

What criteria are used by most organizations to determine endorsements? Sometimes an endorsement decision is driven by a single individual but most often there is a committee or a board that will make endorsement recommendations. The endorsement process and rationale … Continue reading →

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SuperPac targets Maui Council for takeover

Posted on September 28, 2020 by garyhooser

Heads Up! This is important – regardless of whether you live on Maui, or not. Please read through until the end, and help if you can. A new SuperPac based in Reno, Nevada has launched a $120,000 effort to elect … Continue reading →

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County authority and “workarounds”- policy wonk stuff:

Posted on September 23, 2020 by garyhooser

So just what can the County Council do anyway? Increasingly, this is the question I am getting from friends and neighbors. Frequently it is preceded by “I know they are responsible for balancing the budget, for setting property tax rates, … Continue reading →

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Kauai: Sheltered from the storm

Posted on September 8, 2020 by garyhooser

We are in the midst of a global pandemic, and our economy is on the edge of collapse. Sparked by violent acts of racial injustice and fueled by the ever-increasing economic disparity between the 1% and everybody else, people across … Continue reading →

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What does Donald Trump’s banner have to do with it?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by garyhooser

We are living in extraordinary times surrounded on all sides by uncertainty. Fortunately, our home is on the most isolated island of the most isolated island chain in the middle of the Pacific ocean. In this time of social upheaval, … Continue reading →

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COVID Economic Crisis Deserves Special Session

Posted on September 1, 2020 by garyhooser

We are in the midst of the greatest crisis of our lifetime. The legislature should convene in a special session as soon as possible and go to work. There are many challenges to be resolved, and no reason to further … Continue reading →

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Affordable Housing – Which side are you on?

Posted on August 26, 2020 by garyhooser

For policy wonks working on affordable housing. While the below piece is Kauai specific, I think the principles are important and universal. Hooser – Policy and Politics Title: Affordable Housing – Which side are you on? The affordable housing conversation … Continue reading →

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Where do we go from here?

Posted on August 18, 2020 by garyhooser

Aloha, A friend sent me a short message a few days ago asking, “Where do we go from here?” My initial response was simply, “Forward.” Later, I added, “We rest a bit, then we go back at it. We help … Continue reading →

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Election Results: Iwamoto/Saiki, Ritte/DeCoite – Too Close To Call

Posted on August 10, 2020 by garyhooser

#winning In a stunning display of strength for the progressive movement in Hawaii, Kim Coco Iwamoto is within 162 votes of beating Speaker of the House Scott Saiki, arguably one of the most powerful men in Hawaii. HD26 (Kakaako) Hawaii … Continue reading →

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