Author Archives: garyhooser

Unknown's avatar

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)

Testimony needed today for Environmental Protection, Criminal Justice Reform, Election Reform, Tax Fairness

Posted on March 15, 2021 by garyhooser

Here is a short but long list of important bills that need your/our attention today. Please – Take the time to submit something even if it is short and to the point. This may be the last chance for you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Injustice and hypocrisy at the state legislature

Posted on March 13, 2021 by garyhooser

SB676 increasing the minimum wage to $12 has passed out of the Senate and is now awaiting a hearing by Representative Richard Onishi, Chair of the House Labor and Tourism Committee. Unfortunately, it appears that House Speaker Scott Saiki is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Making law in Hawaii via the ballot box

Posted on March 9, 2021 by garyhooser

What if Hawaii residents, fed up with the lack of leadership at the state legislature, decided to take matters into their own hands and change the law themselves? This is the power of citizen initiative. “A process of a participatory … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Political Labels And The Man Under The Bridge

Posted on March 2, 2021 by garyhooser

A “radical centrist” is how I’ve recently taken to describing myself and my politics. Needless to say, I’ve taken flack from progressive friends on the left who see centrists as the enemy, blue dogs, and regressive corporatists in hiding. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Legislative Updates: Cannabis, Criminal Justice, Food/Farms, Reproductive Rights

Posted on February 27, 2021 by garyhooser

Aloha Friends, I wish this were not the case and truthfully the weekend work is wearing on me as well. However, if we do not show up with testimony by Monday morning, we will surely end up paying a price … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Wednesday 2/24 – Please Show Up @ Capitol: Defend and Respect Workers – employed and unemployed

Posted on February 22, 2021 by garyhooser

Regardless of where you live, please join us, either virtually or in-person Wednesday February 24 to demonstrate your support and your respect for workers, both the unemployed and those fortunate to still be working. There are two tracks: If you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Political Power You Don’t Know You Have

Posted on February 16, 2021 by garyhooser

Every day it seems I get an email or call from someone who wants to get involved with legislative advocacy, but they want the process “simpler.” Many just want to “point and click,” send in their testimony and then get … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment