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)

Red Hill, collateral damage, a bigger picture

Posted on December 22, 2021 by garyhooser

The Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation must do what’s necessary to ensure that the U.S. military comply with the order of Governor David Ige to shut down Red Hill. Furthermore, until the U.S. Military demonstrates they can be trusted to operate in … Continue reading →

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Why Choose Sergio Alcubilla Over Ed Case?

Posted on December 10, 2021 by garyhooser

I’m supporting Sergio Alcubilla in his campaign to unseat Congressman Ed Case in the CD1 because Sergio shares my core values, and Ed does not. Sergio is not beholden to big business, the military, nor to any private special interest … Continue reading →

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The wrongs of the world will not be made right via the curse of apathy.

Posted on December 3, 2021 by garyhooser

As 2021 draws to a close, I think not so much about the coming holidays but more about the work being done in Congress, by our County Council, and in the coming legislative session that opens on Jan. 19, followed … Continue reading →

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Republicans and Conservative Dem’s Join Hands To Weaken The Build Back Better Plan

Posted on November 16, 2021 by garyhooser

Well, the Build Back Better plan has passed. Yes, it’s a historical piece of legislation, but it could have been so much more so. Because of a handful of conservative Democrats and 100% of the Republicans in Congress, 62 million … Continue reading →

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Legislative accountability – Four big problems, one big solution

Posted on November 9, 2021 by garyhooser

Having a government that works for the people and operates in a manner that is transparent and accountable – is a worthy goal that cuts across ideological lines. Thus we must celebrate the Hawaii Supreme Courts’ recent decision on the … Continue reading →

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Swing Votes, Leverage, and Vote Trading

Posted on October 26, 2021 by garyhooser

Recently I wrote a column in which I suggest that President Biden should “Give them (those who are blocking the Build Back Better legislation) a freeway, an airport, a rail system, or maybe a football stadium. Name an aircraft carrier, … Continue reading →

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Time for President Biden to cut a deal, lessons from Louis L’Amour

Posted on October 19, 2021 by garyhooser

Louis L’Amour’s novel Sitka should be required reading by all who serve in elective office. “He knew how to line up the votes, knew what the states and territories needed, and he knew that statecraft consists of a reconciling of … Continue reading →

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1 minute must read: thought-provoking, relevant, and timely

Posted on October 14, 2021 by garyhooser

As a lifelong readaholic, I recently decided to find out why the novels of Louis L’Amour are so popular. Being a fan of historical fiction, I borrowed his book Sitka from the library. On page 320 I found this passage, … Continue reading →

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National Politics On Steroids – No Good Will Come From This

Posted on October 12, 2021 by garyhooser

On October 11th, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning any entity in Texas, including private businesses, from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees or customers. President Biden however has requested that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) … Continue reading →

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We need change-makers, not just place-holders.

Posted on September 29, 2021 by garyhooser

Often I get asked by readers, why I am supporting Candidate X over Candidate Y (who is often the incumbent). The short answer is one that the totally awesome former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner has by now made famous: “Just … Continue reading →

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