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)

We’ve only got 10 months… It’s time to turn it up.

Posted on October 13, 2025 by garyhooser

Almost everyone — Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians and Independents alike — will agree that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. I’ve spent a good part of my life sitting around tables with friends and colleagues, discussing policy, … Continue reading →

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For those who are serious about making change happen

Posted on October 6, 2025 by garyhooser

What can we actually do to help stop the out-of-control wrecking ball now smashing through civil society? “We’re going through very dark times: socially, politically and especially environmentally. If you think globally, you get really depressed, so act locally. Each … Continue reading →

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Hawaiʻi islands protest time/place schedule – October 18, 2025

Posted on September 30, 2025 by garyhooser

In Hawaiʻi on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the “No Dictators” protest, organized by Indivisible Hawaiʻi and cosponsoring groups, is scheduled to take place on four islands.  Oʻahu  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu Maui  Kahului 4 … Continue reading →

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Did you watch his speech?

Posted on September 28, 2025 by garyhooser

Don’t just take my word for it. PLEASE watch it, and make up your own mind. See, hear, and judge for yourself the totally embarrassing spectacle of President Donald J. Trump at the United Nations, making a complete ass out … Continue reading →

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Heads Up! Agribusiness Development Corporation proposed exemptions to Environmental Impact Statement requirements include “research activities” (think GMO/Experimental/Pesticides)

Posted on September 24, 2025 by garyhooser

The Environmental Notice provides public notice for projects undergoing environmental review in Hawaiʻi as mandated under Section 343-3, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, the Environmental Impact Statement Law “The following agency exemption list, which serves as guidance for the agency in making … Continue reading →

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Hawai’i, Trump, and The Dynamics of Hope

Posted on September 23, 2025 by garyhooser

Uncertainty is the villain of the moment, and it can only be defeated through assertive action. Waiting around for something bad to happen is — in and of itself — killing us. As University of Hawai’i political scientist Colin Moore … Continue reading →

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End military leases, lead Hawaii to peace – By Healani Sonoda-Pale, Gary Hooser and Wayne Tanaka – published 09/21/25 Honolulu StarAdvertiser

Posted on September 23, 2025 by garyhooser

Every day we hear of senseless killings. Children die in their classrooms, political figures are assassinated in their homes and onstage, innocents are murdered without trial or sentencing, and there are tragic shootings in communities everywhere. Gov. Josh Green’s recent … Continue reading →

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When will the Kaua`i County Council start following the law?

Posted on September 17, 2025 by garyhooser

The Charter of the County of Kaua`i states in Section 32.01. “There is established within the legislative branch an office of the county auditor, to be headed by a county auditor who shall be appointed by the county council…” For … Continue reading →

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It’s murder, and calling it an extrajudicial killing doesn’t change that.

Posted on September 6, 2025 by garyhooser

Eleven people are dead, blown to pieces because they were suspected members of a Venezuelan gang of drug traffickers. There was no trial, no testimony, no jury, and no opportunity to deny the allegations. Neither the names nor the ages … Continue reading →

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Community wins big against Syngenta and BLNR at Hawai’i Supreme Court

Posted on September 1, 2025 by garyhooser

Uncle Loui Cabebe is smiling down upon us, of that I have no doubt. As a member of Ke Kauhulu O Mana and a plaintiff in our communities recent huge win at the Hawai’i Supreme Court, his legacy of caring … Continue reading →

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