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)

Lessons From The Ledge #2 – Expect These Excuses

Posted on February 8, 2026 by garyhooser

Last week, I shared The Most Important First Step – KNOW WHO REPRESENTS YOU AND COMMUNICATE REGULARLY WITH THEM. Today, I’m reaching out again to those of you who really and truly want to learn more about the world of … Continue reading →

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Policy Advocacy – The most important first step

Posted on February 2, 2026 by garyhooser

Gotta ask…Don’t mean to insult you but soooo many people don’t know this AND it’s a critical starting point for those serious about making a difference in the policy and politics arena. Do you know the names of your State … Continue reading →

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A Call To Public Service: If Not You, Then Who? The time to “pull papers” and declare yourself a Hawaiʻi candidate is now.

Posted on February 2, 2026 by garyhooser

Consider this quote from George Ariyoshi’s “Hawaiʻi’s Future.” “For those who have the potential to exercise leadership, you know who you are. Don’t shirk. Don’t hold back. Don’t shrink from getting involved because it’s complicated. You live only once. Give … Continue reading →

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Recognize and address homeless plight – by G. Hooser as published in the Honolulu Star/Advertiser 01/28/26

Posted on January 29, 2026 by garyhooser

Whether you’re walking or driving in town, through a park or along the coast, the images of poverty, desperation and loneliness are everywhere. For me, it’s impossible to unsee that family living under the bridge with all of their possessions … Continue reading →

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Stepping Back From The Edge

Posted on January 26, 2026 by garyhooser

Too many issues. Too many challenges. Too many bad and sad things happening in our islands, on the continent, and across the world. Federal agents are murdering innocent civilians on the streets of Minnesota. The U.S. military is being used … Continue reading →

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Birthday Musings #2 – Policy and Politics, Thoughts and Emotions

Posted on January 21, 2026 by garyhooser

It’s my birthday and yes, I’m compelled to share the thoughts and emotions weighing heavy on my mind. The first is of deep gratitude for the love and support of friends and family. I am who I am today because … Continue reading →

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Please indulge me on my birthday. If can, can…but if no can…I totally understand

Posted on January 20, 2026 by garyhooser

I have a huge favor to ask. Please indulge me TODAY PLEASE during my birthday week – and chip in $20, or $72, or $100, $200 or whatever you can to help 8 citizen plaintiffs in Acasio V State House … Continue reading →

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Today’s my birthday. Here’s the basics – and yes of course I’m asking for help.

Posted on January 19, 2026 by garyhooser

Yep, it’s my birthday. January 19, 1954 (do the math) is the day I was born…and I’m totally thrilled to be sharing the day with one of my all time heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Mahalo to all for … Continue reading →

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Hawai‘i House Fights To Support Secrecy

Posted on January 12, 2026 by garyhooser

Will it be business as usual in the upcoming legislative session? Or will the House and Senate decide, at last, to start complying with the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i, and their OWN rules of conduct and procedure? Per … Continue reading →

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On Venezuela, political leadership, and removing the tyrants

Posted on January 5, 2026 by garyhooser

The ends do not justify the means. Claiming to defend itself from “narco-terrorism,” the U.S. has, in the past four months, blown to smithereens 35 small boats, murdering 115 Venezuelans in cold blood. It’s obvious now that this was all … Continue reading →

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