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)

Affordable Housing Development Must Remain A Mandate

Posted on July 14, 2020 by garyhooser

Making it easier for developers and landowners to make more money, by eliminating their requirement to provide affordable housing, is in my opinion bad public policy. The recent doubling (and more) of allowable density in the Lihue town core without … Continue reading →

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Kauai Council Needs To Rethink – Bill 2774

Posted on July 7, 2020 by garyhooser

Councilmember KipuKai Kuali’i and Council Chair Kaneshiro have introduced Bill 2774 that if passed, will effectively eliminate the construction of any future workforce/affordable housing in the town cores of Lihue, Koloa, and Kalaheo. Seriously. You can’t make this stuff up. … Continue reading →

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Democrats Disappointing Democrats – The realty of policy and politics in Hawaii

Posted on June 30, 2020 by garyhooser

“So are you saying that 90% of the House incumbents basically suck?” Question received in response to a recent blog post – at https://garyhooser.blog “A fair question. Basically, I think that a majority either look at the world through a … Continue reading →

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Avoiding The Lines, Avoiding The Chaos,  But Not Avoiding Your Civic Duty

Posted on June 27, 2020 by garyhooser

To everyone who values civic engagement and who yearns for a government that is responsive, transparent, and values-based. You gotta vote.  There are many excellent candidates that can make real change happen, but for them to serve – you need to … Continue reading →

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It’s crunch time, and I will not mince words.

Posted on June 25, 2020 by garyhooser

As described in “Fear and Loathing and Hope at the Capitol” (https://mailchi.mp/garyhooser/fear-and-loathing-and-hope-at-the-state-capitol) we have before us an opportunity to #RebuildTheHouse But it ain’t gonna happen without your help. That’s the bottom line my friends. We have a genuine opportunity to … Continue reading →

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Hawaii candidates putting people and the planet above corporate profits.

Posted on June 14, 2020 by garyhooser

After an exhaustive review of almost every race for every office in the state of Hawaii, the below list represents my final statewide endorsement suggestions for the 2020 Hawaii primary election and includes candidates for both State, County, and Federal … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

Fear and Loathing…and Hope at the Capitol #RebuildingtheHouse –

Posted on June 14, 2020 by garyhooser

The fear, self-interest, indecision, and disfunction now enveloping the state legislature must end. There are over 15 new and highly qualified candidates running for election to the State House of Representatives (see list below). The election of Kim Coco Iwamoto, … Continue reading →

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Time to pivot hard to local elections.

Posted on June 1, 2020 by garyhooser

If you are both saddened and outraged by what happened to George Floyd, and what is happening in cities and towns across the country – know that I am as well. Inspired by the thousands who have taken to the … Continue reading →

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“All in for Kim” –

Posted on June 1, 2020 by garyhooser

Kim Coco Iwamoto’s response she posted on FaceBook (see below) to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser article announcing my decision to step down as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii and my endorsement of her campaign to the State House of … Continue reading →

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On DINO’S and Deadlines

Posted on May 27, 2020 by garyhooser

June 2 is the filing deadline for prospective candidates interested in running in the upcoming 2020 elections. Those who might be interested in entering the race for County Council, the State House of Representatives, or the State Senate – need … Continue reading →

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