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)

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

“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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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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Title: Legislature: Budget Work Is Only Half Of It

Posted on May 19, 2020 by garyhooser

While Hawaii’s legislative leadership is crowing loudly about their proclivity in spending the COVID disaster money, balancing the state budget, and avoiding public worker layoffs and salary cuts – there is far too much still going undone. The 2020 legislature … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

COVID-19 Conspiracy – Connecting the dots, or not

Posted on May 12, 2020 by garyhooser

A friend recently posted concerns about her mother being in a nursing home where residents had tested positive for the virus. A commenter quickly chimed in: “They are doing it on purpose. Sending corona people to those homes.” That commenter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Hawaii’s legislative leaders need to step up, or step aside

Posted on May 11, 2020 by garyhooser

Our economic house is on fire. Passing a handful of budget measures supporting shovel-ready construction projects is not enough. Borrowing money from the federal government to avoid public worker layoffs and pay cuts, while critically important, is still not enough. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Putting policy, politics and a pandemic into perspective

Posted on May 5, 2020 by garyhooser

There is nothing quite like taking a long walk on the beach to put life in perspective. While it’s far too easy sometimes to wallow in our misfortune, the truth is that many, if not most of us who live … Continue reading →

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Tell Hawaii’s legislators that it’s time to go to work. Please take action TODAY and before May 4th if at all possible.

Posted on April 29, 2020 by garyhooser

Aloha Friends, Please email key legislators TODAY, and let them know using your own words’: “Putting off the many critical issues facing Hawaii until 2021 will not serve us well. Please, reconvene the 2020 legislative session and extend into a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments