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)

Excellent Status Summary of 2019 Progressive Bills as of April 12, 2019 – courtesy of YPDA!

Posted on April 15, 2019 by garyhooser

Economic Justice Measures The following Economic Justice Action Committee bills have made it through second crossover. Click on a link to send a message of support. SB789 SD2 HD2 & HB1191 HD1 SD2 both propose to raise the minimum wage. How … Continue reading →

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Candidates wanted for 2020 elections and beyond. Kuleana Academy Application Deadline is TODAY, April 15.

Posted on April 15, 2019 by garyhooser

We can carry signs, and we should,  We can organize and we can march, and yes we should do this as well.  And absolutely we must offer testimony and write letters to the editor.  And we must vote, and support … Continue reading →

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Water War Saga Continues –

Posted on April 10, 2019 by garyhooser

Yesterday, April 9th 2019, marked another chapter in the ongoing water wars, aka HB1326 HD2. There were strong rumors that there would be an attempt to “pull the bill to the floor”, and force a vote on the HD2, which … Continue reading →

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Senate supporters of A&B planning to act on Tuesday to resurrect water theft bill, HB1326 HD2

Posted on April 7, 2019 by garyhooser

All hands on deck.  As expected the power and political muscle of A&B will not easily be letting go of their $62,000,000 and our water.  Civil Beat is reporting: “Some senators want to help A&B.  Now, sources say leadership in … Continue reading →

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We won.  HB1326 HD2 (corporate water theft bill) is dead.

Posted on April 5, 2019 by garyhooser

We won.  HB1326 HD2 (corporate water theft bill) is dead. At least for now.  13 members of the Senate or 26 members of the House could revive it if they choose (to their political peril I believe), but for now … Continue reading →

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CALL TO ACTION! Decision making on Senate Hearing for HB1326 (corporate water theft), postponed until 4pm April 4th

Posted on April 3, 2019 by garyhooser

We have less than 24 hours to impact the final decision.  If you already know the story, skip to the bottom and please start calling and emailing Senators. Yesterday, April 2nd the Hawaii State Senate held its first and only … Continue reading →

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A doppelgänger for corporate water theft.

Posted on March 31, 2019 by garyhooser

Just when you think things can’t get worse, they do.  Welcome to “Gut and Replace”. Corporate water theft and HB1326 – and now HB1171. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee as if by magic, has … Continue reading →

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HB1326 – Pulling back the curtain on corporate water theft

Posted on March 29, 2019 by garyhooser

While the rank and file membership in the House may be able to claim they were not fully aware of the facts and circumstances that are driving this measure, the same cannot be said for State Senators who are poised … Continue reading →

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A few quick updates on Cannabis, Minimum Wage and Corporate Water Theft:

Posted on March 21, 2019 by garyhooser

In case you are not on my email list…here is what I sent out this morning! https://mailchi.mp/garyhooser/cannabis-corporate-water-theft-and-minimum-wage-your-action-needed-to-oppose-hb1326-killthebill-startovernextyear The legislative session is quickly heading to the finish line. The legalization of cannabis for responsible adult use appears to be dead for … Continue reading →

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Political winds stirred by political waters

Posted on March 20, 2019 by garyhooser

It is not an exaggeration to say that political careers will rise and fall on the actions or inactions taken by legislators with regards to the success or failure of HB1326 HD2 (referred to by opponents as the water theft bill). … Continue reading →

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