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)

Tulsi, Kahele…and the candidate stampede to follow

Posted on October 29, 2019 by garyhooser

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement that she would not be running for re-election, caught Hawaii’s political world by surprise. Initially, conventional wisdom would say that Big Island State Senator Kai Kahele is the heir apparent. But those more skilled in the … Continue reading →

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Legislators get pay raises while minimum wage workers get nothing

Posted on October 22, 2019 by garyhooser

The Aloha United Way commissioned ALICE REPORT: A STUDY OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP IN HAWAI‘I determined than in 2017, 11% of Hawaii residents were living in poverty while another 37% exist on its very edge, only one paycheck away from financial … Continue reading →

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On Gary’s “availability”.

Posted on October 14, 2019 by garyhooser

People are often asking as to “my availability”. Bottom line: If I can help, do not hesitate to call. I am available to meet informally with any individual, anywhere in the state of Hawaii, who is considering running for public … Continue reading →

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With the stroke of a pen, the power of a majority

Posted on October 8, 2019 by garyhooser

The power of a single legislator whether on the council, at the state legislature, or in the U.S. Congress, is limited to that of being one voice and one vote.  They may introduce bills (proposed laws), they may cast a … Continue reading →

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4 powers every legislator has, and one they definitely don’t

Posted on October 1, 2019 by garyhooser

What exactly does my legislator do?  What power do they have and what exactly can they do, or not do? The quick and dirty answer is: They have the power to pass laws (but not really). They have the power … Continue reading →

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When the electoral paradigm creates a political epiphany

Posted on September 23, 2019 by garyhooser

Traditional campaign logic says that candidates should spend their limited resources talking to people who vote, rather than people who for whatever reason, do not. The so-called “super voter”, is someone who never misses an election and is typically described … Continue reading →

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Be there Sep. 20th – Climate change is real

Posted on September 16, 2019 by garyhooser

Please join me, and a whole lot of other people from across the planet – Friday, September 20th (see details at bottom) – Help send a message to policymakers and government leaders everywhere and tell them: CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL, … Continue reading →

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The Mauna is sacred. Say the words.

Posted on September 13, 2019 by garyhooser

The righteous indignation being spouted by TMT supporters, about following “the rule of law”, is ridiculous. Gag me with a fork. The state and in fact all government entities exercise discretion on which laws they enforce, every single day of … Continue reading →

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Corporatists masquerading as Democrats, attempting to cloak themselves as Centrists

Posted on September 10, 2019 by garyhooser

It’s not an exaggeration to say 2020 will be, and in fact, must be – a pivotal year of change. The Amazon burns, we keep children in cages along our borders, mass shootings are commonplace, the rich keep getting richer … Continue reading →

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Key Questions Every Candidate Must Answer

Posted on September 3, 2019 by garyhooser

Top questions every candidate must answer #1) Why?  This is the most important question a candidate must answer, and it will be asked over and over again throughout the campaign.  Hint – The answer is not to fix the roads, repair the … Continue reading →

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