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)

Must read email from “impacted resident”

Posted on March 18, 2019 by garyhooser

“I have been testifying (for 2-3 minutes) at water meetings in Haiku and at the County Council since I was 15 years old, I am now 53.  I have witnessed most of the other people that spoke that evening, do … Continue reading →

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HB1326 is all part of a well executed scam

Posted on March 14, 2019 by garyhooser

From FB post of Marti Townsend who has researched this issue extensively dated, March 14, 2019 This is all part of a well-executed scam. A&B got HB2501 passed in 2016, allowing them to divert stream water using temporary permits despite … Continue reading →

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from the Ledge – Red Flags, Code, and Words that Matter

Posted on March 14, 2019 by garyhooser

There were several times during my service in the Hawaii State Senate, where I came very close to supporting proposed legislative measures (bills), that was in direct opposition to my core values.  Some of these instances were a result of … Continue reading →

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HB1326 water theft, minimum wage trojan horse, sticky wickets and asking for help.

Posted on March 7, 2019 by garyhooser

Aloha Friends, I wanted to share with you a few updates, some interesting reading I hope you enjoy, learn from and perhaps find provocative.  And I wanted to also ask for help, which I don’t want to get in the … Continue reading →

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from the Ledge – HB1326 From Crossover to Conference 

Posted on March 6, 2019 by garyhooser

With the legislative session at its midway point it is time for “crossover” when bills that have been heard and passed in one legislative body cross over to go through the same identical process, in the countervailing body. The Hawaii … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the ledge – Power Flow

Posted on February 27, 2019 by garyhooser

The question of power flow at the Hawaii State legislature is not as simple as it may appear at first glance.  While most will assume that power is concentrated at the top with the Senate President and Speaker of the … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the Ledge – A almost complete primer on how things really work at the legislature

Posted on February 22, 2019 by garyhooser

Below are a loose collection of articles, essays and missives I have written over the years that may be of interest to those seeking to understand the legislative process.  My intent is to explain, educate and describe – How it … Continue reading →

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The Legislature – Rules Of The Game

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

In order to understand and effectively navigate the legislative process, there are 7 critically important universal truths, that must be understood and followed.  They may at first seem overly simple and obvious, but they are critically important and impact all … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Legislative Primer #3 – Passing a Bill – The Basics

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

January 16th, is opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature.  The legislative session will run for “60 session days” and adjourns on May 2 “sine die”. During the legislative session, thousands of “bills” will be introduced and several hundred will … Continue reading →

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Legislative Testimony: A quick and concise tutorial 

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

First of all, your testimony is important and has an impact.  Trust me on this.  I have served in public office on both the state and county level for 16 years, and I can say without hesitation that your testimony … Continue reading →

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