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)

Sine Die – My Take On The 2019 Session

Posted on May 7, 2019 by garyhooser

The bill to increase minimum wage died, so there will be no increase. HB1326 (corporate water theft) also died, so A&B does not get a $62,000,000 benefit (yet). We should be pleased with the outcome of HB1326 as it is … Continue reading →

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Some in the Senate seem willing to trade the public trust, for a $62,000,000 corporate benefit

Posted on April 28, 2019 by garyhooser

Some in the Senate seem willing to trade outright the integrity of our law making process and the preservation of our natural environment for a $62,000,000 benefit to a private corporation.  We are again hearing rumblings there is an effort … Continue reading →

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The DLNR Does Not Even Support HB1326 (corporate water theft)

Posted on April 28, 2019 by garyhooser

If for some reason you remain unconvinced that HB1326 is a bad bill and not at all actually needed, please read the below and see clear proof that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) did not think HB1326 … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the ledge: The end of session (or not)

Posted on April 24, 2019 by garyhooser

The 2019 legislative session ends, sine die on May 2, and any bills that have not been passed by both the House and the Senate by this date will be dead (for real this time but not really). Like most … Continue reading →

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Get past manufactured crisis, and have state move on water permits – Hooser column published Sunday April 21, in Honolulu Star Advertiser

Posted on April 22, 2019 by garyhooser

In my 20 years of experience in government, politics and policy-making, House Bill 1326 is the most egregious example of special-interest legislation I have ever seen. Fortunately the state Senate has taken time to listen to public concerns. After weighing … Continue reading →

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An Easter message – Let’s pull together for working men and women and push a little extra today and tomorrow, for a strong increase in the minimum wage.

Posted on April 20, 2019 by garyhooser

Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter Weekend. I am hoping we can all pull together for a moment today and tomorrow in support of those in our community and their families who struggle daily, just to make ends meet. Please if … Continue reading →

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Legal Opinion Refuting Governor’ Position on HB1326 (corporate water theft)

Posted on April 19, 2019 by garyhooser

MEMORANDUM Date: April 19, 2019 To: Governor’s Office, Hawai‘i Legislators, and any interested fellow citizens From: Isaac Moriwake, Esq., Earthjustice Re: Legal response to the Governor’s letter dated April 18, 2019 and the Administrative Director’s memorandum dated April 15, 2019 … Continue reading →

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The Conference Committee: Where bills are laid to rest quietly, with little fanfare and no fingerprints.

Posted on April 16, 2019 by garyhooser

As we enter the last two weeks of the legislative session, it is a good time to explain the basics of the Conference Committee process.  Please, stifle the yawn and force yourself if possible to read on.  I promise that … Continue reading →

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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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