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)

The self full-filling prophecy of political apathy.

Posted on August 27, 2019 by garyhooser

To all the complainers out there who moan and groan about politics and politicians, I say shut the front door or get involved and do something about it. Let’s face facts. The majority rules. Whether it is the County Council, … Continue reading →

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Time to say thanks to the governor 

Posted on August 15, 2019 by garyhooser

Full disclosure – I served for 8 years (2002 – 2010) in the Hawaii State Senate with then State Senator and now Governor David Ige. We were members of the same Senate “faction” – “The Chess Club”. While not close … Continue reading →

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Hawaii’s government leaders must rise to the occasion.

Posted on July 22, 2019 by garyhooser

Governor David Ige is between that proverbial rock and a very, very, very hard place.  The situation seems intractable, but it is not. There is a path forward. Attempting to arrest and detain 2,000 people is I would hope, not … Continue reading →

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Worth listening to in these turbulent times

Posted on July 22, 2019 by garyhooser

I encourge you to listen to this beautiful little song sent to me by a friend yesterday. She said: “Gary, this brought the protectors on Mauna Kea – and you, and demonstrators elsewhere – to mind. Thought you might enjoy … Continue reading →

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Reflections on the Mauna

Posted on July 20, 2019 by garyhooser

Friends and fellow HAPA Board Members Walter Ritte and Kaleikoa Ka‘eo – Chained to a cattle grate for 11 hours to protect the Mauna. *photographer unknown How did we get to a place where hundreds of Hawai‘i police officers dressed in full riot gear … Continue reading →

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Kauai’s west side deserves better.  We all deserve better.

Posted on July 17, 2019 by garyhooser

Every single day of the week, the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) dumps millions of gallons of water polluted with pesticides and heavy metals into the ocean in areas where Kauai’s west side residents fish, surf and recreate with their families. … Continue reading →

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Huge news for Kauai’s west side waters – chemical companies take another hit.  

Posted on July 10, 2019 by garyhooser

FEDERAL JUDGE FINDS HAWAI‘I AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (ADC) IS UNLAWFULLY CONTAMINATING KAUAʻI’S SHORES Click here to read the courts decision: Hawai‘i’s Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) has violated the federal Clean Water Act  Community groups Na Kia‘i Kai, Surfrider Foundation, and … Continue reading →

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Economic Justice – In defense of the invisible

Posted on July 9, 2019 by garyhooser

When bills are introduced to protect dolphins, whales, bees or birds – it is a given that the chamber will be full of testifiers. Likewise, if there is a measure before any legislative body that purports to regulate fishing, or … Continue reading →

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Hawaii GMO industry footprint shrinks by 50%, plus DOE bans herbicides in all Hawaii public schools –

Posted on July 1, 2019 by garyhooser

What if I told you that the application of restricted use pesticides in Hawaii by the largest chemical companies in the world – has been cut by half over the past 7 years? What if I told you that the Department … Continue reading →

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Marriage Equality – Pride Parades and Legacy Votes

Posted on June 26, 2019 by garyhooser

The Stonewall riots (also referred to as the Stonewall uprising or the Stonewall rebellion) were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ community against a police raid that began in the early morning hours of June … Continue reading →

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