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)

Hawaii Legislative Primer 4 – Hierarchy of access and influence

Posted on February 6, 2019 by garyhooser

The 2019 legislative session is in full swing and those familiar with the process know the environment in “the building” is hectic at best. Having served in the building for eight years as a State Senator, I can say without … Continue reading →

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Brutally frank – a discussion we need to have.

Posted on February 5, 2019 by garyhooser

Brutally frank – a discussion we need to have. The cynics, jaded and the obsessively pragmatic need not read further. In fact, delete now please and for that matter there is an unsubscribe button at the bottom of this page. … Continue reading →

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Your testimony is needed now, today on – Cannabis, Pesticide Drift, Minimum Wage, Automatic Voter Registration

Posted on January 28, 2019 by garyhooser

It’s time to rock and roll my friends. Important bill’s are being scheduled at the legislature and your testimony, both in person and via email is important.  Trust me on this.  While some think that just a little ole email … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Call To Action: Your testimony needed now on cannabis, pesticide drift, living wage and more

Posted on January 28, 2019 by garyhooser

https://mailchi.mp/garyhooser/legalization-of-cannabis-automatic-voter-registration-avr-pesticide-drift-increased-fines-living-wage-your-testimony-is-needed-this-week

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Automatic Voter Registration – Save money AND improve access to voting

Posted on January 28, 2019 by garyhooser

Every politician wants to “do something” and “accomplish stuff”.  It is a natural inclination to want to make a mark, and to have accomplishments of significance to point to when running for reelection. The challenge is that most “stuff” is … Continue reading →

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The reforms that make all other reform possible – starting with automatic voter registration.

Posted on January 20, 2019 by garyhooser

Reforming and improving the way we conduct campaigns and elections, will allow us to reinvigorate our democracy and thus pave the way to changing public policy for the better, at all levels.  These reforms include campaign finance reform, public financing … Continue reading →

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Mahalo to the good folks at TSA. We owe you, big time.

Posted on January 15, 2019 by garyhooser

Wracking my brain as to what I can do to support the good people working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), during this ongoing government shutdown.  They are working very hard for all of us, literally keeping our economy afloat, … Continue reading →

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Living Wage Legislation – Radical Leftist Concept or Essential Centrist Thinking?

Posted on January 1, 2019 by garyhooser

In response to my previous column “Hawaii’s minimum wage needs to start at $17 and strive to be a living wage” https://bit.ly/2AA8W8D a woman wrote to me saying “I have voted for you in the past but it seems you … Continue reading →

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Hawaii’s minimum wage needs to start at $17 per hour and strive to be a living wage.

Posted on December 24, 2018 by garyhooser

Every person willing to work 40 hours per week, deserves to earn a wage that is sufficient to provide basic shelter, food and medical care.  This statement should not be debatable. A friend once told me, “There is no such … Continue reading →

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A Progressive’s Perspective – On 2019 Legislative Session

Posted on December 15, 2018 by garyhooser

What do we want?  Justice. When do we want it?  Now This is the essence and mantra of progressive values. Here in Hawaii, we’ve been waiting far too long and there is no good reason why we should have to … Continue reading →

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