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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as 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 $13 message – it’s all about the subject line. Email legislators NOW.

Posted on November 8, 2019 by garyhooser

Please help today, especially by the end of the day on Wednesday, January 29th, if you can –  The 2020 Hawaii State Legislative Session has begun and we need to get this important message out BEFORE THE HEARINGS START. 1) Email … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Turning marchers into voters, learning from the revolution of ’54

Posted on November 6, 2019 by garyhooser

On March 28, 2019, over 2,500 Kaua’i residents marched on Rice Street. On O’ahu, over 20,000 marched through Waikiki. Similarly, on Maui and in Hawai’i County – thousands marched – For, justice and for Aloha ‘Āina. Depending on the exact … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Breaking: Kauai Councilmember Arrested

Posted on October 30, 2019 by garyhooser

The primary question being asked by people is “What happens next?” Many want to know if/when Councilmember Brun will be removed from office and if/when that happens, how is his replacement selected. First of all, Councilmember Brun is allowed his … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

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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