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)

Hotel Housekeepers Are Heroes – All Hawaii Workers Deserve A Living Wage

Posted on December 6, 2018 by garyhooser

Are the rest of us as committed as hotel housekeepers to raising up Hawaii? Can we as a community accomplish in 60 days what the hotel housekeepers and restaurant workers achieved in 51 days? The 2,700 UniteHere Local 5 members … Continue reading →

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Under The Guise Of Civility

Posted on December 5, 2018 by garyhooser

As newly elected legislators at all levels begin taking office, it is important to remind everyone that robust debate and holding our politicians accountable is critical to a healthy democracy. To those politicians who are thin of skin, I encourage … Continue reading →

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An open letter to those who have been elected to serve in public office, and call themselves Democrats.

Posted on November 23, 2018 by garyhooser

The mid-terms are over and it’s time now to get down to business, the people’s business to be specific. You ran for office and were elected under the banner of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and the hope for many … Continue reading →

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Prayers, Politics, and Policy –

Posted on November 21, 2018 by garyhooser

I think taking one day per year and dedicating it to being thankful is a good idea.  Actually, I wake up most mornings just being thankful for being alive, thankful for my good health, for my wonderful family, and for … Continue reading →

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Choosing the Chair – Whose Bias Do You Prefer?

Posted on November 14, 2018 by garyhooser

Today being the first post-election meeting of the Kauai County Council is sure to be non-eventful on its surface.  But the sub-currents are no doubt running strong, even as the winners are gracious and the losers act like all is … Continue reading →

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A Most Audacious Move – 

Posted on November 6, 2018 by garyhooser

In politics, audacity is not a characteristic that many politicians are known for, especially during an election year.  The award for the most audacious politician in Hawaii for the year 2018, certainly must go to Kauai Councilmember Ross Kagawa. Councilmember … Continue reading →

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Four Steps For Change: Legislative, Electoral, Judicial and Grassroots

Posted on October 31, 2018 by garyhooser

Aloha, Like you, I care deeply about the problems and challenges facing us here in Hawaii, my home and the birthplace of my children and grandchildren. There are many pathways to effect change but the lens of advocacy through which … Continue reading →

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The Quisling’s of Wailuku

Posted on October 31, 2018 by garyhooser

Four years ago the elected leadership of Maui County, betrayed the people of Maui. Betrayal is a strong word, but after much reflection I do not hesitate to use it. Many thanks to the Maui Independent for the excellent article … Continue reading →

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“The strange and tortuous path of the education Con Am” – for legislative nerds and policy wonks only – 

Posted on October 25, 2018 by garyhooser

The Con Am as we now know it, was born on January 24, 2018 as SB2922 with the primary introducer being Senator Michelle Kidani, Vice President of the Senate and Chair of the Senate Education Committee.   After months of … Continue reading →

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Indulge for a moment, a rant on the topic of voting.

Posted on October 20, 2018 by garyhooser

Voting is such a boring topic so I figure a rant is in order. People that already vote, will yawn and say “been there done that…move along…I’ve done my part and now I can get back to working in the … Continue reading →

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