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)

Lessons from the ledge – Power Flow

Posted on February 27, 2019 by garyhooser

The question of power flow at the Hawaii State legislature is not as simple as it may appear at first glance.  While most will assume that power is concentrated at the top with the Senate President and Speaker of the … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the Ledge – A almost complete primer on how things really work at the legislature

Posted on February 22, 2019 by garyhooser

Below are a loose collection of articles, essays and missives I have written over the years that may be of interest to those seeking to understand the legislative process.  My intent is to explain, educate and describe – How it … Continue reading →

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The Legislature – Rules Of The Game

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

In order to understand and effectively navigate the legislative process, there are 7 critically important universal truths, that must be understood and followed.  They may at first seem overly simple and obvious, but they are critically important and impact all … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Legislative Primer #3 – Passing a Bill – The Basics

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

January 16th, is opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature.  The legislative session will run for “60 session days” and adjourns on May 2 “sine die”. During the legislative session, thousands of “bills” will be introduced and several hundred will … Continue reading →

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Legislative Testimony: A quick and concise tutorial 

Posted on February 15, 2019 by garyhooser

First of all, your testimony is important and has an impact.  Trust me on this.  I have served in public office on both the state and county level for 16 years, and I can say without hesitation that your testimony … Continue reading →

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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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