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 most important voter on August 11th will be the non-voter

On this auspicious holiday, the 4th of July, when much of Hawaii’s population is in a celebratory mood and perhaps distracted from the fundamental purpose of the occasion, it is appropriate to pause for a moment and think about why … Continue reading

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An Election Year: The intersection of policy and politics – 3% for affordable housing

There is something about an election year that brings out the best in “sitting politicians” running for re-election.  With their political futures uncertain, and their elections soon to be determined by sometimes fickle voters, those in elected office often will … Continue reading

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Heroes of SB3095 – This is what democracy looks like

By now, most of you have heard that Governor David Ige has signed into law SB3095. Yes, we won. It’s amazing really.  The real story of course is about how it happened. How a small group of dedicated citizens in … Continue reading

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Governor Ige: Leadership, Core Values and Resolve Under Pressure

Governor David Ige’s leadership, core values and resolve under pressure was clearly demonstrated by his recent signing into law SB3095.  Hawai‘i residents concerned about their health and the health of their children and grandchildren should thank him.  Progressives and those … Continue reading

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Kauai Elections and Voting By The Numbers

Of the approximately 72,000 residents now living on Kauai, about 56,284 are adults and eligible to vote during the upcoming Primary election on August 11, 2018.  Yet, during the 2016 Primary only 15,273 people actually voted.  10,000 of these votes … Continue reading

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There are no perfect candidates.  

While there are good people and good candidates, none are without flaws and all have strengths and weaknesses. So how does one choose from a list of imperfect individuals?  What criteria is best for judging who is best suited to … Continue reading

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A straight-forward description of what Act 45 (formerly SB3095) actually does in terms of pesticide regulation

Act 45 (formerly SB3095CD1) contains 6 main components: 1- A ban on the use of the RUP and neurotoxin chlorpyrifos. This ban takes effect immediately however temporary permits will be granted allowing continued use for up to 4 years, at … Continue reading

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Hawai‘i does what EPA failed to do: first U.S. ban on chlorpyrifos enacted into law

Hawai’i made history today when Governor David Ige, watched by representatives of the community from across the islands, signed into law Senate Bill 3095, banning all uses of chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxin that has been banned for home use for over … Continue reading

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Winter is coming – be prepared

I have been warned by many friends on every island that those in traditional positions of power are concerned that the progressive movement is growing too strong. They are concerned we will in fact win too many seats at the … Continue reading

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Why Gary Hooser is supporting Kim Coco Iwamoto to be Hawaii’s next Lieutenant Governor.

I have known and worked with Kim Coco Iwamoto for over 16 years and she has my total support in her quest to become Hawaii’s next Lieutenant Governor.   Kim Coco is the real deal.  She is bright, articulate, hard … Continue reading

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