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 Democratic Party of Hawaii – Unity, Trust, Resistance and Moving Forward 

Posted on June 4, 2018 by garyhooser

I want to thank Keali’i Lopez and Tim Vandeveer for their commitment to the Democratic Party, and for being willing to “put themselves out there”, for all of us. In a 529-472 (weighted) vote this past Sunday, May 27, Tim Vandeveer, the Chair … Continue reading →

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A Question For The Ballot Box – Paying For Education

Posted on May 25, 2018 by garyhooser

The legislature and the public has been playing a game of “whack a mole” for a long, long time, effectively dodging the question and responsibility of properly funding Hawaii’s public education system. They say no to increasing the General Excise … Continue reading →

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2018 Kauai Election & Hard Choices Ahead (5/18/18 candidate update)

Posted on May 19, 2018 by garyhooser

With less than three weeks left until the filing deadline, the latest Office of Elections Candidate Filing Report of Friday May 18, makes for interesting reading and rife speculation. At the top of the ticket for the County is the … Continue reading →

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It’s not about the chemical companies, it’s about elections

Posted on May 4, 2018 by garyhooser

As I am sure you already know, it is really not about the chemical companies.  Nor is it about affordable housing or raising the minimum wage, or protecting water and the environment.  It’s about interests, not issues.  And it is … Continue reading →

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Regulating The AgroChemical Industry – A Five Year Journey

Posted on May 2, 2018 by garyhooser

The passage yesterday of SB3095CD1 marks an auspicious moment in the legislative history surrounding pesticide regulation in Hawaii. Now on its way to the desk of Governor David Ige, SB3095CD1 contains a “first in the nation” ban on the use … Continue reading →

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We had a huge win at the legislature this past Friday.

Posted on April 30, 2018 by garyhooser

SB3095CD1 was passed unanimously by the Senate/House Conference Committee! We still must pass floor votes in both the House and the Senate tomorrow Tuesday May 1, starting at around 10am in the Senate and 9am in the House.  The next … Continue reading →

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Kauai – The Pain And Suffering Is Real

Posted on April 19, 2018 by garyhooser

Our friends and neighbors on Kauai are hurting and need help. Now is the time for us all to work together, and to set politics aside. The pain and suffering is real, whether your house is large or small, whether … Continue reading →

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Conference Committee & Plausible Deniability

Posted on April 15, 2018 by garyhooser

The 2018 legislative session is coming to a close with the final day of the legislative session being Thursday May 3, or “sine die”. Most of the thousands of Bills that started the process in January are by now already … Continue reading →

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Update on SB3095hd1 – The truth, the status and the next steps.

Posted on April 12, 2018 by garyhooser

The truth about SB3095hd1: SB3095hd1 proposes meaningful pesticide regulation of the very largest users of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’s), requiring disclosure, “no spray zones” around all schools, and a complete ban of the pesticide and neurotoxin chlorpyrifos. SB3095hd1 is supported … Continue reading →

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Kauai Residents: Still more help needed TODAY on SB3095 HD1

Posted on April 10, 2018 by garyhooser

Kauai residents should EMAIL Senate President Ron Kouchi at senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov TODAY (if at all possible prior to April 12) and request politely and professionally that he support SB3095hd1 without making any further changes to it. Please send a thoughtful and … Continue reading →

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