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)

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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Funding Public Education – The art of kicking the can down the road

Posted on October 17, 2018 by garyhooser

Watching and listening to various individuals and organizations beating up on public school teachers and their effort to increase funding for public education is disheartening. Every single opponent leads with, “I support public education and teachers but…(fill in the reason … Continue reading →

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Who and what am I voting for or against? A look at my Kauai general election ballot choices.

Posted on October 13, 2018 by garyhooser

In response to several requests that have come via text, email and FaceBook, I have summarized below how I intend to vote on the various items contained on the General Election Ballot.  Though this is a Kauai specific list…several of … Continue reading →

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Who I am. Why I am doing this. How you can help. (my recent email message in case you did not get it)

Posted on October 11, 2018 by garyhooser

Aloha, The goal of this email is to enroll your help in making our community and our world a better place. If we have not yet met in person, this message will further serve as an initial introduction as to … Continue reading →

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