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)

Self-Serving Charter Amendments And The Direct Democracy Option  

Posted on March 26, 2018 by garyhooser

Not sure if others were as surprised as I was to see the 5 to 2 vote in support of moving forward a measure that if passed by voters would allow council-members to serve an unlimited amount of terms. Perhaps I … Continue reading →

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The Realities of Council Service

Posted on March 7, 2018 by garyhooser

People are often curious about the reality of serving as a member of the Kauai County Council. How much time does it take to do the work?  How much does it pay?  Do you really have to give up your … Continue reading →

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Comments Received From My Recent Email Outreach

Posted on March 6, 2018 by garyhooser

Below is a sampling of comments that have come in since I sent out an email asking: Please tell me which new progressive candidate you would like most to see elected in 2018, and why. 2)  Please tell me what … Continue reading →

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Humongous 2018 Election Opportunity

Posted on March 2, 2018 by garyhooser

The 2018 election season is here. Across the state, many strong, values based, credible and highly electable new progressive candidates have already began their campaigns,pounding the streets knocking on doors, putting up signs and speaking with voters. As you know, … Continue reading →

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On Compromise, Meeting In The Middle and Litmus Tests

Posted on February 28, 2018 by garyhooser

Much has been said about the need to compromise, about the need to “meet in the middle” and that there should not be “litmus test issues”. I beg to differ. Yes, it would indeed be nice if we lived in … Continue reading →

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Current status and my testimony on SB3095 – Pesticide Disclosure and Buffer Zones

Posted on February 15, 2018 by garyhooser

Note: On Monday February 12th the Hawaii State Senate Committees on Agriculture and Health and Consumer Protection held a hearing on SB3095 that proposes to regulate the use of Restricted Use Pesticides by requiring the largest users to disclose that … Continue reading →

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A letter to my granddaughter Isabella.

Posted on February 7, 2018 by garyhooser

Dear Isabella, On this, your very first birthday, I sit here in Hawaii typing you this note while you are in Japan thousands of miles away.   Your grandmother and I miss you very much today, and every day. But … Continue reading →

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Good source documents for pesticide testimony:

Posted on February 7, 2018 by garyhooser

  The United States Environmental Protection Agency: “Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects.” http://bit.ly/2AdzXNK American Pregnancy Association: “If you discover you are pregnant and you live near an agricultural area where pesticides … Continue reading →

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Words On Leadership

Posted on February 4, 2018 by garyhooser

Was invited to offer words of “reflection and contemplation” to the Hawaii State Senate this past Friday February 2, 2018. Mahalo to Senator Ihara for granting me this honor, and to Senate President Ron Kouchi and all of my former … Continue reading →

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A birthday ask that does not cost any money.

Posted on January 30, 2018 by garyhooser

Aloha Friends, I just completed my 64th trip around the sun and a big mahalo to all who sent birthday greetings! I am making one more birthday ask today and it is not for money.   Please contact your State Senator … Continue reading →

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