Author Archives: garyhooser

Unknown's avatar

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)

Race For Kaua`i Mayor Is On!

Posted on May 21, 2025 by garyhooser

Both former Mayor (now County Councilmember) Bernard Carvalho AND County Council Chair Melvin Rapozo are hoping to be chosen by voters in 2026 to serve as Kaua`i’s next mayor. Kaua`i voters deserve a choice, and I’m hoping other candidates will … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

In case you’re interested in some very brief personal pre and post 45th wedding anniversary history…very brief…

Posted on May 17, 2025 by garyhooser

This year marks our 45th wedding anniversary. So, as I’ve done over the past few years I’ll be saying “Happy Anniversary” to an incredibly awesome woman and life partner, AND I’ll be telling the story of how Claudette pulled me … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

This is what democracy looks like (when we show up and speak out)

Posted on May 12, 2025 by garyhooser

Because our community stepped up, made the calls, sent the emails, and filled the room, our people and our planet had two huge wins last week. On May 6th, Representative Chris Todd (Hilo), the new House Finance Committee Chair, announced … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

My testimony for tomorrow’s BLNR Pōhakuloa hearing

Posted on May 8, 2025 by garyhooser

If you’re on Oahu, please show up. Wear black and red and request that the BLNR REJECT THE FEIS! To: Board of Land and Natural Resources RE: Testimony for Agenda Item D-1, scheduled for May 9th 2025 From: Former Hawaiʻi … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Acasio v House – What happened on May 1?

Posted on May 5, 2025 by garyhooser

First Circuit Court Judge Kawamura heard arguments on the plaintiffs motion to summarily decide the case and the House’s argument to summarily dismiss the case. She asked both sides questions and then asked the parties for further briefing on an … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

So Whatcha Gonna Do About It?

Posted on May 4, 2025 by garyhooser

Screaming into the wind, doom-scrolling through social media, and showing up at a protest once in a while, is not enough. If you truly want to make a difference, here are 14 essential rules and actions. These are the minimum … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Death In The Dark- HB371

Posted on April 27, 2025 by garyhooser

“Just the facts ma’am.” That’s the only way to write about the ugly death of HB371. Below are those facts, sourced from the public record at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov If passed into law, HB371 would have extended the ban on campaign contributions … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Very 1st inaugural Policy + Politics video/podcast complete!

Posted on April 22, 2025 by garyhooser

Yay! We did it! Was a bit stressful, but with the help of a whole lot of people, the first Policy + Politics video/podcast is now one for the history books. Here it is on YouTube – please check it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Title: May 1 – The House Goes To Court

Posted on April 21, 2025 by garyhooser

Serious question: Is there a single member of the State House of Representatives who would say under oath, that every House Committee meeting held for the purpose of making decisions is open to the public? Anyone who’s served or worked … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Aria Juliet Castillo and Gary Hooser: Policy + Politics video/podcast

Posted on April 20, 2025 by garyhooser

Please join Aria Juliet Castillo and me TOMORROW, Monday, April 21, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm (HST) for our very first Policy + Politics video/podcast, streaming live on the FaceBook Page Policy + Politics Our goal is to educate, advocate … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment