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)

My slightly snarky and almost visibly angry comment

Posted on July 20, 2025 by garyhooser

I just posted this comment on a StarAdvertiser story where the governor and others are quoted saying we don’t need a special session because the really bad stuff hasn’t happened yet…so my comment is “Yes absolutely makes total sense to … Continue reading →

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Please show up and support Good Trouble – July 17

Posted on July 15, 2025 by garyhooser

Thinking of Congressman and civil rights activist John Robert Lewis (1940 – 2020) AND hoping you will consider joining me and many others this coming Thursday July 17 in stirring up and supporting “Good trouble, necessary trouble”. * Hilo: 3 … Continue reading →

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Kauai’i Peeps: Time to show up, speak out, and make good trouble

Posted on July 14, 2025 by garyhooser

I’m writing today while thinking of Congressman and civil rights activist John Robert Lewis (1940 – 2020) AND hoping Kauai’i residents will consider joining me and many others in supporting his spirit of making “Good trouble, necessary trouble” by showing up and speaking … Continue reading →

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 Walking thoughts – a musing, a missive, and a mission

Posted on July 12, 2025 by garyhooser

Walking the coastline this morning with Claudette, I mentioned to her that my brain was full. Too much stuff going on, too many ideas swirling around, and just too many things on my mind. Somewhat predictably her response was, “So….what … Continue reading →

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Mahalo Governor Green for the “Mr. Hooser…” shout-out on SB933CD1!

Posted on July 11, 2025 by garyhooser

SB933CD1 is a “twofer” when it comes to violating Article III of the Hawai‘i State Constitution which says “legislative committee meetings held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public”. Signed into … Continue reading →

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If you can stomach it – Spilling Tea All OVER the State Constitution

Posted on July 8, 2025 by garyhooser

My recent blog/email, SB933CD1 – a travesty of process and policy, seems to have struck a chord.  While the merits of the actual policy decision are debatable, it is absolutely clear the process violates House/Senate rules AND both the spirit, the intent and … Continue reading →

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Join us TODAY, Monday July 7 at 5pm for our Policy + Politics Video-Podcast

Posted on July 7, 2025 by garyhooser

I’m hoping you can join us TODAY, Monday July 7 at 5pm for our Policy + Politics video pod-cast – Trust me. It will not be boring and nothing is off the table. Please send in your questions and PLEASE … Continue reading →

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Title: SB933CD1, a travesty of process and policy

Posted on July 6, 2025 by garyhooser

Responding to the DOGE and the Big Beautiful Bill by passing a law giving 4 Hawai’i politicians $50,000,000 to dole out to their friends in the nonprofit world – is a crazy bad idea. Allowing them to do it behind … Continue reading →

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Title: Walking through my thoughts and values

Posted on June 29, 2025 by garyhooser

Walked almost 6 miles this morning. Though I join Claudette and friends in this daily ritual, my journey’s mostly done in the solitude of deep thought and contemplation. I started walking regularly, with a daily goal of 10,000 steps about … Continue reading →

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Time Sensitive – Action Needed Now

Posted on June 25, 2025 by garyhooser

The past few days (months) have been upside-down crazy. My own strategy for staying sane and not being totally stressed out is to keep showing up — virtually in writing and online, and in person when possible. Today, I’m asking … Continue reading →

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