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)

On the ethics of working for the devil

Posted on November 12, 2017 by garyhooser

In my career as a former state Senate leader, County Council member, and community advocate, I have shaken the hands of countless adversaries after a skirmish – political, legislative, and even legal. It’s not always an easy interaction though it … Continue reading →

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We lost, we won, we will appeal – (Summary of yesterdays results in court) – Ke Kauhulu o Mana versus the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) and Syngenta 

Posted on November 10, 2017 by garyhooser

For those wondering what happened in court yesterday below are my thoughts and observations. Judge Randal Valenciano seemed very familiar with the section of law being argued, HRS343 – the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act (HEPA).  He also seemed to have … Continue reading →

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State BLNR grants Syngenta free pass on environmental review

Posted on November 6, 2017 by garyhooser

The Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is proposing to exempt Syngenta operations on public conservation and coastal lands from environmental review – WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING WHAT THOSE ACTIVITIES ARE. Syngenta is an agrochemical company conducting research … Continue reading →

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The fundamental question is, “Whose interests do you serve?”

Posted on November 2, 2017 by garyhooser

*Excerpts from a recent email conversation with a freshman legislator on why he/she should support increased pesticide regulation.  This person has been requesting additional data/research on this topic that might resolve the opposing arguments presented by industry (which I have … Continue reading →

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The Minimum Threshold Every Candidate Must Achieve – to be taken seriously

Posted on October 31, 2017 by garyhooser

About 8 months from now, on Wednesday June 27, ballots will be put in the mail for the 2018 Primary Election.  Over 50% of the total votes cast will be cast by mail, rather than at the polls.  On August … Continue reading →

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Testimony to BLNR to NOT approve Syngenta Revocable Permit for Kauai lands

Posted on October 30, 2017 by garyhooser

Testimony in Opposition to the granting of a renewable permit rp5983 Syngenta Seeds, Inc, TMK (4) 1-2-002:040-000 and requesting a CDUP be required. BLNR Meeting of October 27, 2017 Agenda item: DLNR Land Division Item #3, Annual Renewal of Revocable … Continue reading →

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The Political History of the Devil – The Budget as a Moral Document

Posted on October 24, 2017 by garyhooser

In politics, one of the most well known idioms of all is the quote “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin 1789.  Historical footnote – according to wikipedia the phrase was … Continue reading →

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Bold leadership can increase affordable housing, curb poverty

Posted on October 19, 2017 by garyhooser

Hawaii is locked in an economic crisis of immense proportions, yet those in positions of leadership do little. Like crickets in the night we hear them chirping, bemoaning the visual blight of the unwashed, pointing fingers at each other in … Continue reading →

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Adding more lanes to relieve traffic congestion = a zero sum game

Posted on October 19, 2017 by garyhooser

The best thing we can do to solve our traffic problem is to do nothing. Seriously, while “doing nothing” is clearly not an option, studies have shown that adding more and more lanes simply adds more and more capacity and … Continue reading →

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Affordable Housing – it’s complicated…but not really.

Posted on October 15, 2017 by garyhooser

“It’s complicated” is often the response given as to why government is not doing more to deal with the lack of truly affordable housing. Actually, it’s not. It takes a government willing to think long-term, challenge the large landowners and … Continue reading →

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