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)

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

*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

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

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

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

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

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.

“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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Why Corporations Love The Centrist

The obligation to meet opposing viewpoints “halfway” and “listen to the other side” are core arguments of those whose primary interest is preservation of the status quo.  On issues pertaining to the advancement of justice, those advocating for a position … Continue reading

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Time To Get Serious About: Carrying Capacity, Affordable Housing & Water  

On October 4th at the Kauai Convention Hall starting at 8:30am, Kauai residents will be testifying on what is potentially the most important agenda item the County Council will be dealing with in the coming decade.  I am hopeful that residents … Continue reading

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Campaign 101 – What makes someone a good candidate for public office? Purple Mohawks Need Not Apply

What makes someone a good candidate for public office? I hear this question a lot, and the answer is: It’s complicated. Most voters initially look at the candidate’s character and “world view.” Is the candidate someone of integrity who, if … Continue reading

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