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)

How on May 17th, 1980 I was smitten

Posted on May 18, 2016 by garyhooser

41 years ago today I fell in love with and married a beautiful young South African girl by the name of Claudette Comrie.  We had met just months before in front of the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki as she … Continue reading →

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Short Note – 3 time sensitive items & 2 deadlines are today

Posted on May 9, 2016 by garyhooser

Aloha Friends, Just a quick short note on 3 time sensitive items:   1)  “Friends of Gary Hooser” reelection: We are determined to win and finish at or near the top.  No more finishing #7 and winning by only 82 … Continue reading →

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The Movement – Winning In Solidarity

Posted on April 2, 2016 by garyhooser

The agrochemical industry in Hawaii is losing the war they have waged against our community these past few years.  Rather than acknowledge our concerns about health and environmental impacts and comply with our modest requests for increased regulation, they have … Continue reading →

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Hooray! JFF Kauai Pesticide Report Calls For Full Disclosure, Buffer Zones and Comprehensive Testing

Posted on March 15, 2016 by garyhooser

The recently released State/County Joint Fact Finding (JFF) report strongly validates Kauai resident concerns about the large scale use of Restricted Use Pesticides by the agrochemical industry. The report makes specific recommendations to the State and County that include mandatory … Continue reading →

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Remarks on vision, bold action and leadership:

Posted on March 9, 2016 by garyhooser

A friend asked a few weeks ago about “my vision for the future”.  At our March 1 campaign launch and “fun-raiser” (see video/report below) I spoke briefly about that vision and about the rewards and roadblocks involved in its pursuit.  In short, … Continue reading →

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Kauai Residents: Urgent Call To Action

Posted on March 8, 2016 by garyhooser

What could be the final hearing on Bill 2614 regulating lobbyists and lobbying is tomorrow, Wednesday March 9. The meeting starts at 8:30am and it is unclear exactly when this item will actually be discussed. Please submit testimony as soon as … Continue reading →

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Answer to Kapaa traffic mess is not to raise taxes but to get the State to do its job

Posted on March 8, 2016 by garyhooser

Raising the taxes of local residents is not the answer to relieving traffic congestion on Kauai.  While the gas tax and vehicle weight tax might be better options than raising the General Excise Tax, the best option is no tax … Continue reading →

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Please join me Tuesday March 1!

Posted on February 22, 2016 by garyhooser

Please join me if you can Tuesday March 1 for our 2016 Kauai County Council Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off and Fun-Raiser! Your presence if possible is important and your support of course is critical. I am committed to continuing to work for … Continue reading →

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How Unusual -Kauai Business Interests Seek To Weaken Kauai County Lobbyist Bill

Posted on February 15, 2016 by garyhooser

“Lobbyist Bill Draws Strong Support” or “Local Lobbyists Oppose Lobbying Regulation Bill” are sample headlines that could have been displayed in The Garden Island article of February 11. Over 50 people submitted testimony in support of Bill #2614 and only … Continue reading →

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How forthcoming is the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture when asked to provide basic information?

Posted on February 5, 2016 by garyhooser

Below is just one example of the difficulty of obtaining even basic information from the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture. UIPA Request from Kauai Councilmember Gary Hooser: Question & Answer from Hawaii Department Of Agriculture Re: Open/Pending Pesticide Drift Complaints … Continue reading →

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