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)

It’s not just about getting rid of Trump. We need more. Much more.

Getting rid of Trump, while a worthy goal – will not stop the wars, nor end the insanity of now. The maniacal, grotesque actions by one individual, his unfettered abuse of power, and the tangible harm being inflicted across our … Continue reading

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Best Smash Burger’s On Kaua`i, If Not The Planet…This Vegetarian’s Definitely Biased Opinion

Trust me on this. Or if you are a “trust but verify” kinda guy…Google it. Google, “Best smash burger Kōloa Kaua`i” or “Best hamburger Kōloa Kaua`i” and watch what comes up. For those that prefer a veggie option, try “Best … Continue reading

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Title: What can we do, Gary?

I get the question every single day. The question, of course, is “What can we do to make our government (island, state, world) a better place?” I offer two suggestions, and I’ll expand on them here. The first: Think globally, … Continue reading

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Title: We’re at a tipping point.

With the active support of the United States, Israel has attacked Iran. Iran has naturally responded with retaliatory attacks. The whole mess could go nuclear. State legislators in Minnesota are being gunned down in their homes. Across the continent, other … Continue reading

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I know you know this, but I’m compelled to say it again.

There’s lots of ways to serve, and lots of ways to help make the world a better place – but you gotta show up, you gotta “do politics” and you gotta take ownership of your own government. Only 269,912 people … Continue reading

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PFL’s And Politics

When we catch elected officials doing the right thing in difficult situations, let’s lock them into a PFL. It’s important we catch the new ones before they decide “going along to get along” is the best path forward. I’ll never … Continue reading

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Moral, Immoral, or Amoral? You Decide.

The words of former State Representative Roy Takumi have been keeping me awake at night. It was 2003 and I was a brand-new Senator, preparing to vote on my first state budget. That’s when Roy told me, “Never forget, Gary, … Continue reading

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Race For Kaua`i Mayor Is On!

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

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

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

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

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

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