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)

Kauai Perseveres Against Agribusiness Bullying

Posted on November 20, 2013 by garyhooser

The Kafkaesque threat by Syngenta attorney Paul Alston to sue the people of Kauai County for the right to spray their toxic chemicals next to schools, hospitals and homes is disturbing at best.  What kind of world do we live … Continue reading →

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With Aloha Comes Kuleana – Bill 2491 Will Withstand Legal Challenge

Posted on November 6, 2013 by garyhooser

With aloha comes kuleana.  Many in our County believe their aloha, their health, their natural environment and their families are being threatened by the toxic pesticides used on our island by the large agrochemical corporations.  Residents of our community are … Continue reading →

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Email To Mayor – Legal Review Written To Oppose

Posted on November 3, 2013 by garyhooser

I am a Kauai resident and a voter. I, like so many Kauai residents, was sorely disappointed in you for vetoing Bill 2491. As a retired attorney who spent his entire career as a staff attorney, Regional Attorney and Regional … Continue reading →

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Bill 2491 Veto No Veto – What Is Next?

Posted on October 31, 2013 by garyhooser

I would like to say that my phone has been ringing off the hook all day, but actually my phone has not been “on the hook” for over 10 years now and no longer rings in the traditional sense. But … Continue reading →

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The 3 most frequent questions about Bill 2491

Posted on October 20, 2013 by garyhooser

#1 Question: The Council voted 6 to 1 in support, can the Mayor still veto Bill 2491? Answer: To be clear, the Mayor has the authority to veto regardless of how many votes the Council members cast in support.  The … Continue reading →

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A Way Forward – Bill 2491

Posted on October 13, 2013 by garyhooser

The kabuki unfolding in the Council Chambers has crossed over to the absurd.   We blast the State for its dereliction of duty, all the while pointing to them as our savior.  We bang on the State for their incompetence and … Continue reading →

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Retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Joins Top Hawaii and National Attorneys In Support of Bill 2491 –

Posted on October 3, 2013 by garyhooser

“We feel it would be unfortunate if the Council were to allow any well-financed opponent to determine public policy merely by threatening to sue. But if a vote is being based on the belief that the Bill will be struck … Continue reading →

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At the end of the night, it was a very good day.

Posted on September 28, 2013 by garyhooser

Last night, after an exhausting 12 hour meeting, the Kauai County Council Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture and Sustainability voted 4 to 1 to amend and to pass out of committee Bill 2491. The full Council will now consider and … Continue reading →

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So What Really Happened Yesterday September 9, 2013?

Posted on September 10, 2013 by garyhooser

To say the least, yesterday was a bit frustrating.  For those observing the 12 hour session it is clear there were really two meetings – one between council members discussing amendments and one between council members and the agrochemical industry … Continue reading →

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Next Steps For Bill 2491 – September 9 Committee Meeting

Posted on September 2, 2013 by garyhooser

On the morning of Monday September 9, the Kauai County Council’s Committee on Economic Development (agriculture and sustainability) and Intergovernmental Affairs will conduct its next review and discussion of Bill 2491. The meeting will likely start at approximately 8:30am or … Continue reading →

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