Author Archives: garyhooser

Unknown's avatar

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 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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Short History Of Yesterday – Bill 2491 Relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms

Posted on August 6, 2013 by garyhooser

SB2491 has been deferred until September 9th when a meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the Kauai County Council will hold its second hearing.  This is confirmed and will not change.  The exact time and location will be announced … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Bill 2491 – What’s next? – The Process

Posted on August 4, 2013 by garyhooser

Bill 2491 is scheduled for tomorrow Monday August 5 at 8:30am in the Historic County Building on Rice Street in Lihue – The Kauai County Council Committee on Economic Development (Sustainability/Agriculture/Food/Energy and Intergovernmental Relations). The public is invited and welcome … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

It was safe until it wasn’t. Powerful Personal Testimony In Support Of Bill 2491 – Must Read

Posted on July 28, 2013 by garyhooser

Actual testimony that was submitted to the Kauai County Council in support of Bill 2491 – published with permission My name is Janine Lynne, I am a resident of Kauai, a small farmer, a mother and a grandmother. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Truth About Bill 2491 Relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms

Posted on July 20, 2013 by garyhooser

As the author of Bill 2491 relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms, I feel compelled to address the tremendous amount of misinformation being generated in the community as to its impacts and effects on our island community. To be … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments