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)

An open letter to friends and former colleagues in the Senate:

Posted on March 13, 2013 by garyhooser

March 13, 2013 Aloha Friends and Former Senate Colleagues, Good policy plus good politics – that elusive holy grail each of us who serve in public office seeks every day. What can we do that will make our communities better … Continue reading →

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It’s Not About Eating The Corn

Posted on February 21, 2013 by garyhooser

It’s not about eating the corn Not for me anyway.  The decision to eat or not eat the corn is only a small reason I support the labeling of genetically modified foods and hold deep reservations about the industry as … Continue reading →

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PLDC – Bad Process, Bad Policy, Bad Politics

Posted on February 8, 2013 by garyhooser

Testimony in Strong Support of a complete and full repeal of the PLDC RE:  Applies to all items on the 9am agenda I’m supporting HB 1133 and HB 589 as the two bills that would repeal the PLDC. I’m also opposing … Continue reading →

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Testimony on HB97 New GMO – Permit Required

Posted on February 3, 2013 by garyhooser

Testimony from: Kauai County Councilmember Gary Hooser Re: HB97 Agriculture; Genetically Modified Organisms: Quarantine Hearing: Monday February 4, 2013 Committee on Agriculture Position: Strong Support – Suggest Amendments My name is Gary Hooser, I am an elected member of the … Continue reading →

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Why I Do What I Do

Posted on January 31, 2013 by garyhooser

Why I Do What I Do Many people ask me “Why I do what I do”.  Below is one of the big reasons why. This is an email received a few days ago from a young man I met while … Continue reading →

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A Million Little Fists – January 16, 9:30am Hawaii State Capitol

Posted on January 6, 2013 by garyhooser

Facebook message conversation with a friend a few months ago: 10:18am Friend I am pissed with the current state of our government. 11:59am Gary Hooser Then…what you gonna do about it? 1:53pm Friend Wave my little fist. 5:11pm Gary Hooser … Continue reading →

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The Bike Path, The Beach And The Sunshine Law

Posted on December 13, 2012 by garyhooser

Interesting first week on the Council. Discovered some new interpretations and new twists and turns in Hawaii’s famous Sunshine Law. Yesterday I decided to put into writing to Mayor Carvalho, my objection to the County constructing a concrete pathway directly … Continue reading →

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PLDC creation was a slap in the face of the public and state Constitution

Posted on November 25, 2012 by garyhooser

The Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) was created by the legislature in a manner that at best was unprincipled and at worst corrupt and illegal. Those responsible owe the people of our state, first an apology, and then a complete … Continue reading →

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On plunking, block voting and other such Kauai County Council voting strategies

Posted on October 14, 2012 by garyhooser

The absentee ballots have been mailed, walk in voting starts on October 23 and emails and blog postings are already promoting strategies and suggestions on how to get your favorite Kauai County Council candidates elected. I am compelled to explain … Continue reading →

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Birth Of The Public Land Development Corporation – A travesty of the legislative process

Posted on October 6, 2012 by garyhooser

Many have asked how come none of the regular environmental and public interest watch-dog groups sounded the alarm earlier? How did such a law get passed? Among other things, Act 55 creates the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) and gives … Continue reading →

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