Author Archives: garyhooser

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

If you’re on Oahu, please show up. Wear black and red and request that the BLNR REJECT THE FEIS! To: Board of Land and Natural Resources RE: Testimony for Agenda Item D-1, scheduled for May 9th 2025 From: Former Hawaiʻi … Continue reading →

First Circuit Court Judge Kawamura heard arguments on the plaintiffs motion to summarily decide the case and the House’s argument to summarily dismiss the case. She asked both sides questions and then asked the parties for further briefing on an … Continue reading →

Screaming into the wind, doom-scrolling through social media, and showing up at a protest once in a while, is not enough. If you truly want to make a difference, here are 14 essential rules and actions. These are the minimum … Continue reading →

“Just the facts ma’am.” That’s the only way to write about the ugly death of HB371. Below are those facts, sourced from the public record at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov If passed into law, HB371 would have extended the ban on campaign contributions … Continue reading →