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 am a co-founder and former Board President of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) www.hapahi.org In addition, I have also served as 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)

On Preemption: Carrying The Water For Monsanto In Hawaii – An Open Letter To State Legislators

Posted on January 20, 2014 by garyhooser

Dear Legislator, I know how busy you are and that you are dealing with a myriad of issues important to the State of Hawaii, so I will cut to the chase. Taking away County authority to regulate agriculture and/or pesticides … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

The Often Not Very Pretty Process Of Lawmaking

Posted on December 23, 2013 by garyhooser

The passage of Bill 2491 into law requiring the largest chemical companies in the world to disclose their pesticide use and prohibiting the use of these chemicals near Kauai schools, hospitals and homes or face criminal penalties – is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Often Not Very Pretty Process Of Lawmaking

The Days Of Looking The Other Way…Are Over

Posted on December 14, 2013 by garyhooser

Sunday December 15 at noon in Haleiwa – please be there and march with us.  If you live on Oahu especially, please make the time to join us and send a message loud and clear that the days of business … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on With Aloha Comes Kuleana – Bill 2491 Will Withstand Legal Challenge

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

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