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 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 the meaning of leverage and other important lessons of the ‘Ledge’

Posted on December 15, 2010 by garyhooser

I began learning the lessons of the legislature when first elected to the Kauai County Council some 12 years ago. Watching the current power struggle occurring in the House of Representatives reminded me of the basic rules that, whether one … Continue reading →

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Do Ask, Do Tell: Blowing off the closet doors

Posted on December 12, 2010 by garyhooser

Kudos to Hawaii’s U.S. Senators Inouye and Akaka, for coming out in strong support of ending the untenable ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy targeting gay and lesbian military service members. “I believe the time has come to allow gay men … Continue reading →

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As the tide resides, a tsunami of change is ready to run through Hawaii government

Posted on December 2, 2010 by garyhooser

The jaded and the cynical will say “It’s just rhetoric.” But the change that is upon us is more than just a catchy tag line at the end of a 30 second commercial. This change is real, it is unavoidable … Continue reading →

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A New Day In Hawaii – Expectations, Possibilities And Reality

Posted on November 21, 2010 by garyhooser

What can the public really expect from the Abercrombie administration during the upcoming 2011 legislative session? To claim success, the new administration must achieve tangible “trumpet-able” results during the upcoming 60-day legislative session, while simultaneously laying a solid foundation for … Continue reading →

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Democrat or Republican Does It Really Matter?

Posted on October 29, 2010 by garyhooser

Why should anyone care who gets elected and who doesn’t on November 2? Peter Townsend of The Who sings “We won’t be fooled again” and then closes with “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”. Does it really … Continue reading →

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Hooser Goes Job Hunting – Or Not

Posted on October 20, 2010 by garyhooser

While Shapiro writes “Hooser Bucks For State Job” http://bit.ly/cL1LEW – The Garden Island Newspaper ran an article this morning pertaining to similar topic but entitled “Hooser looking for ‘opportunities to serve’” http://bit.ly/brT8Wk Interesting how words matter. Note: Comments on Shapiro … Continue reading →

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Why Do I March?

Posted on October 16, 2010 by garyhooser

Why do I march? Today October 16 from 3 until 5pm, I will be marching in the Second Annual Pride Alliance “March For Equality”.  I expect the march will be a relatively simple event, a few hundred people perhaps, walking … Continue reading →

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“Come to the edge.”

Posted on October 16, 2010 by garyhooser

Poem that came in the mail today…sent to me by a friend: “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. … Continue reading →

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Relating To The Regulation Of The Poor and Unwashed:

Posted on October 13, 2010 by garyhooser

The actual title of this newly proposed city ordinance is “Relating To The Regulation of Sidewalks – http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-104820/5df-47bx.pdf But the intent is clearly: How do we pass a law that keeps poor homeless people from getting in our way? What … Continue reading →

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On Duke Aiona, The Far Right and the First Congressional District

Posted on October 13, 2010 by garyhooser

Recent poll numbers published by the DailyKos show the Abercrombie/Aiona race in a virtual dead heat. http://www.dailykos.com/polling/2010/10/2/HI-1/11/5ZR4S How is it possible that a guy like Duke Aiona can even be considered a credible Gubernatorial candidate? He has absolutely no meaningful … Continue reading →

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