Category Archives: Uncategorized

The “Lala trauma”…what’s next?

My blood pressure’s elevated, the quality of my sleep has deteriorated, my general “mood index” has tanked, and overall I feel like crap. The trauma and stress from “Lala”, is weighing heavy on me. And apparently, another storm is only … Continue reading

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Our State legislative leaders must step up and do the right thing, and we as citizens must demand it.

Pardon me while I go on a bit of a rant, but I’m sick and tired of legislative leaders who refuse to lead, preferring instead to just keep their heads down and look the other way. 70% of our friends … Continue reading

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Post 2026 Primary – a missive of gratitude, reflection, and commitment

To friends and fellow advocates. Apologies for not posting sooner my “post primary” thoughts. Honestly, I’ve been stuck, going around in circles, thankful for the many candidates who gave it their best shot, hugely disappointed in the many who lost, … Continue reading

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2026 Kaua‘i Primary Election Results – Translated

What’s it all mean for the residents of Kaua‘i County? To summarize and speculate a bit, the next Mayor of Kaua‘i will be either Council Chair Mel Rapozo who received 7,580 votes in the Primary, or former Kaua‘i Mayor now … Continue reading

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32 years of political education – things I’ve learned and people I will vote for

I’ve been there. I’ve served a total of 16 years in public office, 8 years on the Kauaʻi County Council and 8 years in the Hawai‘i State Senate. For a short period, I served as State Director of the Office … Continue reading

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Let’s cut to the chase. Big money is a corrupting influence on our democracy.

Big money is a corrupting influence on our democracy, on our elected leaders, and on the legislative and government decision making process at all levels – County, State, and Federal. The actions of Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) and related SuperPacs … Continue reading

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Meanderings on mom, politics, and August 8

My mother turned 94 on July 30th and yes, that’s where Claudette and I have been for the past week – celebrating this beautiful woman, talking story nonstop, revisiting family memories, and eating way too much southern cooking. Mrs. Loretta … Continue reading

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Waste, Recycling and Kauaʻi Politics

On Wednesday, July 29, at 8:30am, the Kauaʻi County Council is taking up Resolution No. 2026-24, urging Mayor Kawakami and the County Administration “to prioritize waste diversion, curbside recycling, and a Materials Recovery Facility as the Kekaha Landfill nears capacity.” This is … Continue reading

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Corruption by any other name, is still corruption

It’s crazy really. A Hawaiʻi grand jury has brought criminal charges against 4 individuals connected to bribes offered in return for political favors. The Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor, a former State Representative, former head of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC), … Continue reading

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It’s up to you – You can help level the playing field or accept politics as usual

According to official records, the newly appointed (April 13) HD28 State House Representative, within his first 50 days in office, paid for with taxpayer funds, the printing and postage for 5 different “constituent mailers”. These mailers were delivered in April, … Continue reading

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