Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Legislature should raise the minimum wage to $15, without delay” by G. Hooser as published in the Honolulu StarAdvertiser

Every Hawaii legislator will receive a pay raise starting January 2021. Likewise, the governor, the lieutenant governor, all state judges and most top executives in state government will receive substantial pay raises. Minimum wage workers will get nothing. Legislators accepted … Continue reading

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The $13 message – it’s all about the subject line. Email legislators NOW.

Please help today, especially by the end of the day on Wednesday, January 29th, if you can –  The 2020 Hawaii State Legislative Session has begun and we need to get this important message out BEFORE THE HEARINGS START. 1) Email … Continue reading

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Turning marchers into voters, learning from the revolution of ’54

On March 28, 2019, over 2,500 Kaua’i residents marched on Rice Street. On O’ahu, over 20,000 marched through Waikiki. Similarly, on Maui and in Hawai’i County – thousands marched – For, justice and for Aloha ‘Āina. Depending on the exact … Continue reading

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Breaking: Kauai Councilmember Arrested

The primary question being asked by people is “What happens next?” Many want to know if/when Councilmember Brun will be removed from office and if/when that happens, how is his replacement selected. First of all, Councilmember Brun is allowed his … Continue reading

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Tulsi, Kahele…and the candidate stampede to follow

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement that she would not be running for re-election, caught Hawaii’s political world by surprise. Initially, conventional wisdom would say that Big Island State Senator Kai Kahele is the heir apparent. But those more skilled in the … Continue reading

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Legislators get pay raises while minimum wage workers get nothing

The Aloha United Way commissioned ALICE REPORT: A STUDY OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP IN HAWAI‘I determined than in 2017, 11% of Hawaii residents were living in poverty while another 37% exist on its very edge, only one paycheck away from financial … Continue reading

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On Gary’s “availability”.

People are often asking as to “my availability”. Bottom line: If I can help, do not hesitate to call. I am available to meet informally with any individual, anywhere in the state of Hawaii, who is considering running for public … Continue reading

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With the stroke of a pen, the power of a majority

The power of a single legislator whether on the council, at the state legislature, or in the U.S. Congress, is limited to that of being one voice and one vote.  They may introduce bills (proposed laws), they may cast a … Continue reading

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4 powers every legislator has, and one they definitely don’t

What exactly does my legislator do?  What power do they have and what exactly can they do, or not do? The quick and dirty answer is: They have the power to pass laws (but not really). They have the power … Continue reading

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When the electoral paradigm creates a political epiphany

Traditional campaign logic says that candidates should spend their limited resources talking to people who vote, rather than people who for whatever reason, do not. The so-called “super voter”, is someone who never misses an election and is typically described … Continue reading

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