Category Archives: Uncategorized

Title: What can we do, Gary?

I get the question every single day. The question, of course, is “What can we do to make our government (island, state, world) a better place?” I offer two suggestions, and I’ll expand on them here. The first: Think globally, … Continue reading

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Title: We’re at a tipping point.

With the active support of the United States, Israel has attacked Iran. Iran has naturally responded with retaliatory attacks. The whole mess could go nuclear. State legislators in Minnesota are being gunned down in their homes. Across the continent, other … Continue reading

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I know you know this, but I’m compelled to say it again.

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

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PFL’s And Politics

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

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Moral, Immoral, or Amoral? You Decide.

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

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Race For Kaua`i Mayor Is On!

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

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In case you’re interested in some very brief personal pre and post 45th wedding anniversary history…very brief…

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

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This is what democracy looks like (when we show up and speak out)

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

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My testimony for tomorrow’s BLNR Pōhakuloa hearing

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

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Acasio v House – What happened on May 1?

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

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