GaryHooser's Blog

TESTIMONY PROCESS QUICK STEPS
(mahalo Dave Mulinix, Greenpeace Hawaii and Sherry Pollack 350Hawaii for the cut and paste)

Go to the Hawaii State Legislature website https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Log In (top right-hand corner) to take you to the “My Legislature” page.

Click “Submit Testimony” button (left side of page).

Enter Bill number (left side of page). Tip: Don’t include any spaces, periods, or draft numbers when typing in the bill number.

Click “Continue” and the rest is self-explanatory.

NOTE: If you are already logged in to website, you can go straight to the bill to submit testimony.

Content can be short and to the point –

Express your support or opposition and state a reason if you can. Short is ok!

Be clear you are requesting the Bill be passed or killed. Be specific.

Make absolutely sure you include your name, island and zip code.

The Hawai’i House of Representatives has once again shown its utter disregard for the publics right to meaningfully participate in the law-making process.

This time they not only shut out the public, but also shut down their own House colleagues who dared ask questions and express concerns.

On February 4th, two House Committees held public hearings, received public testimony, engaged public discussion, and held a public vote – in support of passing HB1246 proposing to legalize the responsible adult use of cannabis (as 24 other U.S. States have done).

Two days later on February 6th, without public notice, public input or public discussion, and without a public “roll call vote” – House Leadership, led by Caucus Leader Representative Chris Todd and backed by Majority Leader Representative Sean Quinlan – proposed HB1246 be “recommitted”.

“Recommittal” effectively kills the bill without anyone actually voting to kill the bill. Technically the Representatives are voting on “the motion to recommit” and not on HB1246.

When Representative Iwamoto attempted to explain how recommittal could adversely impact the bills future passage, she was shut down by House Leadership and told not to speak on the “substance” of HB1246.

When Speaker Nakamura was asked directly by Representative Souza as to “why” House Leadership was proposing to recommit the bill, the official response given by Speaker Nakamura was two words, “No response”.

Rep. Todd later told media, “We did not have the votes to pass the measure this year”. Apparently, he knows this, or believes it to be true, because of private, behind closed doors meetings, he or other members of House Leadership have conducted.

But we don’t know for sure. No one really knows for sure. Even House members themselves don’t know for sure – because it was all done in secret.

It’s appalling.

House Leadership meets secretly, decides to ignore two committees, uses an arcane parliamentary procedure to kill the bill, and refuses to tell their own members why.

And to those of you who wasted your time submitting testimony at the committee hearing, perhaps flew to Oahu to testify, or spent an hour or more on Zoom awaiting the opportunity to speak – too bad, too sad, sorry, not sorry.

It’s both sickening and embarrassing to those of us who believe in the democratic process and who encourage others to show up and participate.

Thankfully, a handful of Representatives had the courage and integrity to stand up and object to what was going on. Voting No against recommittal were Rep. Terez Amato, Rep. Dela Au Belatti, Rep. Elle Cochran, Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, Rep Amy Perruso, and Rep Kanani Souza.

Everyone else,- supported killing HB1246 and the back-door recommittal process used to pull the trigger.

There should have been public debate and a public vote on the merits of HB1246. That’s what should determine whether a bill lives or dies, not simply the wave of a wand behind closed doors.

“House Leadership” is driven by Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, and Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto.

Majority Caucus Leader Chris Todd and Majority Leader Sean Quinlan carried the water on Feb 6, but no doubt all 5 were in agreement.

Because the decision to recommit was made behind closed doors, we’ll never know exactly who instigated this move, or the real reason why.

We can blame House Leadership, but it’s the majority who sit quietly with their heads down, looking at their phones, waiting for the Chair to adjourn, who deserve credit for this disheartening, tone-deaf show of power, entitlement, and arrogance.

We need to elect leaders who will fight for us, who will embrace and honor the publics right to participate, and who will shun “work arounds” designed to circumvent established rules and democratic processes.

Gary L. Hooser
https://garyhooser.blog

8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Just a regular guy trying to do my part to make the world a better place –

To those FaceBook Friends who believe in and support the actions of the Trump/Musk/Vance/Hegseth administration – please unfriend me. Seriously.

I’m not talking about those who simply voted for Donald Trump, I’m speaking to those of you who believe and support the belief that the ends justify the means, who believe the actions of DOGE are necessary, legal, and appropriate, and who support depriving people of their constitutional right to due process.

If the above represents who you are, it’s best we go our separate ways. So “unfriend” me please.

My sincerest hope however, is that we might find common ground, and work together towards a brighter future – for all of us.

Regardless of political party, Democratic, Republican, Reform, Libertarian, Socialist, Natural Law, Constitution, Democratic Workers, Green, Hawaii First, or Independent – we are all in this together.

Yes, I’m a dreamer. But “You gotta have a dream; If you don’t have a dream, How you gonna have a dream come true?” (Movie South Pacific).

I’m a dreamer but I’m also unwilling to compromise on core values.

To work together, we must each believe without question every human being, regardless of skin color, country of birth, size of bank account, age, religion, abilities, disabilities, or sexual identity, is entitled to equal treatment under the law and our collective diversity makes us better and stronger.

A brighter future begins with these common values.

Kindness, empathy, mutual respect, and giving those with less a hand up when our own situation allows us to do so – are essential attributes of citizens in the world I want to live in.

Those who have more must give more. Those who consume more, have a greater responsibility to replenish and preserve the commons.

The ends does not justify the means.

Those who bring harm to people and planet must be held accountable. We must be able to sleep safely in our homes protected by community-based law enforcement professionals. A strong, independent judicial system is a must.

We deserve food, water, air, and a natural environment that’s clean and healthy. We support government oversight that values health and environmental protection above industry profits. Regulatory capture is unacceptable.

Global warming, sea level rise, and climate change is real and we must be proactive in dealing with the threats.

The corporatization of healthcare must end. Medicare for all, must be the norm.

Anyone working 40 hours per week deserves a living wage and safe work environment. All workers are entitled to organize and collectively negotiate with their employer.

Waste and fraud within government is unacceptable and a comprehensive longterm strategy must be developed to address this issue.

Violent criminals must be prevented from entering the U.S.. Those here illegally found guilty of committing violent crimes must be deported or incarcerated. Others who’ve fled their countries due to political strife or societal hardship, must be offered options that preserve their safety and human dignity.

We live in a country of abundant wealth. Those at the top must pay their fair share.

The U.S. must embrace its role as a force for democracy and peace in the world. We must shift from being the largest supplier of military munitions on the planet to being the largest supporter of education, healthcare, agriculture, and energy.

We must expand our interconnectedness with both friends and adversaries rather than pursue a path of isolationism and confrontation.

Corporations are not people. Dark money must be eliminated. Full public-funding of elections, with safeguards to prevent abuse, must be the norm.

Our voting systems must be secure, have independent oversight, and include an auditable paper trail.

89 million Americans, 36% of the country’s voting-eligible population, did not vote in the 2024 general election (University of Florida Election Lab).

Hawai’i was at the bottom with only 50% of voters turning out,

Both locally and nationally – if just a few more voters showed up, and a few more candidates who share our vision threw their hats in the ring – we could flip this whole thing on its head.

It’s not about which political party you support – it’s about core values, getting involved, and taking ownership of our democracy.

Screaming into the wind is not enough. While somewhat therapeutic, it will not solve the challenges before us.

So please join with me and others in this quest to make things better.

Gary L. Hooser
garyhooser.com
8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawaii

Where were you “Pop Pop”? Where were you in 2025 when it started? Did you fight back or did you look the other way? Did you help build the walls or did you help tear them down?

That’s the question our grandchildren will ask when they look back at the dark history of this particular moment in time.

Someone said to me recently, “Stay calm, it’s just a storm, it’s normal to expect some disruption when there’s change at the top. Soon it will pass, and things will settle down.”

“Expletive You” I said, “Shutting down Medicaid even for a few hours has tangible implications – people die when denied treatment or if treatment is delayed because of games played by the powerful and privileged.”

This is not normal my friends, and it’s not just a storm that will “soon pass” or “settle down”.

Normal is mutual respect, compassion, empathy, collaboration, and inclusiveness. Leadership that belittles, mocks, blames, and targets people just because of their appearance, the language they speak, the size of their bank account, or who they love, is not normal or acceptable.

Normal is a gradual transition of change, not pulling the plug on peoples lives. Normal is not the overnight total disruption of health, hunger, education, and countless programs and initiatives in place for decades.

Normal is following the law. Normal is bringing contrasting opinions to the table, reaching consensus, then implementing a plan – not eliminating gatekeepers in the middle of the night, while giving your power-crazed narcissistic friends keys to the national treasury.

Normal is appointing qualified professionals with actual experience in the subject matter they will be managing. Normal is appointing people whose public record is largely devoid of illegal, immoral, and unethical behavior.

In no way, shape or form have the past two weeks been normal.

What we’re witnessing and largely acquiescing to, is the dismantling of our democracy.

In its place will be a blend of plutocracy, oligarchy, and Kleptocracy – look it up.

My cynical friends say the rich already run the world, a few of the very richest are pulling all the strings, and corporate America is already robbing us blind.

And you know what? I’m not gonna argue with them. But it’s never been this bad, and it’s gonna get a whole lot worse.

This is when I pivot from hiding under the covers crying tears of OMG, to looking all of you in the eye and asking, “So what are we going to do about it?”

Feels so much better after the pivot.

My own default position, is to always first and foremost think global and act local – and I encourage you to consider doing the same.

We must vigorously support our lawmakers at all levels who are unafraid to put people and the planet first, and vigorously oppose those who sell us out.

How do we regular folk without money or access to the halls of power fight back?

With our voices, our votes, our bodies, and yes our pocketbooks.

Those of us in blue states must stay close to our representatives in Washington, thank those willing to stand up and be counted, and condemn those who straddle the fence or hide quivering in the shadows.

We must reach out to friends in red states and encourage them to do the same.

But as Nina Turner, a true champion of democracy says – “Any ole blue won’t do.”

We need to support and elect people, both locally and nationally, who will fight for us.

We cannot just hunker down and wait, hope, and pray for things to get better.

We must take action – in the courts, on the streets, at the ballot box, and in the halls of government. We must shout our message from the rooftops, and protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.

Enough already. Let’s do it.

Concerned Citizens For Good Governance – Press Release 02/01/25

HONOLULU, HAWAI’I – Concerned citizens from across the state have filed a lawsuit regarding the state House of Representatives’ practice of making committee decisions behind closed doors in violation of the state constitution.

Citizen advocates and plaintiffs include Laura Acasio, Ka‘apuniali‘ionālanikiʻekiʻe Kanaloa Aiwohi, Sergio J. Alcubilla III, Tanya Aynessazian, Douglas L. Cobeen, Karen K. Cobeen, Michaela Ilikeamoana Ikeuchi, and Robert Hale Pahia.

The legal filings point specifically to the “House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure” that made decisions and recommendations, suggesting changes to House rules in January of 2025, without public notice or public meetings.

The plaintiffs’ legal complaint states that according to the Hawaii constitution, legislative committees may not make decisions in closed meetings, nor during recesses from otherwise open meetings.

Attorneys Lance D. Collins and Bianca Isaki represent the concerned citizens. Collins stated, “Despite the public meeting mandate being in the constitution since 1978, the House created a committee and made decisions out of public view and deprived the public of their right to know.”

Plaintiff and former State Senator, Laura Acasio said, “This is about honoring and embracing public participation in the legislative process, and about compliance with the law. No-one is above the law and certainly legislators and the legislature itself, must lead by example and follow the constitution.”

Article III of the State Constitution states in part, “Every meeting of a committee in either house or of a committee comprised of a member or members of both houses held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

The complaint is now pending before the First Circuit court.

Sierra Club of Hawai’i – Sign up for action alerts at http://www.sierraclubhawaii.org/subscribe, or for legislature-specific action alerts go to http://hawaiicapitolwatch.org

Hawai’i Workers Center – Priorities are paid family/sick leave, ending the tip penalty for tipped workers, and tenant protections sign up for our email list here:https://www.hawaiiworkerscenter.org/contact/

Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action HAPA –
https://www.hapahi.org/blog/2025-session
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-hapa-email-list?source=direct_link

Hawai’i Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice
https://hiappleseed.org/policy-2025

Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit community organization, protects Maui’s precious natural areas, promotes the concept of ecologically sound development, and preserves the opportunity for a rural lifestyle on Maui.https://mauitomorrow.org/get-involved/

HuliPac – Hawai’i Island To empower our local community to elect pono leaders, nurture our relationship with the ‘āina, and inspire environmental, social, and economic well-being
State issues – https://www.hulihi.com/state
County issues – https://www.hulihi.com/county

Indivisible Hawai’i – We seek to protect and enhance the institutions of democracy in our country and our State; and engage our elected officials at all levels of government to https://indivisiblehawaii.org

Our Hawai’i: http://bit.ly/joinourhawaii And http://bit.ly/cleanelectionshi

Common Cause Hawaii https://www.commoncause.org/hawaii/about-us/
Take Action: https://www.commoncause.org/hawaii/take-action/

Hawai’i Public Health Institute HIPHI Priorities include food and agriculture, transportation and public safety, oral health, healthy eating + active living (HEAL), drug and alcohol prevention, tobacco, COVID-19 response efforts and workforce development. Action Alerts: https://www.hiphi.org/sign-up/

ACLU Hawai’i https://www.acluhi.org
Take Action https://www.acluhi.org/en/act

1,000 Friends Hawai’i
http://www.hawaiis1000friends.org
http://www.hawaiis1000friends.org/contact.html

Conservation Council https://www.conservehawaii.org

350Hawaii.org is working to end the fossil fuel pollution damaging our climate, speed the transition to clean energy, and create a just and healthy future for all. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on how you can get more involved in local actions and events dedicated to fighting the climate crisis.
https://350hawaii.org/

Note: If your org is missing and you would like it included in this list…please email me the “action alert” info GaryLHooser@gmail.com or put in the comments

Plato (428-7 B.C.E) said it best, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”

I’m thinking that pretty well describes the present moment. Too many of us are staying home, heads buried in the sand, moaning and groaning, but taking no tangible or meaningful interest in the affairs of government.

John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873), another great mind said, “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name, and with the means which he helps to supply, because he will not trouble himself to use his mind on the subject.”

Cutting to the chase, Eldridge Cleaver (1935-1998) said, ”If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Being busy raising your family, growing your business, focusing on school, personal self-care, and even struggling to pay your bills – are not acceptable excuses to neglect your community and civic responsibility.

Life is hard. I get it.

But we each must carve out some meaningful amount of time to take ownership of our government and responsibility for our global village – or the “rule of fools” will prevail.

The planet is burning. Our drinking water’s polluted. Our food’s been industrialized and our healthcare corporatized. People working full-time jobs live in their cars, others sleep in doorways, and under bridges.

Meanwhile the ultra-wealthy who pull the strings of power and influence, laugh all the way to the bank.

There’re more of us than them. No matter your power, position, or wealth, you still have just one vote at the ballot box.

The people, even those sleeping under the bridge, have the same power as the Elon Musks of the world – but they must wake up and use it.

A people united will never be defeated – El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

Yes, we absolutely need a political revolution, peaceful and legal of course but a revolution none-the-less. Our status quo political establishment who’ve either been born into, or bought out by, the corporate culture of profits and privilege – must go.

Our voices, our bodies, and our votes are powerful tools and we must use them, at the County Council, the State legislature, and in Congress.

We must speak out and we must show up.

Yes, it means sending out more email to legislators, council-members, and administrators. But to be truly successful – we must step up our game, physically show up, and pack the room (literally and figuratively).

Policy-makers at every level must know we’re serious, informed on the issues, will hold them accountable for their votes, and we are not going away.

A critically important date is the primary election of August 8, 2026. Those serious about supporting positive change in Hawaiʻi must start working today targeting seats, identifying candidates, and organizing campaigns.

Successful candidates must be rooted in the community, with a track record of leadership, and grounded in values that support people and the planet. Some of you reading this sentence at this very moment are that candidate, and you’re scared and hesitant. I understand – been there, done that. But if not you, who?

We can complain and criticize, posture and troll from the sidelines, or ignore it all and hope it goes away.

But nothing’s going to change until we take personal responsibility for our own democracy.

Now go for it.

Gary L. Hooser
8 years – Kaua`i County Council
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Now…just doing what I can to make our world a better place.

Opening day of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Legislature on January 15 was a festive affair, full of pomp and circumstance – as is to be expected.

Former Kaua`i Mayor now Councilmember Bernard Carvalho did a great job leading the audience in singing the Star Spangled Banner and Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.

I watched the entire spectacle live from my home, enjoying the music, and watching the new Speaker of the House, Kaua`i ’s own Representative Nadine Nakamura, present her opening remarks.

She spoke well, telling a story from the heart about her mother who was also there in the chambers, no doubt overwhelmed with pride at her daughters achievement.

It was “local style” and offered a warm and uplifting message of hope and commitment to a better future for all.

As is often the case at these types of affairs, other than formally approving the already decided questions of who would be Speaker and hold various positions in the House, there was nothing of substance decided, discussed, or voted upon.

The one item many of us were waiting for, discussion and approval of the new House Rules, was deferred for two days until Friday January 17th.

Unfortunately, the new rules approved by the new House on that day, look a lot like the old rules passed by the old House, only they’re worse.

While there were one or two minor improvements (from a “good government” perspective), the House completely failed to address the most egregious elements, and instead gave more power to their own top leadership while taking away the publics right to even be in the room.

The House voted to support rules that:

*Removed a requirement for public notice and public decision-making by the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure.

*Continue to allow a single individual committee chair, to kill legislative proposals without a public hearing, without a vote, and without a reason.

*There’s more, but not enough space here for the deep dive needed.

Speaker Nakamura appointed the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure who offered passionate floor speeches in support of the new rules, claiming the changes increased transparency and accountability.

This same committee refused to provide public notice and/or hold a public meeting as required by the previous rules. They then totally eliminated the public notice requirement in the new rules.

The committee didn’t ask the public for their thoughts or suggestions. They didn’t solicit public input, nor respond to email from the public inquiring about the process, seeking to provide input, or possibly attend a committee meeting.

It’s difficult to understand how the new House Leadership can devolve so quickly, be so tone-deaf, and act so brazenly in its first 3 days of business.

The committee could have provided public notice, taken time to solicit public input, held a public meeting followed by a committee vote – and then make their recommendations.

They could have followed their own rules.

But they didn’t, because they don’t have to. Rules are for the little people. If leadership in the House or the Senate don’t want to follow their own rules, they simply ignore them and “woe be it” to any legislator who objects.

And it’s not just the rules they ignore, but also the Hawai’i Constitution itself which says unambiguously in Article III, Section 12 “Every meeting of a committee in either house or of a committee comprised of a member or members from both houses held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

To be clear, blame for this sad fiasco should not be placed only on the shoulders of Speaker Nakamura. She holds her title, her position, and her power via “majority support”- so her actions reflect the will of that majority.

It’s truly unfortunate that in this case, both the majority and the minority are comfortable just sitting on their hands as those in power grant themselves more power, and the already marginalized general public – gets pushed out even further.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks. I’m still hopeful, perhaps naively so, that true leadership in both the House and the Senate will step up to the task.

If not, the 2026 election cycle will be here soon enough.

Gary Hooser
8 years – Kaua`i County Council
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Now…just doing what I can to make our world a better place.

Today’s my birthday.

At 71, I’ve much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to.

My plans for the future are pretty basic: Love my family, stay healthy, never stop learning, and along the way make some serious good trouble for people and the planet.

I’ll not be slowing down – shifting gears on occasion of course, but I’ll not be slowing down.

In case you’re wondering, I refuse to allow the inauguration of a convicted felon, or the pathetic conduct of our State House of Representatives – put a damper on it.

Nope. I’ll celebrate with family and friends, mahalo all who’ve helped and supported me along the way, and then double-down in our collective battle to make our world and community a better place.

If you’d like to do something for me on this special day, I ask that you reach out to newly elected State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto and tell her mahalo for standing tall, speaking out, and voting NO on the new House Rules approved on Friday. repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

The new rules took the old very bad rules and made them worse. Here’s a “ramseyered” copy for those with the stomach for it.

I watched the entire spectacle live from my home, and kept waiting for someone to raise their hand and say, “I’m also deeply disappointed in the proposed rules and the process which brought them before us today, and am joining with Rep. Iwamoto in voting No.”

But no one did. Most just sat in silence. Some fumbled through words obviously attempting to appease both House Leadership and those citizens hoping for genuine rules reform.

Every single member of the House, except Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, voted to support rules that:

*Continue to allow a single individual committee chair, to kill legislative proposals without a public hearing, without a vote, and without a reason.

*Removed a requirement for public notice and public decision-making by the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure.

*Increased the centralization of power in House Leadership by eliminating an existing rule in place since 1959 clearly intended to limit that same power.

Members of the Advisory committee, Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Rep. Sean Quinlan, Rep. Chris Todd, and Rep. Lauren Matsumoto offered passionate floor speeches in support of passing these new rules, claiming the changes increased transparency and accountability.

In reality the net impact of these changes did just the opposite.

This same committee refused to provide public notice and/or hold a public meeting as required by the previous rules. They then totally eliminated the public notice requirement in the new rules.

The committee did not ask the public for their opinion, thoughts, or suggestions. They did not solicit public input, nor respond to email from the public inquiring about the process, seeking to provide input, or possibly attend a committee meeting.

*There’s more. Much more. But it’s my birthday and I don’t have time today for this nonsense.

I’m guessing many of the Representatives one might normally expect to fight and vote for true “Rules Reform”, just didn’t have the stomach for it on Friday, preferring instead to go along to get along and put off the fight until another day.

Ba humbug.

Sometimes, you vote No even when it’s obvious the Yes votes are going to win. Sometimes, you stand up on the right side of an issue, just to make a statement.

What’s next? What are we going to do about it?

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who took the time to call and/or email their Representative in support of House Rules Reform. Because of your action and commitment, this issue remains top of mind in the House.

And I’m certainly not going to let these 48 or so House Members (a few were absent) ruin my birthday.

Actually, I’m more motivated than ever to support expansion of the H.A.P.A. Kuleana Academy training program.

My closing “birthday ask” therefore is for your help in raising $7,100 in support of the Kuleana Academy AND another $7,100 for H.A.P.A.’s general “Reclaiming Democracy” fund to ensure the fight for good governance is sustained on all levels.

Please – Whether $7.10, $71.00, $710.00, or the full $7,100 – any and all contributions are much needed and greatly appreciated. H.A.P.A. is a 501c3 non profit which means your secure online contribution is tax deductible or if you prefer a check can be mailed to Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action – H.A.P.A., PO Box 1534, Kapaʻa, Hawai`i 96746

As Board President of H.A.P.A., I’m a volunteer and derive no financial personal benefit whatsoever from these funds.

Please indicate in the notes section if possible: “Birthday support for Reclaiming Democracy”. For planning purposes, contributions received prior to February 1 are especially appreciated.

Mahalo plenty for your help.

Imua.
Gary Hooser
8 years – Kaua`i County Council
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Now…just doing what I can to make our world a better place.

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/01/16/editorial/our-view/editorial-transparent-isle-lawmaking-a-must/

The 2025 Hawaii Legislature began its 60-day session on Wednesday, and the public must see good-government reforms that should have been enacted years ago.

For too long, the state’s lawmaking processes have been too secretive and insider-driven. Even avid followers of major bills and issues can be blindsided at the eleventh hour, due to an opaque system that allows in-the-know lobbyists to sway bills, and legislation that must funnel through the most powerful legislative committees — and their committee chairs — for wheeling and dealing.

Many entrenched, self-interested legislators might talk a good game when it comes to transparency and good government, but reform has been slow in coming. This year, the public — meaning the constituents of elected officials — must bring pressure to bear in favor of improvements proposed by a coalition of 19 mainly community organizations. The package, backed by a 1,600-signature petition given to House and Senate lawmakers, seeks five rule changes to legislative procedures and five new laws. All have merit, particularly in light of corruption scandals in recent years that have eroded public trust in government.

The proposed procedural changes would indeed bring needed improvements, accountability and transparency. Unfortunately, separate sets of internal rules guide each of the two chambers’ workings — so the uneven policies can also befuddle taxpayers. Still, both chambers are urged to change the way they do business, for the public good, by:

* Requiring committees to take public votes on all bills before them, to disallow quiet deferrals.

* Posting for public review all written testimony on a bill at least 22 hours before its hearing.

* Requiring all committee members to have a bill’s draft amendments before actually voting on that version.

* Having non-fiscal bills bypass the powerful money committees, House Finance and Senate Ways and Means.

* Having term limits on committee chair and leadership positions.
Over the past two elections, 27 new members have joined the House, which bodes well for new blood and new thinking.

Strides were made over the last couple of years, spurred by the arrests — then convictions — of two legislators for corruption: then-Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and Rep. Ty Cullen were disgraced in a wastewater-legislation bribery scandal. That led the House to empanel the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct in 2022, which proposed 31 recommendations for “clean government” reform.

Laudably, some headway was made, but unfinished business remains.

One notable case in point: While lawmakers did pass a law prohibiting legislators from holding organized fundraisers during legislative sessions, campaign contributions are still allowed during this period. That’s shameful, since donations can still be given and accepted while lawmakers actively deliberate and decide new laws and policies. In 2023, the House unanimously passed a bill to ban acceptance of all campaign contributions during sessions, but it was not heard by the Senate.

Passage of such a ban is business that must be finished this time.

Other law changes that deserve support, and now being advocated by the good-government coalition: Automatic voter registration, more funding for the state Campaign Spending Commission, publicly financed elections, banning candidates from transferring campaign donations to other candidates, and banning campaign donations made by government contractors and immediate family members.

On a positive note, two new clean-government laws were ushered in with the new year.

* Act 8 requires lobbyists to include much more detail in their disclosure reports — such as spending on media and advertising, gifts and meals — as well as specifying bill numbers or other actions they lobby on.

* Act 123 requires lawmakers to reveal the names of lobbyists with whom they have a relationship — spouses, business partners and employers, for example — as well as lobbyist clients who’ve paid a legislator at least $5,000.

In her opening-day speech Wednesday, new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura lauded the “new energy and fresh perspectives” offered by freshman legislators and leadership. Let’s see that this extends to a more transparent and accountable government.