GaryHooser's Blog

Received an email recently saying, “I’ve a friend who’s considering running for the House, she’s articulate, smart, and community minded. I’m hoping you can meet and possibly support her.”

My first thought was absolutely yes. I’m always open to meeting and talking story with people interested in getting more involved.

My second thought was that big square building on Beretania Street in Honolulu is packed with “articulate, smart, and community minded” go-along-to-get-along corporatists, masquerading as centrists, who’re elected as Democrats. #justsayin

There’s no shortage of legislators, Democrat and Republican alike, who are “articulate, smart, and community minded” and who never, ever raise their hand to challenge – anyone or anything. Nor do many ever initiate serious bold initiatives that will move our community forward.

Where’s the call to action accelerating food, energy, and economic independence? Where are the voices in that big square building demanding the clean-up, restoration and return of the lands at Pohakuloa, Kahuku, Kawailoa-Poamoho, and Makua?

Why are legislators not voting for a roll-back of the ill-conceived tax cuts passed just one year ago? Why not prepare now for the elimination or reduction of Medicaid and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) that is surely coming?

I’m thinking we need more than just articulate, smart, and community minded. Much more.

We need forward-thinking fighters, not just politicians who say the right words.

We need articulate smart people serving in public office who toss and turn in their sleep worrying about that family living under the bridge. We need people sitting in those chairs who’re totally committed to protecting our water, forests, oceans, and shorelines.

Positive change will only happen when we collectively work together to make it so – by electing and supporting leaders who will lead.

If you have roots in the community, with some record of leadership and involvement, and if you’re driven to dedicate your time, energy, and focus, toward making our world a better place – I encourage you to consider running for election to public office.

Roots in the community mean Hawaiʻi is your home. We need everyones help but effective candidates must demonstrate a long-term unshakable commitment to the islands.

Having a record of leadership and involvement could come in many forms – student government, in PTSA, community sports, small business, or in nonprofit organizations doing good work in our community.

What are you doing now to help make our world a better place? Do you help clean the beach with Surfrider Foundation? Have you volunteered with the Food Bank, Zero Waste or Big Brothers/Sisters?

Have you worked on the campaigns of others, or submitted testimony to state or county legislative committees?

What keeps you awake at night? What do you care most deeply about?

The 2026 election cycle’s just around the corner. June 2, 2026 is the candidate filing deadline and the primary election is on August 08.

If you’re serious about going down this path, now’s the time to start building your campaigns’ base and infrastructure.

One program offering valuable training for aspiring candidates and others seeking to increase their political leadership skills and effectiveness – is the Kuleana Academy https://www.hapahi.org/k-a

Full disclosure: I’m the former Board President of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), a 501c3 nonprofit that created and manages the Kuleana Academy – However I’m no longer actively involved and play no role whatsoever in the program admissions process or management.

Also visit the Office of Elections: https://elections.hawaii.gov/candidates/candidate-filing/

If you feel the same urgency of the moment I do, and if you’re willing to stand up and fight for people and the planet from day 1 – I’d encourage you to go for it.

Gary 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 Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

It’s not like the Hawai’i Senate is a model of sunshine and good government, but the House of Representatives just keeps stepping in it.

Frankly, the arrogance of the House is embarrassingly unrestrained.

Case In Point – HB772 – Relating To Campaign Finance

HB772 is intended to stop the sham practice of legislators transferring their own campaign funds to other candidates, friends and colleagues (under the guise of purchasing two tickets to a campaign fundraiser).

Example: Candidate W files a required form announcing a fundraiser at a local bar or restaurant with a $250 – $1,000 ticket price. Legislators X, Y, and Z each buy two $1,000 tickets (using their own campaign funds) and voila…candidate W has just raised $6,000. The 4 of them toss back a few beers, perhaps a glass of wine, and pau – “fundraiser” is over.

According to data on file with the Campaign Spending Commission, the total amount transferred by all House campaign committees, from one candidates campaign account to another different candidates campaign account – using the “two ticket purchase scam” during the 2022 and 2024 election cycle was $427,187.

HB772 was “killed” single-handedly by Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita who refused to schedule it for a hearing.

The top incumbent Representative utilizing this fundraising device during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles was Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita. His campaign contributed $46,250 in “fundraising tickets” benefiting 22 of his candidate friends. Remember, 26 is the magic number in the House. With 26 votes you can be Finance Chair, Speaker, or whatever you like.

HB772 was referred to House Finance by Speaker Nadine Nakamura even though it has no impact on the state budget whatsoever – zero, zip, nada.

Speaker Nakamura chose not to refer HB413 and HB371 to Finance even though both involve regulating campaign contributions in other areas (lobbyists and contractors), and both also have zero budget impacts. Only HB772 was doomed to go to Finance whose Chair utilized the targeted provisions more than any other member in the entire House of Representatives.

Next in line among incumbent Representatives “buying fundraiser tickets” is Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama with $44,500 during this same period. Next is Majority Leader Sean Quinlan $19,900, Minority Caucus Leader Gene Ward $19,235, House Speaker Nadine Nakamura $19,150, and Majority Caucus Leader Christopher Todd $17,500 – all of whom are members of House Leadership.

The total amount given in the 2022 and 2024 election periods by the above 6 Representatives, in the form of “two tickets to your fundraiser” = $166,535

The top House beneficiary of the two ticket money transfer game in the 2024 election cycle was (now Representative) Michael Lee who raked in $19,563 from other House members and defeated the incumbent Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick.

So no, they ain’t gonna pass no stinking bill taking away their ability to help their friends and punish those Representatives who don’t toe the line.

And they ain’t gonna change the rules either.

But they could.

Stay with me please.

Existing House rules say in essence:

1 – The Speaker has “referral” authority over which committees a bill must pass through in order to become law.

2 – Committee Chairs control which bills to schedule.

3 – Bills may be referred to Finance whether or not there’s a budget impact. (HB772 has zero impact)

The below three straight-forward yet systemic rule changes would eliminate the inherent corruption of process now in place – exemplified by the killing of HB772.

1 – “Bill drafting agency staff” independently makes referral recommendations with final referral approved by a legislative referral committee – (model used in State Senate)

2 – All bills “heard and passed” by a committee, shall be scheduled, heard, and voted on, by the subsequent committee. (This prevents Chairs from killing these “active” bills behind closed doors, without a public discussion or vote.)

3 – Only bills with budget impacts may be referred to Finance. (“Pure policy” bills may not be referred to and thus possibly “killed” by Finance.)

Boom Kanani. That’s it.

If these three changes had been proposed and approved on January 17 when the House amended and approved its rules, HB772 ending the two ticket money transfer charade, would still be alive.

Unfortunately, the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures met only in secret so the public will never know if these important proposed rule changes were even considered.

Which is why 8 Hawai’i residents are now suing the House.

Gary 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 Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

President Trump has demonstrated through words and action, unequivocally – he will do whatever’s necessary to maintain control and power.

He publicly sneers, belittles, and mocks anyone and everyone who has the audacity to disagree with him or push back against his proposed agenda.

When confronted with genuine resistance he loudly threatens harm to the person, organization, or country. If the resistance persists, he then uses the full power and authority of his office AND the money of his oligarch patrons – to bring actual economic, political, and/or personal harm to those failing to comply.

“Do what I tell you, or I will hurt you.” Is the President’s message.

This is not hyperbole. Even those who support him will agree the above is an accurate description of President Donald Trump. “While I don’t like all his actions and statements, I like his policies and what he stands for.” – are common statements from MAGA supporters.

We cannot succumb to the fear and intimidation.

We must push back against changes in federal policy and actions that bring harm to our community, AND we must simultaneously take meaningful and aggressive steps toward food, energy, and economic self-sufficiency.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), Hawai’i ranks #2 in the United States for the highest defense spending as a share of state GDP, indicating increased vulnerability to significant DoD spending changes. (hawaii.gov)

We must wean our economy off its dependency on military spending.

We must oppose the current Trump energy policy that seeks to expand the use of fossil fuel and instead, increase state incentives for solar power while phasing out fossil fuel including liquified natural gas (LNG).

Ditto to food and agriculture. We must fast-track the “Farm to School” mandate, add “Farm to Families”, prisons, jails, hospitals, and hotels – AND implement strong incentives for local food producers.

Our goal must be to shrink, not expand the U.S. militaries foot-print in our islands – think Pohakuloa, Kahuku, Kawailoa-Poamoho, and Makua.

Education, medicare, medicaid, and social security are all on the table. Environmental protections and the upkeep of our public lands are also at risk.

The wrecking-ball the Trump/Musk regime is using against a wide variety of international aid programs is causing serious, tangible and irreversible harm to people on every single continent.
Appeasement is not an option.

Many benefit from the abundance of our islands who do not pay their fair share – absentee owners, foreign investors, and off-shore corporations to name just a few. To protect medicare and medicaid, we must counter federal tax cuts for the wealthy, with state and county tax increases impacting those same populations.

We don’t cut deals with thugs and bullies.

We don’t trade our ethics, morals, and integrity for money. We don’t look the other way, and we don’t keep our mouths shut because we’re afraid the bully will turn off the funding spigot.

Hawai’i must lead. Our Congressional delegation, our Governor, the legislature, County Councils, University of Hawai’i, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, our courts and law enforcement, and non-profit advocacy groups across the islands – all of us and each of us must step up and push back.

Hawai’i leaders at all levels must follow the example of Representative Jill Tokuda.

We must stand strong and wear our values on our sleeve, proudly for the whole world to see.

Please join me in calling Senator Mazie Hirono (202) 224-6361 and telling her “thank you” for voting NO on the Trump/GOP “stop-gap funding measure”. Please also call Representative Jill Tokuda (202) 225-4906 and tell her “mahalo” as well for standing up and speaking out strongly against the Trump/Musk/Vance triumvirate.

As to Senator Brian Schatz and Representative Ed Case – unfortunately they are on the wrong side of this discussion. Senator Schatz voted YES today, supporting the Trump/GOP measure, and Representative Case voted to support the censure of his fellow Congressman Al Green for speaking out loudly against President Trump during a joint session of Congress.

Mahalo,
Gary L. Hooser (https://www.garyhooser.com/)
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 –

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
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

Photo Note: Unfortunately I do not know who took this photograph of a lone surfer blocking the Hawai’i Superferry from entering Nawiliwili Harbor – December 2007.

Honolulu StarAdvertiser Column:
State government must lift cloak of opacity for public good
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/03/06/editorial/island-voices/column-state-government-must-lift-cloak-of-opacity-for-public-good/

By Robert H. Pahia, Sergio J. Alcubilla III and Laura Acasio
March 6, 2025 

The essence of democracy lies in self-governance. Article 1, Section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution states, “All political power of this State is inherent in the people and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people.”

With Acasio v. House of Representatives, we are reclaiming our civic agency and asserting the people of Hawaii’s role in shaping the policies that define our quality of life and that of future generations. We seek to hold our representatives accountable to the state Constitution, and reaffirm our belief in a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The state House of Representatives, a legislative body meant to be the people’s voice, increasingly operates as an impenetrable fortress. Article III of the Hawaii State Constitution explicitly states, “Every meeting of a committee in either house … held for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

Previously, House rules required the formation of a House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure to review House rules and propose amendments. These same rules also mandated that the committee hold public meetings when making decisions and provide public notice of those meetings. This is especially important because the Sunshine Law does not cover the Legislature.

When the House Advisory Committee was formed, we were hopeful. We believed it would provide a genuine opportunity for public participation, as required by the Constitution. We expected open discussion and debate on House rules, leading to transparent and thoughtful recommendations.

Before filing this lawsuit — and before the House changed its rules behind closed doors — we reached out to representatives by phone, email and in person, requesting to be informed and allowed to participate in the relevant committee meetings.

Regrettably, the committee made its decisions in secret, holding no public meetings as required by the Hawaii Constitution. There was no public notice, no transparency, and no opportunity for participation.

This problem extends beyond House rules. Legislation is routinely drafted and decided upon in isolated committees, shielded from public scrutiny. Critical issues are often settled behind closed doors, leaving engaged citizens and stakeholders shut out. This closed decision-making process weakens representative democracy and conflicts with the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

This lawsuit demands adherence to the will of the voters and challenges all lawmakers to recommit to their duty to engage the people of Hawaii in meaningful ways. It is a reminder that their power comes from the governed — not the other way around. We hope that this lawsuit compels our representatives to dismantle the barriers they have erected between themselves and the people they are sworn to serve.

Democracy is a dynamic activity, meant to be practiced in the sunlight. Holding our leaders accountable is an essential part of good governance, and we must never abstain from our duty as citizens to do so.

Robert H. Pahia, Sergio J. Alcubilla III and Laura Acasio are plaintiffs in the recently filed lawsuit, Acasio v. House of Representatives; this was also signed by fellow plaintiffs Ka’apuni Aiwohi, Tanya Aynessazian, Doug Cobeen, Karen Cobeen and Michaela Ikeuchi.

Just when you think it can’t get much worse, American diplomacy led by President Trump and Vice President Vance – implodes on national television.

Regardless of which side you’re on, most will agree what happened during last weeks meeting with Ukraine President Zelensky, has severely harmed America’s reputation as a leader in the free world.

Actually, it’s worse than that. Without question, the health, safety, and stability of our world is much more at risk today than it was just one week ago.

When leadership was needed the most, these guys whether intentionally or unintentionally, totally dropped the ball.

Berating and belittling an international friend and ally on a world stage, then shutting him down when he tries to defend himself – is not leadership.

President Donald Trump calling former President Joe Biden “stupid” on national television while sitting in the Oval Office are not the actions of a leader.

Telling the President of Ukraine who’s fighting desperately to defend his country, essentially to “Take my deal, give me your minerals, take a knee, kiss the ring, and say thank you, or I’ll leave you and your people to Russia and they can do with you as they like.” – is not leadership. It may demonstrate the presence of a powerful deal-making thug, but it’s not leadership.

President Trump’s recent speech before Congress, just added fuel to the fire. To say his presentation was full of half-truths and misstatements of fact, and that he was totally lacking in courtesy, empathy, modesty, or humility – would be gross understatements.

I received an email a few days ago with a short and to the point message, “I’ve been reading your stuff for a while. Can you help us on the national level? The manure pile that’s been building up has been flung into the windmill. Can you please direct me to the revolution?”

I’ve gotten more than a few of these notes recently – referring to “revolution” and/or expressing fear of a coming “civil war”.

As individuals living in a small community far from the global centers of power, what positive and tangible actions can we, and must we take?

I can only speak to what I personally am doing and encourage others who feel similarly, to do similarly.

First of all, take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Turn off the news. Throttle back the fear and anxiety. Take a dip in the ocean. Hug your kids. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in years.

Next, think about your own security and tighten up the loose ends. Think about “disaster preparedness” and get ready – flashlights, radio, batteries, water, etc – I’m serious. Hopefully I’m wrong and if so, at least you’re prepared for the next hurricane or tsunami.

Stay informed. Resist “doom scrolling” through the news, but stay informed.

Plant food. I’m personally cleaning my yard of overgrown greenery that feeds no-one, and replanting with stuff I can eat.

While my budget may not allow me to “leave the grid”, I’m looking into it.
If disruption comes, we must be ready first in our own homes.

But what else must we do?

For starters, we must actively boycott those businesses supporting this testosterone charged madness.

We must also continue contacting our members of Congress, as well as friends and relatives across the continent offering encouragement and support.

In addition, today I’m signing up for news/action alerts and sending in a little bit of money to Indivisible Hawaiʻi https://indivisiblehawaii.org

The Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network has eleven chapters, spanning four islands, mobilizing thousands of residents.

AND we must continue to monitor and push our local government to support truly affordable housing, protect those minority communities now under attack, increase energy independence, and block efforts to dismantle environmental protections.

What is lacking most of all is leadership. We must step up our own personal efforts to lead in our own towns and communities, and we must seek out and encourage others at the state and national levels to do the same.

But let’s not fool ourselves, this is not just about electing a new President in 2028 who will somehow lead us to the promised land.

It’s about each and every one of us stepping up and taking ownership of our democracy – TODAY.

Remember, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – “True change will not be brought by corporations, but rather through a change in one’s own mind and actions.” National Civil Rights Museum

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

Each of us looks at the world through our own unique lens, formed by our own unique life experiences.

Some of us grew up surrounded by poverty and hardship, while others enjoyed lives of wealth and privilege. We are brown, black, red, yellow, white, and many shades in between. We are men, women, transgendered, and like our colors – many shades in between. Some of us are young and some very old. There are many who’ve obtained high levels of formal education, and many more whose education comes via the streets, the forests, and the oceans. We speak different languages, we have different talents, different abilities, different disabilities, different interests, and different cultures and religions.

We’re all in this together and we all deserve a seat at the table.

Whether it’s a government institution, public corporation, non profit, or school – the active and conscious practice of diversity, equity and inclusiveness – results in a stronger, better, more ethical, and more effective organization.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness (DEI) is more than just a whipping boy “woke phrase” that President Trump and Musk love to hate on, and who toss it out like a slab of red meat to their true believers every chance they get.

Everyone deserves a seat at the table, everyone deserves to be treated equally, and our diversity strengthens us – this is the core of DEI.

We’re all related, interconnected and interdependent.

We all share a common responsibility to help each other, and to protect the planet we all call home.

At least this is the world I believe in.

And this my friends is where the line in the sand has been drawn.

We can agree to disagree on how best to deal with government waste, fraud, and abuse. We can even agree to disagree on tariffs, vaccines, and immigration policy.

But we cannot agree to disagree on the inherent evil of bigotry, and the fundamental values inherent in the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

My own immediate family of which I can trace direct lineage include individuals who were both born in America and others who immigrated there from other lands. My blood relatives are all of modest economic means, and include all colors, sexual identities, ages, as well as different abilities and disabilities.

My extended community ohana of people I love, respect, and know well – are the same. Just regular people representing the diversity of our planet.

Without question, our lives here in Hawai’i are richer and better because of the diversity that surrounds us. Yes, we can and must do better here as well, but we are blessed and privileged in many ways.

I understand but cannot forgive nor accept the bigotry and hate coming from the Trump/Musk world view.

They each were born into a white world of extreme wealth. Their view of the world is shaped by experiences totally different from those of common everyday people who struggle daily to just feed their families and pay the rent.

It’s not unusual that they surround themselves with other white men of wealth.

It’s what most of us do. We hang around with people like ourselves. The social-economics of life tend to support this trend. People who live in our neighborhood, tend to look like us. Even our place of employment too often reflects the inherent bias of the boss, and he or she will likely favor employing people most like them.

Thus the importance of DEI policy. Unless we consciously and actively seek out, support, and practice diversity, equality, and inclusion – it’s often too slow to happen.

And of course the sooner it happens, the sooner our world becomes a better place – for all of us.

Gary Hooser
garylhooser.com

Sometimes, people in positions of leadership must step back so others may have the space to step forward.

This is why I’m stepping down from The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) Board, an organization I helped create over a decade ago. It’s been truly an honor to serve as the volunteer Board President of H.A.P.A. and I’m immensely proud of what the organization has become. I’m also 100% committed to supporting its ongoing mission during the coming decade and beyond.

But it’s time to move on and let others take the H.A.P.A. helm.

I’ve been thinking and talking about this move, and discussing it, on and off, with the Board for the past year. So while it may appear sudden – it was not unplanned.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has played a role in bringing H.A.P.A. to where it is today. We have an awesome and talented 9 member staff each who is totally committed to making our world a better place.

The backbone of the organization, H.A.P.A.’s Board of Directors, collectively possess the life experiences, track records of success, and the interpersonal leadership skills – that are invaluable assets most organizations only dream of.

Fortunately, the talent of board and staff is backed up by dedicated community and institutional support as well. Whether the contributions are individuals online and monthly at $10 -$20, or from local or national philanthropic trusts and foundations – the support continues to grow as H.A.P.A.’s work has grown.

To each and every one of you, board, staff, and funders – I offer you my deepest thanks and appreciation for your trust, support, and help over the years. Please know I am still here, still 100% in support, and available anytime to talk or should you need my mana’o.

As to my plans for the future – I’ll continue to walk my 6 miles every single day, my grandchildren will no doubt see a little bit more of “Pop Pop”, and yes I will for sure continue making “good trouble”.

But truly – my plan is to double-down on efforts to support the new leadership we so desperately need in our government both locally and nationally – especially at this particular point in time in our history.

Identifying, encouraging, supporting, and holding accountable new civic leadership, while pulling back the curtain and calling out those leaders who are failing us.

Increasingly, these two things will be my focus and mission.

Lot’s to do. Time to get moving on it.

A Hui Hou

Gary Hooser

If it looks like I’m “picking on the State House”, it’s because the House keeps messing up – egregiously, in your face kine messing up.

The latest fiasco involves the Chair of House Finance, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, the sole sponsor of HB1369 seeking to eliminate renewable energy and related tax credits.

As if the Trump/Musk administrations’ denial of climate change and assault on renewable energy is not enough, instead of increasing tax credits to compensate for the reduced Federal support – Rep. Yamashita is proposing to reduce support even more. This is bad for families, bad for a local green industry, and bad for the climate.

HB1369, was “referred” only to House Finance. Rep. Yamashita is the bill’s only sponsor and is also Chair of House Finance.

Of course there are 15 other Representatives who also sit on House Finance, but the key word here is “sit”. If history is any indication, we can expect most if not all of those 15 to “go along to get along” as they are fearful of the power wielded by the Finance Chair.

They’re afraid if they raise their hands to question the Chair, they’ll be “punished”.

They’re fearful that much needed funding for sidewalks, parks, highways, or schools in their district will suddenly be “lined out of the budget” as punishment for speaking out.

Such is the toxic culture that permeates the big square building on Beretania Street.

At minimum HB1369 should have also been referred to the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, (EEP) Chaired by Representative Nicole Lowen. EEP would have reviewed the “subject matter” impact of the proposed tax changes. Are the proposed changes good or bad for the environment and for the renewable energy sector?

The Finance Committee looks at “budget impacts” and subject matter committees look at “subject matter impacts”. HB1369 will have no subject matter impact review because it was referred only to House Finance.

HB1369 also amends the existing solar hot water heater mandate in a manner that has nothing to do with the budget.

Why did HB1369 receive only a single referral when a reasonable review of the bill shows it has potentially far reaching impacts on issues relating to energy and the environment?

House Rules grant Speaker Nadine Nakamura absolute power to refer bills. Rule. 2.1 (14) – “It shall be the duty of the Speaker to..refer all bills to committees…The Speaker’s decision shall be the final disposition of the matter.”

The Speakers decision to refer HB1369 only to House Finance could have been “appealed” by the Chair of EEP, however since it’s all done in secret, we’ll never know if that happened. In any case, “The Speaker’s decision shall be the final disposition of the matter.”

The Speaker has total power over which committee “hears” the bill, and the Committee Chair controls the outcome of that hearing.

This begs the question – Why do we need the other 49 House members?

Yes, I’m fully aware sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. I’m also aware what’s happening now in the House is not funny at all.

HB1369 will be heard in committee Wednesday Feb. 19th at 2:30pm. To submit testimony go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov – Log-in (top right corner) go to “My Legislature” – Click “Submit Testimony” (left side of page) – enter HB1369 – follow instructions.

Regardless of the timing, if you support preserving tax credits that support the use of renewable energy in Hawaii, be it solar, wind or biofuels – it’s critically important to submit testimony AND call your own district Representative and ask them to vote NO on HB1369.

Note: HB1369 also proposes tax changes to motion picture, digital media, agriculture, air transportation, ship building- and more.

HB1369 must be stopped in its tracks or at the very minimum re-referred and undergo thorough joint/committee review.

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 –

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 –