GaryHooser's Blog

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 –

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.