GaryHooser's Blog

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 –
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Hawai’i Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice
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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/

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State issues – https://www.hulihi.com/state
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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.
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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.

Just a quick note that the earlier blog post has been slightly edited and the updated version is here: https://garyhooser.blog/2025/01/12/title-what-we-need-on-opening-day/

Hope and inspiration is what we need. Hope and inspiration backed by tangible action that says loud and clear the days of “pay to play” at the Hawai’i State legislature, are over.

Current legislative rules allow a single individual committee chair, to kill a legislative proposal without a hearing, without a vote, and without a reason.

It’s common knowledge that some committee chair’s have killed bills for personal, political, and financial reasons. While most holding those positions are honorable in their intent, some will inevitably abuse the power to help their friends and hurt their enemies. It’s an ugly and corrupt reality driven by the unilateral power granted by the “rules”.

Existing House rules governing “bill referrals” permit the referral of bills to the House Finance Committee even when there’s zero impact on the budget. This referral grants the House Finance Chair life or death control over every single legislative proposal introduced.

The Rules also allow legislative proposals to be amended “verbally” with the actual language inserted after the vote and after the public has left the room.

Can’t make this stuff up.

Please join me in sending an “Opening Day” message to each and every legislator.

The time to reform legislative rules, campaign finance, and ethics law is now.

Now’s the time to stand up and be counted, to say loud and clear – enough already.

January 15, 2025, the first official day of the Hawai’i State Legislative Session – is when the first tangible actions must be taken.

We don’t need or want flowery words, platitudes, and promises – without tangible action.

Legislative Rules Reform can take place in a single action and vote by a majority of legislators in either or both legislative bodies. While House Rules have received the most attention and in the greatest need of reform, Senate Rules must also be amended to increase transparency and accountability.

The State Constitution, Article III, Section 12 states “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.”

Both the House and Senate routinely violate this Constitutional provision. Both chambers have rules now allowing decision-making behind closed doors, and grant Committee Chairs the power to kill bills without public notice, public justification, or a public vote.

Legislative rules can easily be amended to increase transparency and accountability, and decrease the opportunity for legislative misconduct and corruption.

All it takes is leadership. The move for such reform should come from behind the leadership podium, but can also come from members on the floor.


Please take a moment to contact your own district legislator and urge them to support Rules Reform to increase transparency and accountability: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/

Then contact House/Senate Leadership with the same message:
House Speaker Nadine Nakamura: repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senate President Ronald Kouchi: senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

There’s a House Good Government Caucus proposing specific changes to House rules, campaign finance reform, and other good government legislation. Please send them a short mahalo as well!

Rep. Della Au Bellati (Chair) repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Terez Amato repamato@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Tina Grandinetti repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Ikaika Hussey rephussey@capitol.hawaii.gov,
Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Lauren Matsumoto repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Julie Reyes Oda repreyesoda@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Amy Perruso repperruso@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Kanani Souza repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov

I mean really, who would not be supportive of increasing transparency and accountability? Who would not want to eliminate or at least reduce government corruption and “pay to play”?

I’m guessing we’ll wake up on the morning of January 16 and know the answer.

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.

The 2025 legislative session opens on Wednesday January 15th and we will know then whether or not the House is going to amend their rules to achieve greater transparency and accountability – or whether nothing will change and all the talk is just…talk.

At the end of the day on Wednesday we will know who supports positive and reasonable change, and who does not.

While I remain cautiously optimistic, and hopeful – I also know we can assume nothing and must continue to push, encourage, cajole, and nudge each and every representative to support Rules Reform all the way until the final vote.

So please join with me today and every day up until they vote on Wednesday, and contact your district legislator and those listed below with that simple message. “Please support Rules Reform and follow the lead of the House Good Government Caucus.”

The House Good Government Caucus has taken the lead and proposing specific changes that if included in the new rules, will significantly increase transparency and accountability. Please send them an email today or ASAP – and thank them for the good work they’re doing. Short and to the point is fine!

Good Government Caucus
Rep. Della Au Bellati (Chair)
Rep. Terez Amato
Rep. Tina Grandinetti
Rep. Ikaika Hussey
Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto
Rep. Lauren Matsumoto
Rep. Julie Reyes Oda
Rep. Amy Perruso
Rep. Kanani Souza

Here is a sample “group email” you can cut and paste (but please “make it your own”).

repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov, repamato@capitol.hawaii.gov, repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov, rephussey@capitol.hawaii.gov, repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, repreyesoda@capitol.hawaii.gov, repperruso@capitol.hawaii.gov, repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov

Aloha Rep. Belatti and Members of the Good Government Caucus,

Just want to say thank you for the work you’re doing regarding potential rule changes in the House, as well as the other Good Government priorities you’re supporting.

My hope is that on opening day, the House will pass new rules significantly increasing transparency and accountability.

Mahalo for your help in making this happen.
*************************************************************************************
Separately – Please also send an email to the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure asking them to notify you when they schedule a meeting to discuss and make decisions on their recommendations. Ask them also to support passing new rules that significantly increase transparency and accountability.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura
Rep. Linda Ichiyama
Rep. Sean Quinlan
Rep. Chris Todd
Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov, repichiyama@capitol.hawaii.gov, repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, repquinlan@capitol.hawaii.gov, reptodd@capitol.hawaii.gov

Please remind the also, politely and professionally as always…that Rule 20 states clearly, “…Every meeting of a special committee, interim committee, or the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure shall be noticed in the same manner as applicable to a standing committee. And…all your asking for is notice!
***********************************************************
Apologies- The above post assumes readers have been following this issue. My bad.

The reforms being proposed by a coalition of community groups and backed by an increasing number of House members are common sense changes to rules governing the basic legislative process.

If passed, the rule changes would require that passage or failure of legislative proposals be based on a committee vote and not by a single individual committee chair.

Yes, it sounds pretty basic.

A bill for a new law is proposed, a public hearing is held, the legislative committee votes, and a decision is made.

Unfortunately this is not the way it currently happens in that big square building on Beretania Street.

Proposed reforms would also require public testimony be made available to the public when submitted, and proposed changes/amendments to legislation disclosed publicly in writing prior to the vote.

Again, this is basic democracy, good government stuff – but not the way it’s now done at the Capitol.

Rules governing the “bill referral process” now allow the House Finance Committee to control every single legislative proposal that’s proposed, even if there’s zero impact on the budget.

Existing rules grant the Finance Chair total control – no exaggeration, no hyperbole. The proposed reforms would eliminate this extreme concentration of power and allow referral to the Finance Committee only those bills that require funding or otherwise have budget implications.

There’s more but the above is probably the most egregious elements that need changing.
Here’s further background on the House Rules movement and examples of the type of Reforms needed.

Mahalo for taking action TODAY and for circulating this message to your networks. It’s important that Representatives hear from citizens that Rules Reform is important.

Affordable housing must remain a top priority in the 2025 Hawai’i legislative session.

There’re many paths to get there. Unfortunately, the large landowners, real estate developers, contractors, and all the big money guys, will once again be focusing their demands on “streamlining” land-use regulations and “fast-tracking” rezoning and permitting processes.

We each see the world through our own unique lens. Many of us believe these laws are essential tools needed to protect people and the planet from the pillage and plunder of unchecked capitalism. Others who profit from that capitalism, see them as unnecessary, cumbersome, and expensive impediments to development (and related profits).

Development friendly legislators will support bills reducing land use regulation, but rarely introduce measures to increase staffing of the agencies responsible for doing the work.

The land development industry is a formidable political force united in pushing to reduce environmental protections, limit public input, and expand upward the definition of “affordability”.

These are attractive political options because they have no immediate financial cost or “budget impact”. They cost nothing to implement but the long term negative impacts on people and our natural environment can be significant and irreversible.

Hawai’i is one of the most beautiful and most desirable places to live on the planet. The demand for real estate here is thus, insatiable.

The median income for a family of 4 living in Hawai’i is $133,656 (100% AMI). This means half earn more, and half less.

It’s this bottom half of income earners who need the most help but the push by developers is for “workforce” housing, serving households earning up to 140% of AMI.

While it’s hard to believe, new homes in Hawai’i can be priced at $700,000 and still qualify as affordable “workforce” housing.

The overall median price of a home in Hawai’i as of December 2024 was $975,000 and the average price was $1,246,145.

Developers and their friends at the legislature will tell you any new housing is good housing, and that there’s a “trickle down” effect.

But the so-called trickle down theory does not work in here. Real estate prices are always drawn upward – pulled always by the insatiable demand. A resident moves into a new “work force” housing unit, and their previous home is then rented to a new occupant at a higher rate – always seeking the market price.

Meanwhile, no one’s building anything for those folks working full time, often at multiple jobs – yet living in the garage of friends and family, or in their car down at the beach park.

We must support the development of new workforce housing, but the most critical need is for those earning below 100% of median income.

No developer or land owner will develop truly affordable “below market” housing unless required to do so by government or offered generous government incentives.

Selling homes “below market” translates to a potential windfall profit for buyers. Consequently, homes sold benefiting from government/developer subsidies must include buy-back provisions, prohibitions against vacation rental, and/or other “anti-speculation” clauses.

Yes, there are many paths to increasing affordable housing: Direct financial subsidies, tax credits, developer mandates, low interest loans for ADU rental construction, government backed first-time home-buyer mortgages, expanded sewer systems, urban redevelopment, and “Singapore style” transit oriented development – to name just a few.

We can do this. We can do it without compromising environmental protections, and we can do it in a manner that supports those with the greatest needs first.

There’s no shortage of wealth in the islands to help pay for it. Foreign investors, uber-wealthy second-home owners, corporations “banking” lands in existing urban areas, the hotels, tourists and more – all have capacity to help fund affordable housing, and none are leaving because their taxes are too high.

Screenshot

“Publicly funded Clean Elections, Rules Reform to increase transparency and accountability, and tightening campaign spending laws are all worthy goals.” will be the refrain from almost every State legislator in the building.

However when pressed, many will then say, “There’s no money, the proposals are impractical and difficult to implement, and there’s probably not enough support (votes) to pass them this year.”

“Keep working on it, form a task force, conduct a study, and maybe come back next year with a pilot project”, will be the friendly encouragement offered.

You of course listen politely, then respectfully point to several States that have already implemented Clean Election programs. You suggest further that following their model and learning from their experience shouldn’t be that complicated. You point out if passed in 2025 significant funding would not be needed until 2028 and in any case, Hawai’i has over $1.5 billion sitting in our rainy day fund.

You might then pivot to reforming the internal House/Senate rules, which can be done at zero or minimal cost. Suggesting perhaps, if more time is needed, additional “recess” days can be added, and duplicate bills can be combined. In fact, there are many ways to achieve the desired outcome of more transparency, more accountability, more public participation.

Request they review how other states (with similar “session days”) manage to require hearings and public votes, and amendments in writing – prior to the votes.

Point out the inappropriateness of legislators transferring thousands of dollars donated to their campaign into the bank accounts of other legislator’s campaigns.

And yes, remind them yet once again about fixing the law allowing officers and family members of government contractors to give money directly to the campaign of legislators who introduce and support bills funding these same government contractors.

The “Good Governance” initiatives being proposed this year (and every year) reduce the power and thus increase the political vulnerability of sitting legislators. Therein lies the problem. Incumbent legislators like their jobs and their power.

I get it.

Passing “Clean Elections” will reduce the power of big money and result in greater competition on election day. Fewer incumbents will run unopposed.

Most of us believe competition at the polls is a good thing, and getting money out of elections is a valuable and worthy goal.

Increasing transparency and accountability by reducing the current unilateral power of Committee Chairs to “kill bills” in the dark behind closed doors, without a public hearing or a public vote – is an obvious positive step in the right direction but will be vehemently opposed by those who now hold that power.

Ditto to tightening rules governing campaign donations between legislators themselves, and from the officers and family members of government contractors who directly benefit from the actions of those legislators.

Those in power are afraid of losing it.

Even those legislators who “mostly vote the right way” will tell us privately, “If we pass these things, it will force me to take controversial votes and help Republicans. It’s much better to kill these things in private.”

When pressed on increasing public participation, they’ll often respond, “Public meetings take up way too much time. I do my research and don’t need to spend hours and hours listening to ill-informed members of the public who don’t understand how things work around here.”

Bottom line: Those of us who believe increasing transparency and accountability, and reducing the influence of money in politics are fundamental to improving our Democracy – must work harder to overcome the self-serving nature of recalcitrant incumbents who think they know it all.

2026 cannot get here quick 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.