GaryHooser's Blog

Kim Coco Iwamoto has won, leading by 202 votes (Hawaiʻi New Now).

She took on, and is taking out – the most powerful establishment figure in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives, Speaker of the House Scott Saiki. He’s been there for 30 years, is backed by the most powerful men in Hawaiʻi politics -and Kim Coco Iwamoto is backed by an organized, committed, grassroots team from all walks of life.

We are all winning, and everyone of us who showed up to vote, who sent an email or text encouraging our friends to vote – we all played a role in this huge win.

And it doesn’t stop there. #winning

Another totally awesome “change-maker” candidate for the House, Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey has won his race by a landslide. A third “change-maker” candidate, Tina Grandinetti also chalked up a huge win for the House of Representatives.

To be absolutely clear – these three individuals each possess the maturity, experience, and deeply embedded values that make them incredibly valuable additions to the House of Representatives – joining the forward-thinking and willing to speak truth-to-power Representatives Amy Perruso and Jeanné Kapela who both also won big in their primary races.

Having these 5 strong voices backing each other up and joined by still other progressive, aloha aina, people and the planet come first Representatives like Mahina Poepoe, Terez Amato, Elle Cochran, Della Au Belatti, Corey Rosenlee, Desiré DeSoto, and other friends and House allies…is going to be a game-changer, regardless of who the next speaker is.

With a few heart-breaking exceptions, it was a incredibly good night for people and the planet.

I’m very sad we lost Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick who fell short of the votes needed to continue serving us in the House. She’s an exceptionally bright, strong, and resilient member of our extended ohana whose presence on the floor of the House will be missed. The silver lining is she’s now free to help lead the movement for change in other ways.

Former Senator Laura Acasio is another friend and true change-maker who was unable to cross the finish line in first place last night. She also is, I am sure, more committed than ever to continue fighting hard for her community, and for all of us.

Mahalo Senator Acasio and Representative Hussey-Burdick for all you do, have done, and will continue doing for our collective community.

There are others, Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian, Sonny Ganaden, Ian Ross, Summer-Lee Yadao, KANAHELE, Kiana (Keawekane) and others, who ran hard these past few months, who are friends and allies, and who also did not garner the votes needed to move forward.

To each of you I say mahalo, mahalo plenty for putting your life on hold, for working so hard day after day out in the streets, campaigning to serve the rest of us. Please look at 2026 and let the rest of us know how we can help.

So yes, let’s celebrate our wins, learn from our losses – rest for a day or two and then get back to work making our community and our world a better place.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.
Presently a grandfather trying his best to make the world a better place for his grandchildren.

PS: A complete island by island breakdown of all vote counts and all races can be found at the Office of Elections “Results” page.

Kaua`i Friends – Fern Holland came in #9 in the County Council race and in the top position of all the new candidates. The top 14 will go on to the General election…Please help Fern – Contribute to her campaign, put up a sign, put a bumper sticker on your car – help however you can. Complete Kaua`i results are here.

There’s more of course…County Council and OHA and there’s still a General Election coming in November…but the huge wins in the State House are my top of mind highlights, unedited so pardon the typos and grammatical errors…

Local media is predicting the lowest voter turn-out in a decade. Low voter-turnout means even fewer votes can make a difference. Please be one of those fewer votes and show up today to make that difference!

If you want to change the world of policy, politics, and government in Hawai’i, you must vote TODAY. If you’ve already voted – your further action in encouraging your friends, family, and networks to vote TODAY – can seal the deal.

There are 15 highly qualified candidates running for election or re-election to the State House of Representatives – I’ve listed them and a handful of other important races here.

Casting a single vote TODAY for any one of these candidates, and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do likewise TODAY – has the potential to literally change the world of policy and politics in Hawai’i.

But you must adjust your schedule, perhaps sacrifice some time and energy, and drive down to the Voter Service Center and vote in person, or drop of your completed and properly signed ballot at a designated drop box TODAY – locations of both for all islands can be found here.

If you really and truly want to change the world as we know it here in Hawai’i, now is an opportunity for you to do so.

Please. Let’s do this.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.
Presently a grandfather trying his best to make the world a better place for his grandchildren.

The candidates listed below have the absolute best record when it come to protecting the environment, but they cannot serve and do that job in the state legislature, unless those who care about the environment show up and vote for them – by August 10th.

The public hearings are packed to capacity with young people and environmental activists when the topic is saving whales or banning single-use plastics. Thousands more will march in the streets in support of preserving and protecting our rivers, streams, and drinking water. Many more will sign petitions, hold signs along the highway, and call or email their legislators on issues pertaining to climate change.

We should be thankful for the voices and actions of environmental advocates across every island as they push back against the forces of big development, big industry, and big polluters.

My hope is these ardent and valuable voices for environmental protection, will show up over the next few critical days to vote for the change-makers running hard in support of these very same issues.

Please help spread the word to our friends, neighbors, and networks through-out the archipelago. Those who care deeply about preserving and protection our natural environment, who fight so hard every day to protect our natural environment – must show up and vote.

Like most who’re active in the work of environmental protection, I look to the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i for guidance on which candidates to support.

It does not surprise me that the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i has chosen to endorse Kim Coco Iwamoto for election to the House of Representatives, District 25 Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu. Kim Coco has proven over and over again her commitment to environmental protection.

She has even publicly called for a total moratorium on luxury residential development, along our coastlines and everywhere across the islands – until sufficient affordable housing is developed first for local residents.

Likewise, I’m not surprised the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i is also endorsing Representative Amy Perruso District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) and Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i)

All three of these candidates are dedicated and effective champions of environmental protection. Whether it’s preserving our shorelines, our open spaces, or keeping our drinking water clean, I know without any doubt whatsoever, they will always err on the side of environmental protection.

Below is a list of other candidates who “If I lived in the district, I would vote for”, and who also have received the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i stamp of approval.

Please spread the word to family and friends who may not have yet voted.

There’s only a few days left and ballots may be deposited at these drop-box locations, and/or residents may vote in person at a Voter Service Center at these locations. All drop-box and in-person Voter Service Center locations can be found here.

Some of these races will be won or lost by just a handful of votes. Please take the time. Support the protection of our natural environment and vote today, before August 10.

Senate District 1 (Hilo) Laura Acasio

House District 2 (Hilo) Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian

House District 5 (South Kona, Na’alehu, Kalehu, Ka’u, Pahala) Jeanné Kapela

House District 13 (Moloka’i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu) Mahina Poepoe

House District 20 (Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu) Tina Grandinetti

House District 23 (McCully, Mōʻiliʻili, Pāwaʻa, Kapahulu, Lower Makiki, and Ala Moana) Ian Ross

House District 25 (Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) Kim Coco Iwamoto

House District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama) Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey

House District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Hickam Village) Sonny Ganaden

District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Ho‘opili, and Portion of Waipahu) Corey Rosenlee

House District 45 (Wai‘anae, Mākaha) Desiré DeSoto

House District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) Amy Perruso

House District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai’i) Natalia Hussey-Burdick

Now please, for people and the planet, if you have not already done so, please go vote today. If you have already voted – please help spread the word and encourage family and friends to do the same.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.

In 2022, 60% of Primary voters or 513,715 Hawai’i residents did not bother to vote. They chose to not even open an envelope, check off a few boxes, put it back in the return envelope – and walk it out to the mail box.

As a result, with few exceptions across all the islands, the same ole same ole got reelected again.

Let’s make 2024 different. Let’s show up and elect the change-makers.

Please. Our democracy will only work when we get off the couch, turn off the tv, put our phone down, walk over to the kitchen table, find our Primary election ballot, and fill-in those little squares.

Good people are running. Fresh ideas, new energy, and new leadership is knocking at our door asking for a chance to serve. We have the power to make 2024 the best year ever.

Leave some or even most blank if you like, but check the boxes next to the names of candidates you feel good about, and walk it out to the mailbox today, by the end of this week at the very latest.

If you’ve not yet received a ballot in the mail it means you’re not a registered voter, and you must visit a Voter Service Center to register and then vote in person. Individuals must be a U.S. Citizen, Hawai’i resident, and at least 18 years of age to register and vote.

Voter Service Center locations and hours of operations can be found at: https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/

No vote. No grumble.

There are important races happening now, through-out the islands.

How do you make a smart decision on who to vote for?

Read candidate Q&A in Civil Beat – https://www.civilbeat.org/election-ballot-2024/

Read candidate statements in the official Office of Elections Voter Guide – https://olvr.hawaii.gov/altballotsearch3.aspx

And yes, you can read my thoughts and voting recommendations that cover important races on every island of who I would vote for if I lived in the district

The best way to make a voting decision of course is to speak to the candidate directly. At the Council and State Legislature level – this is normally possible, but at this late date connecting directly with candidate’s may be a challenge.

I’ve found Google and FaceBook to be very helpful in evaluating a candidates values, thoughts, and priorities. Scroll through a candidates social media postings (especially older postings) and you’ll often get a good feel for who they are, what they believe in, and what their future plans are.

It’s best if mail-in ballots are put in the mail prior to August 3, otherwise voters are encouraged to deposit ballots directly and/or vote in person at a Voter Service Center as soon as possible and prior to August 10th.

August 10 is the final day for in-person voting, and all ballots must be received at a Voter Service Center by 7pm this day.

Please vote. Be part of the solution. Take ownership of your democracy.

Gary Hooser
Former State Senator, Majority Leader, County Councilmember – just a regular guy trying to help make our world a better place. Won’t you join me? Sign up for my email at:
https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com

We are literally only a handful of votes from a major House cleaning.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives could operate with integrity and truly be “The Peoples House” we all deserve — if only a majority of its members and Speaker of the House Scott Saiki wanted that to happen.

But they don’t and he doesn’t.

Long time Star Advertiser political columnist David Shapiro summed it up in his column – How to Clean Up Corruption. One politician at a time, writing – “Saiki vs. Iwamoto is the best chance to significantly upset Hawaiʻi’s political status quo in 2024.”

Speaker Saiki has been in that big square building on Beretania Street for 30 years. Like so many others, I’m sure he started out with stars in his eyes and the fire of idealism in his belly.

Unfortunately with time, the stars and idealism have too often been replaced by cynicism and entitlement. Too many have now quickly learned to go with the flow, introduce bills that will go nowhere just to posture in public as a champion while blaming the lack of progress on others.

Rewarding friends and punishing enemies, killing bills for personal and political reasons, and soliciting and accepting money from special interests while voting on their bills – are all viewed by legislative leadership and their enablers as normal and expected.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

While there are many candidates running for election to the House who can help clean up the place, electing Kim Coco Iwamoto to replace House Speaker Scott Saiki is a threefer.

When Iwamoto wins, the residents of District 25 will gain a Representative who pays attention to their needs, all of Hawaii will gain an unmatched fighter against corruption, and House leadership will be shaken to its core.

District 25 encompasses Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu. Kim Coco Iwamoto knows the district inside and out. Her campaign platform is diverse. In in addition to her “District specific priorities” — such as affordable housing, condominium insurance reforms, and local roadway improvements – her priorities include ending pay-to-play-politics, passing serious campaign-finance reform, and amending House rules to bring sunshine and democracy to the process.

She ran for this same seat in 2022 and fell short by just 160 votes.

A former member of the State Board of Education, entrepreneur, attorney, philanthropist, dedicated community advocate, and mother, Kim Coco Iwamoto has been campaigning tirelessly in the district for months.

She’s hosted countless “pop up” coffee hours. She and her team are walking door-to-door, and holding signs along the roadways. No question and no request for help ever goes unanswered. Whether it’s the media or district residents asking tough questions, Kim Coco Iwamoto answers with transparency and compassion.

Conversely, the incumbent House Speaker Scott Saiki has chosen to duck the media, dodge opportunities for residents to ask him direct questions, and focuses instead on endless mailers.

He told PBS Hawaii he was unavailable to participate in a live candidate forum with Kim Coco Iwamoto that had been scheduled for July 11, 2024. He also said no to participation in Civil Beat’s candidate forum, and failed to show up at the Kokua Council forum. Rather than appear in person with the other candidates at the Neighborhood Board event, he attended via Zoom.

Though he is running under the banner of the Democratic Party, Saiki has refused to complete a form required by the Party stating whether or not he supports the Party Platform.

The need for change is crystal clear. The path forward to achieve that change also is clear, obvious, and unequivocal.

Now it’s up to the voters of District 25 – Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu.

Gary Hooser
Former State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember

**Clarifying note: There is not presently a majority in the House willing to buck the Speaker and make the needed reforms happen. However, there are many legislators and candidates now running for election who do support the reforms needed to “clean up the House”. Hopefully, after August 10th the number of reform minded legislators will grow into the majority needed, and Speaker Saiki will no longer be there to block their efforts.

Note: Please share with residents who live in District 25 – Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu.

Note: Here is “My running list of candidates I’d vote for if I lived in the district”

If you live in this area, and have not yet received your ballot or need to check on your voter registration go to: https://olvr.hawaii.gov

President Biden’s decision to step down makes space for the new leadership we so desperately need to step up. 

Hawai’i voters must demand our local entrenched political leadership do the same. 

Thank you President Joe Biden for doing the right thing.

As we move forward now down this new path, it’s critically important we stay focused on the hope and promise of the future. Let’s work together to build bridges, not walls.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both should have stepped aside a long time ago, shifting their energy to supporting the young emerging leaders of both parties – of which there is no shortage.

The physical realities of growing old are real and have a tangible impact on performance. But it’s not really so much about age as it is about entrenchment in the system. 

Here in Hawai’i, Speaker of the House Scott Saiki (District 25) has served in the State House of Representatives for 30 years. We also have 84-year-old State Senator Lorraine Inouye of Hilo who has served in the legislature for multiple decades.

It’s well past time for them as well as many other state legislators and local councilmembers who’ve been in the system way too long to move on – to step back so others may step forward.

Both Speaker Saiki and Senator Inouye are running for reelection against bright up-and-coming new candidates who have the knowledge, experience, and core values required of every candidate seeking to serve. But more importantly, they have the drive, commitment, and that all-important fire-in-the-belly desperately needed at this particular point in time.

There are at least another dozen examples of next-generation leaders, pushing hard now against the old guard in their quest to serve in public office – in local elections across all islands.

The old guard brought us to where we are today, and it’s time for the old guard to go.

Thousands of our neighbors huddle in tents, under bridges, and in doorways. Our sons and daughters, friends, co-workers, and school-mates from long ago, are leaving Hawai’i because there’s simply no place affordable for them to live.

Meanwhile the uber-rich smile down at us from their multimillion-dollar condominiums, beachfront homes, fake farms, and riverfront mansions.

Our once pristine natural environment grows less so by the day. The mountain streams, the coral reefs, our sandy beaches, all will be gone soon – sold off to the highest bidder.

The old guard brought us here and you can bet whatever meager savings you might have, they will not be the ones who get us to a better place.

The old guard in Hawai’i must go. They’re entrenched in their power and position, and they will continue to protect themselves and their friends until we show them the door. Of course, we should be kind and gentle, respectful and polite – but we should/must show them the door nevertheless.

Yes, many are good people who’ve served for many good years, but the grind of time inevitably erodes the once sharp edge of hope and idealism. The creep of corruption begins with an acceptance of the status quo, “This is the way things always have been, and I must go along to get along.”  

There’s too much at stake to look the other way and act like we don’t see. We can and we must vote out the old guard and vote in new leadership, new energy, and new hope.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.
Presently just a man, a father, grandfather, and husband who’s worried about the world and feels like he needs to do something to make it better.

Sign up for my somewhat unconventional email newsletter (though it’s not really a newsletter but I don’t know what else to call it) – Policy & Politics at https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com

It’s game on and only a few days left to vote.

Best if you vote in person or drop your ballot off in person at the Voter Service Center or a “Drop Box” near you https://kauaivotes.com/ballot-drop-box-locations/

The Primary Election concludes on August 10. If you have not received your ballot in the mail by now you are must go to the Voter Service Center in Lihue (right next door to the historic County building), register and vote in person.

There are two sides to the ballot.

One side states clearly: “Start Voting Here” and “You MUST select ONE political preference below” and then lists all available choices of preference (Democrat, Republican, Green, NonPartisan, etc). You MUST select ONE and ONLY ONE of these preferences, and you must vote ONLY within that single preference block of candidates and ONLY for those candidates within that preference.

My preference is the Democratic Party block of candidates. Consequently ALL VOTES CAST ON THIS SIDE OF THE BALLOT MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE DEMOCRATIC PREFERENCE BLOCK or my vote will not be counted.

I’ve made a decision to not vote for candidates running unopposed. Unless I’m absolutely thrilled with their performance, I will leave the box blank.

On the opposite side of the ballot are“nonpartisan” races including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and County Council. One of my OHA votes will for sure go to Kai Kahele.

For those new Kaua`i voters, I am compelled to explain the importance of block voting, plunking, and in general resisting the urge to go “eeny, meeny, miney, mo”when voting for council-members.

The system on Kaua`i is different from every other County. On Kaua`i, every Council candidate runs “at-large”. There are no separate Council “districts”.

There are 7 Council seats, 17 candidates competing for them, and it will be the top 7 “vote-getters” who ultimately win election.

The ballot will say “Vote for not more than seven (7).

Most voters have one, two, or perhaps three candidates they really and truly like, and the rest are perhaps just ok, or absolutely not ok.

Experienced Kaua`i voters will cast their Council votes sparingly, selecting only those candidates whom they really, truly and positively, want to get elected. These voters might cast one vote or perhaps up to 3 or 4 votes but rarely more.

Bottom line: Using all 7 votes can work to the detriment of the candidate or candidates you are most interested in getting elected.

For example: Imagine the moment when a Council candidates mother goes to vote. She votes for her child (naturally), pauses and decides to vote for one other candidate who has been especially nice to good ole mom during the campaign.

Mom’s favorite candidate (her child) then loses the election by one vote. That other candidate and very nice person mom decided to vote for, wins by one vote.

The real, tangible how it works on Kaua`i bottom line: Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, children, and hard-core supporters of the candidate will often only cast one vote in the Kaua`i County Council race.

This is called “plunking”.

Block voting is an expanded variation of the one-vote-all-powerful plunk. Block voting is usually a 3 or 4-vote maximum but the same principle applies. The block voter selects only those candidates who they truly want to get elected, who they believe truly represent their core values, and who might be expected to work together on the Council.

Triple bottom line in case you didn’t understand the first two: For Kaua`i voters – vote sparingly, vote only for those candidates you know and trust, and never vote the full 7 just because you can.

NOTE: Yes, I am casting only one vote in the Kaua`i County Council primary race and that will be for Fern Anuenue Holland. There are a handful of others now serving and maybe even another new challenger, that I also feel good about – but I want to help Fern finish as strong as possible in the upcoming Primary. When it’s time for the General Election in November, I’ll likely shift then to a Block voting strategy and vote at that time for 3, perhaps 4 candidates. But for now – I want to support Fern Anuenue Holland above all others.

Why do I think Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick is a totally awesome legislator who deserves reelection? A good and fair question asked recently in response to my encouragement that readers contribute to her campaign.

During my 8 years serving on the County Council, and 8 years serving in the Hawai’i State Senate, 4 of which as Majority Leader – I interacted with many, many legislators from all levels of government – County, State and Federal.

I can say without hesitation that Representative Hussey-Burdick is one of the hardest working legislators I have ever encountered, she’s totally dedicated to serving her community, and she is a fearless advocate for honest open government.

She does not hesitate to raise her hand to ask the tough questions and/or pull back the curtain on bad bills and/or bad behavior. She is not intimidated by men in suits with titles who offer thinly veiled threats of political retribution.

Representative Hussey-Burdick is not there to serve the guys in suits, but to serve her community and she does an exemplary job doing that – 24/7.

She takes zero money from corporate interests and will return your phone call and help if she can, regardless of your economic, political or social status.

Representative Hussey-Burdick is the real deal. The residents of District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i), and really all of us in Hawai’i – are truly fortunate she is willing to dedicate her life to our service.

Please join me if you can if making an online contribution to her campaign, today if possible but certainly by the end the day Friday July 19th. Whether it is $20, $200, or more – no amount is too small and she needs all the help she can get.

The big money, corporate interests are supporting her opponent while Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick has taken the “Our Hawai’i Pledge” and is refusing to be bought by big money special interests.

Let’s help her win.

Please, help elect Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick and other good people on all islands (see my list of endorsed House Reps statewide) representing the next generation of leadership.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawai’i State Senator and Majority Leader (2002 – 2010)

Note: Because of the volume, and because much of my email is done “on the fly” via my iPhone – please ignore my typos or sometimes disjointed sentences 😉 Sign up for my somewhat unconventional email newsletter (though it’s not really a newsletter but I don’t know what else to call it) – Policy & Politics

The world is in turmoil, I cannot fix it, so I’m going for a walk. In solitude and silence except for the wash of the waves and the chirping of the birds, I will walk along the beach for an hour or two, and I’ll feel better.

I of course have the privilege of feeling better after a walk. I don’t deal with racism/classism/sexism on a daily basis. I get to go for a walk and exhale my stress while others worry about being harassed because of the color of their skin, denied services because of their gender, or arrested and jailed just because they are poor and without a house.

But yes, I am privileged on many levels, and live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

So I will walk.

When I’m done, I’ll return home, check my messages, connect with friends, go back to my work, and of course check the news.

Will this latest craziness spark still more? Will this serve as an accelerant to the fire, or will the conversation turn toward reconciliation and a recognition that we’re all in this together? Will more “shooters” take literal aim at other political figures on both sides of the aisle?

What forces that I can only imagine will now go into motion to take advantage of the instability that now permeates every corner of America?

Or will it all just fade away as the news cycle is interrupted by the next hurricane, flood, or fire?

I’m thinking it’s time to think global and act local. This is where we can make a difference. This is where we will find our peace and self-worth.

So please, go outside, at least for a few moments. Go outside, inhale the beauty of our islands, and if you are able take a walk.

Trust me on this. You will feel better.

When you get back from your walk, hug your family and friends.

Take a moment when you can, to talk with someone who believes differently than you. Listen to their stories and history that explain where they are coming from. Talking and truly listening to those who feel differently can help bridge the gap.

Do something tangible to improve your community. Pick up trash on the beach or at the side of the road, support a local non-profit that’s doing good work locally, and yes get involved and support candidates running for local public office.

Perhaps we cannot impact what happens in D.C. or on the continent, but we can influence our own local government, elect and hold accountable our own local political leadership, and help take our own local community to a better place.

Please, I implore upon you to take the angst, anger, and uncertainty created by the inexplicable insanity of global events and turn it into positive local action.

Take ownership of your own local government, make a difference in your own community. Join an organization, sign a petition, show up to testify, send an email to those local decision-makers and candidates who need to hear from you.

Trust me. Take action locally today and you will feel better. And yes, go for that walk. Do these two things and your world, our world – will be a better place.

That’s it. Putting on my walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat…and heading out now.

Gotta get my steps in, get rid of the angst, help some of my favorite local candidates, and remember how lucky I am.


Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Councilmember.
Presently just a man, a father, grandfather, and husband whose worried about the world and feels like he needs to do something to make it better.

If you’re not sure which candidates to help and support, do a little homework. Civil Beat provides an excellent source of information on all Hawaiʻi candidates. My own personal favorites are posted on my blog “If I lived in the district, this is who I would vote for.”

The first tangible action I’m taking at this very moment is to contribute $50 to Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey who is running for State House District 29 (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, portion of Kalihi) and another $50 to Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick District District 50 (Kailua, portion of Kāne‘ohe Bay). – (note – the two are not related) 😉

Please join me if you can in offering your financial support to them as well, and to other candidates you believe are worthy. Know please that no amount is too small.

Note: Please sign up for my policy and politics email (though it’s not really a newsletter but I don’t know what else to call it). https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com

In response to requests from friends and networks across the islands – The below is a list of 15 candidates running for the State House of Representatives, and others running for election to the State Senate, Kauai- Maui-Big Island County Council, and OHA that I would vote for if I lived in that District.

For the Hawai’i House and Senate, the primary election is everything. Polls on every island will close Saturday August 10, at 7pm and it’s too late now to mail in your ballot. Voters must visit a Voter Service Center to vote in person and register to vote if necessary. Voters may also drop off their ballots in designated drop-boxes on every island. Details and location is available here.

The below candidate recommendations are just me – Gary Hooser passing on my thoughts and opinion – and are not made on behalf of any organization.

I’ve only included candidates that have a “contested primary” and will revise this list and add new names prior to the November General election.

No candidate listed below was consulted or is aware of this list/posting until it actually happens. No one approves this list – it is my opinion, based on my experience after watching, reading, and studying both the talk and the walk/actions of each of these individuals.

I know personally and have worked along side almost every single one of these candidates and do not take lightly my responsibility to you the reader.

At the end of the day, I encourage you to engage the process, go to their websites, do your homework, talk to the candidates yourself – and then vote your na’au – NO LATER THAN 7PM AUGUST 10TH.

House District 2 (Hilo) Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian – Tanya walks the talk working and living a life of caring and compassion. She’s served on the front lines as a care-giver, as a details driven program leader, and administrator for over twenty years. She seeks now to take the culture of caring to an entirely new level.

House District 3 (Portion of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidlands Estate, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, portions of Kurtistown and Kea’au) Kiana (Keawekane) Kanahele is an incredibly strong community advocate with a powerful message focused on community education and civic engagement. Do yourself a favor, whether your live in her district or not – visit her website, check her out, and then help her win…for when Kuulei wins…all Hawai’i will win.

District 5 (South Kona, Na’alehu, Kalehu, Ka’u, Pahala) *Jeanné Kapela – Jeanné believes that economic and social justice are essential to our democracy. She is eager to craft a Green New Deal that protects people and our planet from the twin threats of economic inequality and climate change. You/we can count of Jeanné Kapela to stand up and be counted on the issues and values that matter. She is bold, articulate, and works hard every single day to make our planet a better place.

District 13 (Moloka’i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu) *Mahina Poepoe – her values and mission is captured in the opening phrase on her website “Mōhala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua – Unfolded by the water are the faces of flowers. Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good.”

District 14 (Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, portions of Waiehu and Mā‘alaea, Olowalu, Lahaina, Lahainaluna, Kā‘anapali, Māhinahina Camp, Kahana, Honokahua) *Elle Cochran – Elle is no shrinking violet (pun intended) and this quote from the Laihana News says it pretty clearly – “Sporting a vivid purple hair rinse and a colorful flower array, State Representative Elle Cochran sat down to discuss events at the legislature…critical of how decisions are made there and the lack of transparency and accountability.”

District 20 (Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu) Tina Grandinetti – Tina is focused on making our world a better place. She has the experience, the education, and the interpersonal communications skills needed to be incredibly effective – but more importantly she listens to her na’au and goes where it leads her.

District 23 (McCully, Mōʻiliʻili, Pāwaʻa, Kapahulu, Lower Makiki, and Ala Moana) Ian Ross worked as the Public Policy and Advocacy Manager of the Hawai’i Alzheimer’s Association, is the current Public Affairs Director of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and Chair of the Makiki Neighborhood Board. This diverse experience shows clearly his core values and ability to navigate complex conversations.

District 25 (Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) Kim Coco Iwamoto – Entrepreneur, attorney, philanthropist, and dedicated community advocate Kim Coco Iwamoto is without question the candidate and the new leadership we need in the State House. Long time political columnist David Shapiro summed it up perfectly in his column – How to Clean Up Corruption. One politician at a time, writing – “Saiki vs. Iwamoto is the best chance to significantly upset Hawaii’s political status quo in 2024.” READ AND SHARE PLEASE MY BLOG PIECE – The voters of Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Downtown Honolulu are poised to clean up the House

District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama) Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey – Ikaika knows deep down in his core the importance of supporting working men and women and that protecting people and the planet must always come first. This is who he is, what he does and what he has been doing his entire life. Ikaika is the real deal.

District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Hickam Village) *Sonny Ganaden – Criminal justice reform and caring for the people in District 30 are Sonny’s top priorities. He’s provided me and many others with a much needed education on the topic of bail reform and criminal justice reform in general.

District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Ho‘opili, and Portion of Waipahu) Corey Rosenlee is a life-long educator, high school social-studies teacher, and former President of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association. Corey is a true powerhouse who understands the importance of civic engagement, community problem-solving, and social responsibility.

House District 42 (Portions of Varona Village, ‘Ewa, and Kapolei, Fernandez Village) Summer-Lee Yadao is dedicated, proven and effective. Her platform is rooted in the principles of affordability, sustainability, and cultural preservation. With a focus on affordable housing, native Hawaiian rights, and environmental protections, she aims to create a more equitable and resilient future for Hawaii’s communities.

House District 45 (Wai‘anae, Mākaha) Desiré DeSoto is solidly qualified with a resume that ranges from professional surfer, to High School Counselor of the Year, to Waiʻanae Comprehensive Health Center Board of Directors, to a PHD in organizational psychology. Needless to say the current House of Representatives could certainly use her skills and experience.

District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) *Amy Perruso – Leadership, commitment, balance, commitment, leadership, balance – these are the words that come to mind when I think about Amy Perruso. She is a true believer in the values that keep her awake at night AND she is willing to stand up and speak truth to power, even when that might make some of her colleagues in the House uncomfortable. I am so, so glad that Representative Amy Perruso serves all of us in the House. We are so fortunate to have her there.

District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai’i) *Natalia Hussey-Burdick is fearless, community based, and one of the hardest working legislators in the building. I’ve been working in the policy and political environment for over 20 years and have seen countless legislators come and go – Trust me on this, Natalia Hussey-Burdick is a keeper and those residents in her district should count themselves lucky to have her there watching out for their interests. Read my additional “shout out” in support of Natalia Hussey-Burdick here.

Kelly King is my pick for the Maui County Council. There are many other good people serving and running for various seats on the Council, but Kelly King is the main candidate to vote for on August 10th.

On Hawaiʻi Island, I look to the good folks at HuliPac who have endorsed a solid slate of candidates that I am also supporting. Speaking of which is Laura Acasio who is running for election to the State Senate #1 (Hilo) If you’re curious why I am supporting Laura Acasio read this short blog piece.

My home is in Wailua Homesteads on Kaua`i and Fern Anuenue Holland is my #1 choice and perhaps my only vote for the Kaua`i County Council. Read also about the strategy of “plunking” that is unique to the Kaua`i County Council races.

As is the case for many voters, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) elections remain a bit of a mystery for me – a black box of sorts that I often don’t feel comfortable with making recommendations. All voters statewide are allowed to vote in each OHA contest.

I know without question I will be voting for Kai Kahele who is running for the OHA Hawaiʻi Island seat.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE – SHARE THIS POST WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS – ACROSS ALL ISLAND AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET OFF THE COUCH, OR OUT OF THE WATER – AND VOTE BY AUGUST 10TH AT 7PM

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former State Senator, Majority Leader, and County Council Member

Notes:
1) Only those candidates engaged in a “contested primary” are included. There are other good candidates running unopposed who are not included on this list.
2) * Asterisk indicate incumbent now serving in that office
3) Many of the other choices on the ballot I will be leaving blank because the incumbent is running unopposed in the Primary, or I have not yet formed an opinion.

Last but not least: I’m hoping you read my earlier short blog piece – Looking for Change-Makers. You’ll be happy to know I’ve found them: Kim Coco Iwamoto, Tina Nakada Grandinetti, Ikaika Hussey, and Laura Acasio.