GaryHooser's Blog

There’s so much to celebrate and so much still yet to be done…

I’m often asked, “How did HAPA first start? What was the nexus or the tipping point that first launched HAPA?”

The short answer is that like most new initiatives, it started with a conversation, that led to a question, that then led to the answer – which was HAPA.

These type of discussions often start with someone bemoaning the status quo and then others jumping expressing frustration with those in power.

These conversations are pervasive in the world of policy and politics. They happen mostly around kitchen tables, in coffee shops, in bars over a cold beer, or on the rail in that big square building on Beretania Street in Honolulu.

“So what are we going to do about it?” – is the question I’ve learned to eventually always get around to asking.

HAPA began as an answer to that question.

It came after many conversations with friends and allies on every island. Gradually, a group of “regulars” began to coalesce around the discussion and the answer.

The consensus of the group was that Hawai’i needed a serious, well-funded, professional organization to aggressively promote positive, progressive change across the spectrum of issues, and fight back against corporate greed.

This organization needed to be properly funded and staffed. Volunteers and community-based engagement would continue to play a central role, but to be truly strong and effective this new organization must have full-time professional core staffing.

The “subject matter focus” would fall within 4 areas: agriculture and food systems, social and economic justice, community based resource stewardship, and reclaiming democracy.

This new organization would:

* Support alliances between the many existing advocacy organizations.

* Lead in some issue areas and play a supporting role in others.

* Educate, communicate, advocate, and organize. Our fundraising capacity would grow to meet the needs of our advocacy.

* Fight for justice in the streets, in the courts, in the halls of government, and at the ballot box (within the confines of a 501c3).

Realizing that talk is cheap…we consciously put the word “Action” in our name…The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA). https://www.hapahi.org/

The ultimate impetus for HAPA’s creation was because kids were getting sick at the Waimea Canyon middle school on Kauaʻi. At least 3 times the school was struck by incidents of children and teachers growing nauseous after restricted use pesticides were applied to the fields directly adjacent to the school grounds.

4 of the largest chemical companies in the world had established operations and were doing gmo and pesticide research in the area, primarily on Kauaʻi’s west-side. They were doing experimental work in the development of genetically modified foods, and were applying tons of Restricted Use Pesticides annually throughout the area.

Syngenta, an international chemical company based in Switzerland regularly applied atrazine, a highly dangerous pesticide banned in their own country, on fields adjacent to the school.

So the Kauaʻi community took them on. Local residents, Councilmembers, Earthjustice, the Center for Food Safety and many others joined in as we went to battle against Syngenta, Dow Chemical, Dupont, and the Monsantos’ of the world.

We fought them on the streets, in the council chambers, at the state legislature, and in the courts. While Kauaʻi fought them on their island, the people of Maui took on Monsanto on theirs. Hawai’i County also passed an ordinance to protect their residents, and Oahu joined in solidarity.

And we won. 

The voters on Maui said Monsanto must prove their operations safe, and the Council on Kauaʻi said Syngenta and the others must disclose their pesticide use, the health impacts of their operations must also be reviewed, and they could no longer spray their poisons next to schools.

The big money multi-national chemical companies of course sued Kauaʻi and Maui County’s.

And they won.

This is the period in which HAPA was born, and the battle raged on.

At the state legislature bills were introduced and bills were killed, and still the people supported by HAPA and others stayed the course.

And we won.

Today, these companies can no longer use restricted pesticides directly next to schools anywhere in Hawai’i. They also must report and disclose their use statewide and some of their products have now been banned. 

HAPA continues pressing for greater protections, more support for local farmers who grow real food, and other positive, fair, and sustainable food policies. And we continue pressing against the bad actors in court with an important hearing scheduled later this month. 

That’s a HAPA hallmark. We never ever quit. 

In short, HAPA was formed to help fight back against these corporations and ultimately to catalyze positive change across a spectrum of issues – on behalf of people and the planet. 

HAPA started as a conversation among friends mutually concerned about the urgency of the moment. 

And that urgency of the moment drives forward the action of HAPA today as we work with many different organizations on issues pertaining to environmental protection, economic justice, and food sovereignty. 

There’s no shortage of needs, but also there’s much to celebrate and be thankful for.  https://www.hapahi.org/accomplishments

Today, 10 years later because of the work of many, many people – our community is a healthier safer place.

We formed the Kuleana Academy in 2017 and today we have 120 graduates. https://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy-program

* 12 graduates hold elected office at the county and state levels.
* 8 sit on Oahu Neighborhood Boards.
* 70 are currently leading community or civic projects or regularly engage in activism or advocacy.
* 5 sit on nonprofit Boards.
* 3 sit on a state or county State Boards or Commissions.
* 55 have worked on election campaigns.
* 39 have led policy initiatives at the county and state levels. 

And it all started in a friends living room with the question, “So what are we going to do about it?”

Our environment is under attack. Our planet is on fire. We have people living under bridges and in doorways.

So…what are we going to keep doing about it?

Hawai’i can be a model to the rest of the planet.

We can and we must put the interests of working men, women, and families first. Today we are calling out our community on every island to stand up for Hawai’i Nurses against the despicable lock-out underway by Hawai’i Pacific Health and Kapiolani Hospital.

We can and must change the way our state legislature conducts its business, and stop the “pay-to-play” toxic culture that permeates every floor in that big square building on Beretania Street in Honolulu. https://garyhooser.blog/2024/08/28/hawaii-policy-and-politics-the-time-for-meaningful-reform-is-now/

Instead of importing 90% of our food we can and must grow it locally, and we must require every public school, state hospital, and prisons/jails to buy and serve locally grown foods only.

Instead of building more prisons, we can and we must fund more mental health, and addiction treatment

Instead of giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to the very rich in tax breaks, we can and we must build truly affordable homes for local residents.

And yes…instead of supporting the killing of innocents on multiple continents, bombing and polluting our own conservation lands, and poisoning our drinking water, we must set an example for the world and take back Pohakuloa, Makua, Kahuku, and Kawailoa-Poamoho from the U.S. Military.

Instead of funding guns, bombs, and missiles – we must properly fund the University of Hawai’i Sparky Matsunaga Institute for Peace and make our islands a true peace-making “Geneva of the Pacific”.

We can do this.

To win we need to keep showing up. And we need to keep electing new leaders who support our values and feel deeply as we do – the urgency of the moment.

We need to make the calls, flood their email, and fill the room. Those holding public office must know that we are not going away, that our cause is just, and and that we will keep pushing until we win.

Together, we can do this.

Getting old is something most of us don’t think much about until it actually happens.

At 70, my health is good, I’m active and still wake up every day seeking some new adventure or challenge.

Recently however, I’ve spent some extended time visiting with and helping care for my 92 year old mother who lives with my 90 year old father in Phenix City Alabama. Prior to leaving for the visit, I posted some personal reflections about how this has also made me think more about my own life. Pause, reflect, recharge, regroup, go again, and Never. Ever. Quit. – and all the time thinking about Mom

My mother is mobile but not really. Her mind and thoughts are mostly clear and coherent, but every day it’s less so. My dad’s in better shape than mom, but not by much. My little brother who’s 60 years old himself, lives with them, and is their primary care-giver. He also works full-time, leaving the house at 5:30am and returning home about 6 in the evening.

Needless to say, “Paid Family Leave” is a public policy initiative that just took on a whole new meaning for me. Most of the discussion on this topic focus’s on caring for the new-born child, while caring for grandma and grandpa often does not get discussed.

Because my parents are home alone much of the time and very shaky on their feet, they have no business working around a hot stove or flames of any sort. Consequently their main meal of the day is often limited to what a microwave oven can offer.

Thank goodness we have “meals on wheels” that will deliver fresh and nourishing meals to their doorstep – another public policy initiative that must be supported and hopefully expanded.

Two weeks ago my mother took a fall. Paramedics and an ambulance were called to the house to pick her up off the floor and make sure nothing was broken. Fortunately she was ok – a little bruised in spirit and around the knees, but basically ok.

Access to trained and affordable “in-home” care is still yet another need for my dear old mom, and for so many others.

The list is long, from physical therapy, to hearing, dental, and vision care, to basic transportation for medical appointments – all directly impacted by government healthcare policy decision-making.

Thank goodness for the “handi-van” and similar public services that provide “Bus service available for registered seniors to and from program activities, shopping, clinic, recreation, and door-to-door services for frail elderly.”

Every other day my mom gets a phone call from someone trying to sell her something or otherwise steal from her gullible nature. They’ve even tried impersonating her grandchildren. These guys should go to jail.

The baby-boomer bubble has not yet begun to burst but the first wave of aging boomers is already here. It’s past time I think for leaders in government to start looking more closely at the needs, the benefits, and the repercussions of failing to respond adequately to the gazillion people who are now, at this very moment entering those golden years.

Mahalo plenty County Agency on Elderly Affairs (AEA), the County agency that plans, implements, supports, and advocates for the well-being of older adults (60 and older); and to the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) which serves as a one stop source of information on long term care support options and services for all residents.

If you’re taking care of someone who’s also getting on in years, I encourage you to contact the County agency closest to you.

Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division – https://www.elderlyaffairs.com/
Kauai Office of Elderly Affairs https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Agency-on-Elderly-Affairs
Hawaii County Office of Aging https://www.hcoahawaii.org/
Maui County Office of Aging https://www.mauicounty.gov/255/Office-on-Aging

If you’re a state, county, or federal lawmaker, I encourage you to start paying more attention to old people – they are not only super-voters but they are the ones who raised you.

4 Generations –

I’m sitting at reflexion, heading toward recharge, knowing with certainty that quitting is never an option.

My 92 year-old mother is heading down the home stretch, and not doing so well.

Saturday morning I telephoned my Mom as I do every morning. I then walked 6 miles along the coast with Claudette, watched my favorite grandson Rixon play soccer at Vindinha, then went home, packed my bags, and headed to the airport.

16 hours later, I was by her side. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was as much seeking comfort, as I was offering it.

So yes, I’m sitting here in Phenix City Alabama, with Mom, Dad, my little brother, and extended family.

Mom is very weak, seems always on the edge of taking a fall, and often in a world of dreams – coherent but not always based on reality.

What happens next and how long it takes to happen is an obvious but not necessarily productive question.

Looking back at life from “small kid times” and talking story with her is priceless.

Sitting at the table while everyone else sleeps – reflecting on my own life, and looking forward as to what might be ahead is unavoidable.

Feels like I’m at a turning point.

In the early 1990’s I wrote a short essay entitled, “I don’t want to be Donald Trump anymore.” https://garyhooser.blog/2024/02/20/i-dont-want-to-be-donald-trump-anymore/

Trump, had just written “The Art of the Deal”. I was a real estate broker myself at the time, totally immersed in the local real estate industry.

I realized at that moment, I didn’t want to spend my life in constant pursuit of the almighty dollar. Increasingly my time and energy was being invested in issues and community, not in property or money.

In 1994, 30 years ago, my life shifted completely when I threw my hat in the ring for the Kauai County Council finishing at #10 – falling short of the top 7 winners circle. I ran again in 1998, winning in the #2 slot.

While some say serving in public office is a thankless job, my 16 years of service as a Councilmember and State Senator was deeply gratifying.

In 2014 myself and a handful of others from across the islands formed a nonprofit organization called the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA). https://www.hapahi.org

In 2016 after falling short in my Council re-election bid, I officially retired and turned my attention to being the volunteer Board President for HAPA.

Since inception, HAPA has grown to be one of Hawaii’s leading voices in the area of food and agricultural policy, land use and water policy, and economic justice. In the area of civic education in 2018 HAPA launched the Kuleana Academy which teaches aspiring civic leader-advocates the key elements of running a political campaign.

In many ways, my work with HAPA and as a private independent community advocate, is even more gratifying, and more productive – and a natural extension of my years in elective office.

But yes, I’m thinking today about what’s next.

My health is good, my daily walks and a clean plant-based diet are firmly embedded life habits.

Claudette and I have a good life. Our children and grandchildren bring us great pride and much joy.

The dedication, accomplishments, and positive feedback from my extended ohana in the advocacy world – is truly awe-inspiring.

But I am who I am today because of my Mom. She’s always believed in me, always told me I was special, always made me know I was loved, and always offered me a hand up when I would fall.

Love you Mom. Hoping you’re feeling better soon.

The Hawai’i House of Representatives is at a tipping point.

The toxic pay-to-play culture that puts helping friends and punishing enemies ahead of implementing good public policy must go.

The practice of individual legislators having the unilateral power to kill legislation, without a public hearing and without a public vote, must stop.

Voters in every district and on every island are aware, disgusted and no longer willing to look the other way.

House and Senate rules must be changed to require that passage or failure of legislative proposals be based on a public discussion, held during a public hearing, followed by a public vote.

What a concept.

Imagine if new laws could only be passed or killed after they have been reviewed and discussed in a public hearing process, and a public vote taken by the legislative committee members.

Imagine further that the public is actually allowed to testify in person at these hearings, that the public testimony is made available to the public when it’s submitted, and proposed changes to the legislation are disclosed publicly in writing prior to the vote.

Sounds like a basic democratic process that should be standard operating procedure.

But it’s not. Not in Hawai’i anyway.

Today state House and Senate rules allow certain individual legislators to kill legislation without a public hearing, and without a public vote.

Bills are sometimes substantially amended without prior notice or public discussion, and changed further in back rooms after the vote is taken.

Some committees prohibit in-person public testimony, and contrary to the state Constitution (Article III Section 12) meet in private for the purpose of making a decision.

In addition to reforming House and Senate rules, campaign spending reform must also be at the top of the agenda.

Allowing incumbent legislators to bankroll the campaign accounts of their friends under the duplicitous guise of “buying two tickets to a fundraiser” must cease.

Hawai’i must follow the model of other states, cap the war chests, and prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for any purpose other than paying for their own legitimate and direct campaign expenses.

These reforms are not radical leftist pie-in-the-sky, overly complicated dreams.

Requiring candidates to spend money they raise during a campaign period only for campaign expenses directly related to the campaign during that campaign period is not some punitive draconian rocket-science proposal.

In addition, clean election laws provide a base level of public funds to credible candidates who agree to strict spending limits.

Arizona, Connecticut and Maine have already paved the way and offer qualified candidates basic public funding sufficient to run a successful campaign.

Clean election programs allow candidates to run for election without the need to seek big money donors, and remove a huge barrier to entry for new candidates.

The term-limit question should also be put before the voters: 12 years serving in the House or Senate is more than enough time to make a difference, and then to move on.

Yes. The message sent by the House-rocking vote on Aug. 10 — by Kim Coco Iwamoto’s win over House Speaker Scott Saiki — is unequivocal.

The time for meaningful reform is now.

It’s up to the House majority to choose new leadership, and it’s up to us as voters to hold our district legislators accountable for the choices they make — and the speaker they choose.

Will they support a reform agenda and back a House speaker who shares that position? Or will they support business as usual and a speaker who seeks to preserve the system now in place?

I’m hopeful that a new House speaker backed by a new House majority will step forward to lead in an open and collaborative manner — and embrace the critical reforms needed.

We’ll know soon enough.

Gary Hooser
Published in the Honolulu StarAdvertiser – August 27, 2024
Please forward and share with friends, neighbors, and YOUR District Representative and Senator

Kim Coco Iwamoto’s District 25 win against 30-year incumbent, representative and Speaker of the House for the past six years, Scott Saiki, is a truly historic achievement.

Saiki was publicly endorsed and supported by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, Governor Josh Green, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

Why is this relevant to voters in every district, across the archipelago?

Iwamoto’s phenomenal victory demonstrates clearly the power and effectiveness of grassroots organizing, and the fundamental all-essential value of perseverance.

Her win against the most powerful man in the House, sends a clear message that every incumbent regardless of title and position is vulnerable to a similar “never, never quit” attitude backed by a strong on the ground, direct voter contact and people-centered campaign.

Another message that hopefully sinks into every single incumbent in the big square building is that business as usual is over.

Voters are increasingly aware and overwhelmingly disgusted with the good ole boy, you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours, pay-to-play culture, that now dominates the legislative process.

The past practice of legislative leadership and committee chairs killing bills for personal and political reasons is ethically corrupt and must be stopped.

The unilateral authority now granted individual legislators to control legislative outcomes creates an environment that invites corruption.

The rules of the House and Senate must be changed to require the passage or failure of legislative proposals be based on public votes of committee members, following a public discussion, in which the public is allowed to speak.

Neither the speaker via the referral process, nor a committee chair by refusing to hear a bill or deciding to “defer indefinitely,” should hold the power to single-handily prevent a bill from passing into law, which is presently the case.

Every measure introduced with legislative sponsorship from 1/3 of the members or more, deserves a public hearing and a public vote. Minority voices need to at least be allowed to speak and then let the votes fall where they may.

The time for true reform of both the legislative process rules and the campaign spending law is now.

Under existing law, incumbents may possess a political war-chest of an unlimited amount of money, and they may use those funds to support the election of their friends.

It’s way past time to follow the model of other states, cap the war chests, and prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for any purpose other than paying for their own legitimate and direct campaign expenses.

It’s also way past time to pass a strong Clean Elections bill that provides a base level of public funds to credible candidates who agree to strict spending limits.

Twelve years serving in public office is enough time to make a difference and then to move on. There are many possible formulas and numbers to choose from, but in my humble opinion 12 years as a member of the House or Senate is enough. The term-limit question should be put before the voters.

Kim Coco Iwamoto and a great majority of candidates on every island have stated in various campaign questionnaires — broad-based support for campaign finance reform, term-limits, and “good government” reforms in general.

We as citizen advocates must now strike while the iron is hot. We must continue pushing hard to carry the momentum for positive change forward through to the general election, the opening of the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 15, and sine die on May 1.

We will know without a doubt on May 2, who our friends are, who fought against the reforms, and who supported and championed them. We can then prepare accordingly for the elections of 2026.

But first, we must deal with the general election less than three months from now.

Please help if you can. Ask the candidates (from all parties) running for the House and Senate in your district- whether or not they support the above described reforms.

Do not ever doubt, even for one tiny little bit, that your voice and your vote can make a difference.

Gary Hooser
former Hawaiʻi State Senator, Majority Leader, Kaua`i County Councilmember
http://www.garyhooser.com
First published in The Garden Island Newspaper 08/21/24

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