GaryHooser's Blog

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.

I’ve been doing policy and politics work in Hawaiʻi for over 20 years and have seen many candidates come and go. Trust me on this – these 4 are the real deal and represent the kind of change-makers we need.

They win and all Hawaiʻi wins. So let’s help them. Regardless whether you “live in the district” or not, please join me in offering them each a campaign contribution, from $20 to $2,000.

Please spread the word to family and friends regardless of where they live – we all need to join together to help them.

Without any exaggeration whatsoever, electing Kim Coco Iwamoto to serve in the State House representing District 25 Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown will be a game-changer.

Her life experience shows without question her values, competency, and commitment to community.

* Former member of the Board of Education and Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board
* Former member of the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission
* Coordinated free legal clinics at homeless shelters and provided affordable housing opportunities to families qualified for housing assistance
* Volunteer with Nā Keiki Law Center, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, Legal Services Hawaiʻi
* Board member of numerous non-profit community-based organizations
* Legislative staff in Hawaiʻi State Senate

Kim Coco Iwamoto is not just qualified but she’s a fearless champion with an unwavering commitment to making our world a better place.

Please support the election of Kim Coco Iwamoto today with an online financial contribution. Small donors are welcome and greatly valued – whether it’s $20 or more please show your support in a tangible way today, by making a contribution!

Tina Nakada Grandinetti is the real deal. She’s running her very first political campaign for election to the State House of Representatives District 20 Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu.

Born and raised on Oahu, Tina is driven by a deep love for the lands, waters, and people of Hawaiʻi.

She believes in politics that put people before profit, and care for ʻāina as the heart and soul of our island community.

Tina earned her Bachelorʻs and Master’s Degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She earned her Ph.D. from RMIT University’s Center for Urban Research with her doctoral research focused on Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis.​

Tina is currently a housing policy analyst at a national research and action institute.

Tina Nakada Grandinetti meets the definition of change-maker and then some. She is passionate in her advocacy to make our world a better place and has the education, knowledge, communication skills to back up her commitment. Please, please, please – throw your kokua also behind Tina Nakada Grandinetti by making an online contribution to her as well!

​Ikaika Hussey is a rock solid anchor for working people and environmental protection.

No amount of pressure from the other side will cause Ikaika to move off his core values. I’ve known and worked shoulder to shoulder with him for well over 10 years, and the man is solid.

If we ever needed someone guarding our house (and we do) – Ikaika Hussey would be the person we want at the door. Ikaika is running for election to the State House District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama).

Ikaika Michael Lardizabal Hussey’s family tree bridges the archipelagos of Hawaii and the Philippines. In addition to his grounding in labor and environmental/aina based issues, Ikaika is focused on – Housing: Housing is a basic right. We need policies that ensure all people have access to safe, secure, affordable housing. Parks: Our parks should be vibrant gathering centers for citizens of all ages. Education: We can lead in education. We need to set new, higher expectations for what our education system can achieve.

Ikaika has proven many times over through his work and advocacy, that he’s a true change-maker. Let’s help Ikaika Hussey today with an online contribution so that he can bring his skills, ability, and commitment into the legislative arena where true systemic change is so badly needed.

Bringing back former State Senator Laura Acasio Senate District 1 Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo is a must!

Former Senator Acasio not only talks the talk but walks it as well, every single day of her life. She’s a champion on issues pertaining to environmental protection, social and economic justice, and she’s willing to call out and speak truth to power – and often when she is the only voice in the room willing to do just that.

As an educator with over 19 years of experience, Laura holds a deep commitment to quality education.

Laura believes:

* Public schools play a critical role in our democratic system and should serve as centers of community and collaborative learning.
* Economic development via a thriving, diversified local economy that includes support for our small-businesses, including food independence, diversified agriculture, and a circular economy.
* With the current climate emergency, we must address how our actions impact our environment and island community.
* Laura is committed to working across State and County governments to chart a path forward for the betterment of our working families.

I know from personal experience how one single individual can make a difference in the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Please give Laura Acasio whatever help you can via an online contribution today.

Ok, I get it. I’m asking you today, to give money today, to 4 different candidates who probably don’t even live in your district – today.

I totally understand that for every single person reading this email, your money can be invested in a variety of ways and some of you have more of it than others.

But I also understand that each person reading this email can give something. Whether it’s $5 x 4 candidates, $20 x 4 candidates or $2,000 x 4 candidates. Myself, I’m giving $100 to each of them.

Yes, there are plenty of other things I can do with $400 – but this is important. I would not be asking you today, if I didn’t truly believe each of these individuals represent the kind of change-makers we so badly need serving in our Hawaiʻi legislature.

Please, today, prior to the end of the week if you can – throw some help to these 4 and then ask your friends and networks to do the same. We need them, and they need us.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, County Councilmember and many other things…presently a proud father, grandfather, tutu-man, and good-troublemaker.

Got an email recently from an Oahu friend who had been reading my political ramblings posted here at https://garyhooser.blog

He was asking about someone who was serving in public office, told me he had some reservations but was wondering if I thought this particular person was a “good guy” or not.

My response: “He’s a heck of a nice guy, usually says the right things, but never really leads or stands up to be counted when the crunch comes.”

The unfortunate reality is that we have some legislators and council members who are bad, some who are really bad, others who are ok, and a handful who are really, really good.

Frankly, I’m tired of supporting those that are just ok…unless of course the alternative is bad or really bad. Such is the political and voting dilemma.

For the upcoming 2024 local elections, my hope is that voters in our community put their energy, their money, and their votes – first and foremost behind the really good ones – the change-makers.

Change-makers are those who once elected resist the urge to “go along to get along,” and instead are willing to raise their hands, ask the hard questions out loud, debate the issues fairly and openly, vote their conscience, and lead.

When I was first elected to the Hawaii State Senate in 2002, I was told unless my vote on a particular issue aligned with Senate Leadership, protocol required me to ask permission of them first if I intended to “vote my conscience”.

Yes. It was another one of those, “can’t make this stuff up” moments.

I’m thinking everyone should always vote their conscience? Yes?

Certainly the change-makers we need to elect will be those who follow their na’au, rather than bow to the establishment holding the power and money at any particular point in time.

How do you define a “bad or really bad” legislator or councilmember?

First and foremost, it starts with character. More than ideology, it’s character that matters most. Will the person put people and the planet above their own self interest and that of their friends?

The “bad or really bad” serve first and foremost the institutions and individuals that helped them get into power. They may (or may not) also do what they can to help everyone else, but their loyalty is to those higher up the food chain. They pass or kill bills for personal or political reasons, or because someone higher up tells them to do so.

Far too many decisions made by those in public office are fear-based. They’re afraid they won’t get reelected. They’re afraid the “money committee” or “leadership” or “the unions” will punish them if they speak out or vote the wrong way. etc.

They justify it all by citing a strategy of “playing the long game”.

To be clear, the majority of legislators and council members are not bad people. But frankly, at this particular moment in time we need more than just hard work, honesty, and an acceptance of an “ok” mediocrity.

We need change-makers, not place-holders.

We need to find, support, and elect political leaders who are integrity-based decision-makers, who will always vote their conscience, and are driven by the courage of their convictions.

We need political leaders who feel the same urgency of the moment we do, who’re willing and able to build coalitions with the “ok” legislators, and will work with community to propose forward-thinking initiatives that address housing, environmental protection, food sustainability and many other issues.

August 10 is the date of Hawaii’s all important primary election. Soon, the signs and banners will be popping up, candidates will be standing along the highway, knocking on our doors, seeking our votes.

Please join me in looking for and supporting the change-makers.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, County Councilmember and many other things…presently a proud father, grandfather, tutu-man, and good-troublemaker.

* “Looking for Change-Makers” published in The Garden Island newspaper 03/27/24.

The Chair of House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Big Island Representative David Tarnas, along with other committee members including our own Kauaʻi District #16 Representative Luke Evslin – recently killed the Clean Elections bill SB2381.

Despite the measure passing the Senate unanimously, and being a top priority of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, a handful of Reps in one committee has decided nope – it’s not a good idea.

Any one of them could have raised their hand and requested the measure be amended to satisfy concerns, but none did.

There’s still time to do so, but action must be taken this week.

SB2381 Clean Elections is based on a proven model now in place in Maine and Connecticut that provides basic but limited public funding to candidates running for election to public office.

In return candidates agree to strict spending limits and are prohibited from accepting private donations (above $5).

SB2381 has unanimous and bi-partisan support in the Senate, House Speaker Scott Saiki has introduced an identical measure, it’s a top priority of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and supported by a wide array of civic organizations – across the state.

Representative Evslin and others have expressed concerns about the financial impacts of the measure, especially following the Maui fire tragedy.

It’s important to note, the organization Lahaina Strong has submitted testimony in support of Clean Elections SB2381.

Representative Evslin and other committee members also recently voted to support HB2652 and HB2653 cutting the taxes for the wealthiest in Hawaiʻi. According to the Department of Taxation passage of these measures will cost the state budget over $60 million per year.

If passed into law, the Clean Elections program will begin in 2028. No significant funding would be needed for 4 years, except $200,000 to support increased Campaign Spending Commission staffing.

Finally, the legislature has the power to adjust, shrink, or phase-in the implementation, and thus reduce the cost- rather than just kill it outright.

Rep Evslin is also concerned about abuse by fringe or unqualified candidates. These concerns are addressed in SB2381 to reflect lessons learned in Maine and Connecticut – where the program’s already in place and working successfully.

The influence of money, the need for candidates to raise money from private individuals and private interests, just to keep their job – is inherently corrupting. The most honest of politicians will still return the phone calls of top donors sooner, and pay more attention to the interests and issues of top donors – than they might otherwise do with a normal constituent in their district. Whether consciously or unconsciously, the scales are always tipped in favor of the donor.

Take away that hand on the scale and democracy wins.

Clean Elections legislation has been called “the reform that makes all other reforms possible”.

I encourage all who care about making our democracy the best it can be to reach out today and share your thoughts with Kauaʻi Representative Luke Evslin (District 16 Wailua, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi) – 808-586-6270 repevslin@capitol.hawaii.gov

Ask him (politely and professionally please) to consider sitting down with those who have worked hard on this measure, have studied it closely, and who understand its ins and outs.

Ask him to consider listening closely to the former governors and mayors, Judge Dan Foley Chair of the Commission on Standards to Improve Government Conduct, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the Clean Election Coalition, or any of the many organizations and individuals who are in support – and who truly understand how the system works.

Ask him to please participate in a good faith effort to better understand this important measure and work on a positive way forward.

To be clear, I believe Representative Luke Evslin is an honorable man. He is smart, hard-working, and of strong character. My hope is he will seek out the additional information he needs, reconsider his position in opposition, and raise his hand in support of putting Clean Elections back on the table.

The above was published in The Garden Island Newspaper 03/20/24
Additional notes:
Please also call and email Speaker of the House Scott Saiki 808-586-6100 repsaiki@capitol.hawaii.gov
And when he or anyone tells you “It’s too late, the deadline has passed.” Please remind them that the Speaker frequently changes the deadlines and amends or suspends the rules for all kinds of reasons and all kinds of bills – and the only real deadline is when the session ends in May or beyond if extended.

There was only one person at the recent Planning Commission meeting who spoke in support of the Coco Palms development.

The community members at the hearing were united in their opposition to the development with only one person offering a contrary opinion. As to written testimony, not a single person wrote in support of the hotel development.

To be clear, I understand that Mauna Kea Trask (MKT), who is the lobbyist/lawyer for the Utah based developers, is just doing what he gets paid to do.

He and others who hire themselves out to development interests, fight hard to ensure their clients are held to the lowest legal standard of environmental and cultural protections possible. They push back against rules and regulations intended to protect public and environmental interests, seeking the very minimum level of compliance.

I get it. It’s their job to cut the best deal they can for the developer and they get paid well for being good at it.

But on this day, at this meeting before the Kaua`i Planning Commission the situation bordered on the surreal. Mr. Trask was pretty much all alone in defending the three entities who pay him, and who are the core of this mess – Reef Capitol Partners, RP21 Coco Palms LLC, and now Coco Palms Hui LLC (CPH).

I was there along with many others, offering testimony opposing the hotel and supporting the “Petition to Revoke” the permits, citing numerous instances when the owner/developer had acted inappropriately, conducted work on state lands without the required lease or permits, illegally graded and grubbed on conservation zoned lands, failed to consult as required with the office of Fish and Wildlife, illegally dumped green waste, cut down historic coconut trees on state land, and in general misled the county and the state on numerous important points.

Needless to say, my testimony and that of many others was highly critical of Mr. Trask’s clients who were not present (presumably they were in Utah watching the live internet feed). Since he was/is the voice and face of the Utah owners, public criticism of his clients may translate to some as public criticism of Mr. Trask – but I’m guessing it goes with the territory and part of why he gets paid so well for the job.

Friends of Maha’ulepu (FOM), representing several Wailua residents and led by attorney Bridget Hammerquist, was there arguing in support of the “Petition To Revoke” – the various permits due to failure to perform etc.

After the public testimony and after a short lunch break, the Planning Commission reconvened and called Ms Hammerquist on behalf of FOM forward to offer a more extended presentation. Ms. Hammerquist who is legally blind asked me to assist her to the front of the room and sit with her and Haunani Rossi, one of the Wailua residents FOM was representing.

I agreed of course, knowing I was there only to provide support and assistance and not to speak in any official capacity.

The three of us moved to the front of the room and were joined there by Mauna Kea Trask representing Reef Capitol, RP21 and CPH.

As the presentations unfolded, Mr. Trask immediately objected to my presence and asked the Planning Commission Chair Donna Apisa to instruct me to leave my position at the side of Ms. Hammerquist – saying that protocol called for only attorneys and their clients sitting in the front.

To their credit, Chair Apisa and Deputy County Attorney Laura Barzalai acknowledged the obvious – that I was there as an assistant to and at the request of Ms. Hammerquist who is legally blind. They then basically said it was our call. Bridget said she preferred me to stay. So I did.

Needless to say, the tension between Mr. Trask and myself, who were at that point sitting directly next to each other, increased significantly.

The presentations between the two sides then continued.

Mr. Trask was emphatic that his clients were being falsely accused. It was a masterful performance really. He waved in the air for everyone to see (metaphorically speaking) a lease for state crown lands fully approved (in his dreams) by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) – which he does not possess.

While Mr. Trask insisted his clients held a valid lease, he failed to present any document other than a proposed draft signed by a deputy attorney general “as to form” but not signed, authorized, or approved by the BLNR.

MKT says CPH has a lease on the Coconut Grove that was assigned effective July 17, 2014 and approved by the BLNR on May 25, 2018 (4 years later). This lease assignment was apparently stamped and signed “Approved As To Form” by a deputy state attorney general on February 13, 2024 (10 years after the supposed initial assignment) – but as yet still unsigned by the Chair of BLNR.

The Chair in 2014 William Aila didn’t sign it and neither did Suzanne Case who was the Chair in 2018.

So…we are supposed to believe a lease that was effective in 2014, but not really approved until 2018 and never signed by the Chair of BLNR then, and now 10 years later in 2024 the new Chair and a different BLNR is supposed to just sign off without actually scheduling a meeting, hearing public testimony, discussing the issue and then voting?

I think not. But MKT of course thinks otherwise and enthusiastically waved around references to that draft lease and insisted his clients had “site control” and by-goodness had a genuine lease…well more or less they had a genuine lease…and it was as good as a legal and binding lease…of that he was absolutely sure.

When attorney Hammerquist requested my assistance in reading into the record an email that would have clearly refuted this claim, Mr. Trask vehemently opposed her request.

It was appalling really. Though an incredibly bright and articulate attorney, she is legally blind and Mr. Trask was objecting to her asking me to read into the record something on her behalf. Unfortunately the Planning Commission Chair concurred.

The email in question was from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Kaua`i Land Agent saying clearly, that the transfer of the lease from CPH to RP 21 will require Board approval by the BLNR at a public meeting.

Reef Capitol, RP21 and CPH are all represented by Mauna Kea Trask. They are all trying to assume the Ground Lease of the Coconut Grove that’s currently under the name of Coco Palms Ventures (CPV).

CPV was dissolved in 2018 and no longer exists. Donna Apisa, now Chair of the Kaua`i Planning Commission was a real estate broker for CPV in 2007 and representative for the Coco Palms as part of the 2009 DHHL Wailua Regional planning process.

Before CPV was dissolved, they attempted to transfer the Coconut Grove lease to CPH but that transfer was never finalized because CPV was behind in its taxes, failed to file the required annual reports, failed to maintain the property etc.

RP21 arrives on the scene in 2022 and takes over CPH, which was also behind in its taxes. RP21 then cleans up the Coconut Grove, pays the back-taxes for CPH but apparently not for CPV, and starts working on-site at the Coconut Grove claiming that since it owns/controls CPH which has a valid lease it got from CPV, that lease can be transferred again to RP21.

Whew. Yes, it’s complicated and surreal, and it gets worse.

MKT on behalf of his client is also denying they cut down historical coconut trees without permission from the state as is required in the lease.

He explained in writing to the BLNR “The coconut trees are grasses so you can’t tell their age like you can with trees but we know the trees are not from before 1983 and the 1983 lease only prohibited CPV cutting trees that were growing at that time.”

Translation: No one knows how old those coconut trees are except us and we know they are not that old and we only cut down the trees born after 1983.

Seriously folks, can’t make this stuff up.

He’s also denying his clients did any grading and grubbing on conservation land without permits, even though there are numerous eyewitnesses, and video photography of it occurring.

In his formal “Reply to the petitioners…” MKT denies his employers are illegally grading and grubbing on conservation zoned lands. He starts out essentially saying it’s none of the County’s business anyway saying “Neither the County of Kauai Planning Department nor the Commission have jurisdiction to regulate land use and zoning within the Conservation District.” As if his bosses don’t need no stinking grading and grubbing permit and the County should mind its own business.

In his written declaration, MKT provides page after page of email and photographs from 2021 and 2022 detailing and documenting the homeless camps that were removed during that period of time.

He then went on to tell the Planning Commission that what I (Gary Hooser) said I saw in my declaration is not really what I actually saw. MKT says, “What Mr. Hooser observed was the clean up of this area, not its destruction.”

Obviously Mr. Trask has no clue what I saw and prefers to just make it up as he goes along, desperately seeking to justify the illegal actions of those paying his salary.

To be absolutely clear, I have pictures and other eye-witnesses who will say the same – the earth-moving and clearing I witnessed did not involve the moving of rubbish left in the area by the homeless. The machine I saw working was moving coconut trees and green waste that had been cut down from the nearby coconut grove and dumped on conservation land – without the required grading and grubbing permits or permission, in violation of the County approved green waste disposal agreement, and in violation of the coconut grove state lease.

Responding to concerns and questions about the traffic impact caused by 500 or more cars entering and leaving the hotel at the Haleilio Road and Kuhio Hwy intersection, MKT assured the Planning Commission that one of these days his clients will update the now 10 year old Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR).

He also repeatedly assured the Commission they will also eventually renegotiate and fulfill their affordable housing requirement, and restructure their parking stall requirements.

He spoke emphatically about the dedication and commitment his Utah bosses had in their hearts for the Hawaiian community, and about all the money they had spent as further proof of their sincerity.

When asked about the allegation his clients had not complied with the requirement to consult with and seek guidance from the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), MKT double-downed and assured the Commission without a doubt that requirement had been met.

Yep. Checked that box. Consulted with USFWS. Done.

However, he failed to mention that USFWS’s response was:

“The service disagrees with Coco Palms Hui LLC’s determination because there are no measures described in the application that will minimize adverse effects to listed species and candidate species.”

The letter written in 2015 by Aaron Nadig of the USFWS in Honolulu went on to say while CPH acknowledged the presence of the Newell Shearwater, the service also identified as being present or traversing the area, the endangered Hawaiian Blacknecked-stilt, Hawaiian Moorhen, Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Duck (Hawaiian waterbirds), endangered Hawaiian Goose, endangered Hawaiian Petrel, Band-Rumped Storm Petrel, and the threatened Green Sea Turtle.

Can’t make this stuff up. Seriously.

At the end of the day, Mauna Kea Trask and his Utah real estate development clients won. In spite of what I believe to be overwhelming evidence to the contrary, he was able to convince a majority of the Kaua`i Planning Commission that his clients were not liars, cheats, crooks or scoundrels.

While the community based effort to hold the developers accountable fell one vote short of moving forward, there was significant success in terms of pulling back the curtain on the shibai politics upon which this house of cards is built.

Mahalo to all who took the time out of their busy lives to send in testimony, and to show up. Mahalo plenty. Stay tuned for the the next chapter in this ongoing real life, real political – saga.

Footnote: On the day following the Planning Commission meeting, there was a strong accusation made by a credible member of the Hawaiian community on social media stating the developers had disturbed up to 50 ancient iwi kupuna graves on the property. I immediately forwarded that information on to the appropriate State and County authorities. At this time this claim has not been verified and I believe but am not absolutely sure is being investigated by independent observers.

The Chair of House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Representative David Tarnas from the Big Island, along with the other committee members including my own Kauai District #16 Representative Luke Evslin – recently killed the Clean Elections bill SB2381.

Despite the measure passing unanimously out of the Senate and being one of the top “getting corruption out of campaigns and elections” priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii – this handful of Reps have decided nope – not a good idea.

Any one of them could have raised their hand in committee and requested the measure be amended to satisfy concerns, and/or the decision put off for a few days to allow for time to offer such amendments – and there’s still time to do so if they really want to make this happen.

Please reach out today, asap, and prior to Wednesday March 20th – make the calls, send the emails, share this message with your friends and networks.

David Tarnas (Chair) 808-586-8510 reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov
Gregg Takayama (VC) 808-586-6340 reptakayama@capitol.hawaii.gov
Luke Evslin 808-586-6270 repevslin@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sonny Ganaden 808-586-6010 repganaden@capitol.hawaii.gov
Daniel Holt 808-586-6180 repholt@capitol.hawaii.gov
Linda Ichidama 808-586-6220 repichiyama@capitol.hawaii.gov
Greggor Ilagan 808-586-6530 repilagan@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sam Satoru Kong 808-586-8455 repkong@capitol.hawaii.gov
Tyson Miyake 808-586-9444 repmiyake@capitol.hawaii.gov
Kanani Souza 808-586-8465 repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov

Speaker of the House Representative Scott Saiki who is not on the Committee but to a great extent, controls its outcome – 808-586-6100 repsaiki@capitol.hawaii.gov

SB2381 Clean Elections, has overwhelming popular support of a wide cross-section of people on every island. It’s based on a proven model now in place in Maine and Connecticut that provides basic public funding to candidates for public office. In return those candidates agree to strict spending limits and are prohibited from accepting any private donations (above $5).

There’s still a chance to save SB2381 but action must be taken swiftly and it must be of a sufficient volume to gain the attention of those legislators responsible for killing it in committee.

O’ahu friends, please attend a rally/press-conference at the Capitol, tomorrow Monday at 2:30pm.

Everyone – Everywhere – Call and Email the above listed Representatives in the next 72 hours and ask them to reconsider their opposition to this forward-thinking, game-changing, hugely important election-reform measure. Put SB2381 back on the agenda and pass it!

When you speak to these legislator’s ask them why they’re opposed. SB2381 had unanimous support in the Senate, the Speaker of the House Scott Saiki has introduced an identical measure, and it’s a top priority of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. And it’s the right thing to do.

If and when they nitpick various provisions in the bill, remind them there’s still time for the measure to be amended and those who have concerns should recommend amendments to deal with those concerns. Remind them please, this is the way the process is supposed to work and their job is to create solutions, and make good ideas better – not just kill those good ideas (that btw are already proven models in other places).

When they tell you they’re worried about the money it will cost, remind them that SB2381 will not take effect until the 2028 elections so there will be no significant budget impact until then. Yes, the Campaign Spending Commission needs and deserve additional staffing support, but the amount needed for the two positions needed is minuscule when considered in the context of the state budget.

If they’re worried further about the budget impacts, ask them how come every single one of them who killed Clean Elections in the Judiciary Committee (except Rep. Ganaden) recently voted in favor of HB2652 and HB2653 cutting estate taxes for the very richest people in Hawaii, at a cost to the state budget of over $60 million annually?

Go figure.

Please – make the calls and send the email. Express your outrage and disbelief but of course do so professionally and politely.

After you contact your particular district Representative who helped kill Clean Elections, and Chair of the Committee Representative Tarnas – Take the time to reach out and let Speaker of the House Scott Saiki also know how you feel about what’s going on.

The headlines in January were all aglow crowing loudly about Speaker Saiki and his endorsement of Clean Elections. He was in fact the sponsor for the House Clean Elections bill HB2321 which is identical SB2381 (that the House Committee just killed)

If Speaker Saiki, Rep Tarnas, or members of the Judiciary Committee truly want this to pass, there’s plenty of time for good people to go into a room and work through the language and overcome the objections.

But they must want to do it. If leadership wants to make it happen, there’s time and there’re mechanisms and models to make it happen.

Unfortunately it’s all shibai. Saiki got his headlines waving the flag of support but it was all a show. Once again, the people get played.

I encourage all who care about making our democracy the best that it can be to make the calls and to send those emails. It’s time to be loud – polite and professional, but loud. Let’s make it clear that we will not tolerate business as usual. Mahalo to Our Hawai’i for helping to lead on this.

Civil Beat published this excellent read on the issue today, The Theatrics To Kill Full Public Election Financing Would Be Amusing If They Weren’t So Sad

Below is a list of priority bills I am following…I’ll do my best to update this list regularly…

At the top will be bills needing immediate action (testimony is needed within 24 hours), next will be bills recently voted on and their results…

All hands on deck! The House Agriculture and Food Systems Chair, Representative Cedric Gates, needs to schedule a hearing for SB3316 (improving Restricted Use Pesticide reporting) this week or the measure will die again this year! Please call AND email him asap and no later than by the end of the day Tuesday 03/19 and strongly encourage/demand (professionally and politely please) that he schedule a hearing by the end of the week. It is critically important that the public have quality data to protect our health.
Chair Cedric Gates – House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems
House District 45 (Wai‘anae, Mākaha)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 441
Phone: 808-586-8460
repgates@capitol.hawaii.gov

Support SB3335 – Legalizes the responsible adult use of cannabis. A hearing before the House Committee on Consumer Protection is scheduled for Tuesday, 03-19-24 2:00PM – Testimony in support of SB3335 must be submitted 24 hours in advance!

HB1807 Greatly reduces/eradicates the Art in Public Places Program. It also significantly and negatively impacts support for Professional Development for ALL DOE teachers, 13 art centers, and 8 organizations that offer Native Hawaiian Arts-based programs that impact 124 public and charter schools on all major islands.
Scheduled for a public hearing on 03-19-24 3:00PM
Please testify in STRONG OPPOSITION to HB1807!
Introduced by Representative Kyle Yamashita (Maui),

SB 2381 – SD2
Clean Elections – Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawaiʻi, to begin with the 2028 general election year.
Was heard on 03/14/24 and JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. Email needs to be sent immediately to the Chair and Committee Members expressing disappointment and asking them to reconsider

HB2058 HD1
Establishes requirements and penalties for owners of dangerous dogs.
Scheduled a public hearing on 03-14-24 deferred the measure until 03-19-24

HB2358 HD1
Exempts from environmental impact statement requirements certain affordable housing projects. 
Scheduled for a hearing on 03/14/24
Introduced by Speaker Scott Saiki for Governor Green
Testimony in opposition needed: No projects should be exempted from an environmental impact review without first actually looking at the impacts. The EIS law already allows for exemptions via a simple letter/statement if the responsible agency actually looks at the project and determines the impacts are none to negligible.
Scheduled a public hearing on 03-14-24 and Please oppose HB2358 HD1!
PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS

SB3327 SD1
“Free the Water Commission” bill ensures that the Water Commission and its staff can focus on implementing the Water Code and uphold the public trust doctrine, without fear of political interference or retribution – Mahalo Sierra Club of Hawaii for bringing this to our attention!
PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS

HB 1595 HD1
Creates a state-initiated process to expunge records of arrests and convictions – the Cannabis Expungement Act. Despite the fact that possession of small amounts of cannabis have already been decriminalized in Hawaii, some persons still have prior arrest records or conviction records for related charges that affect their employment and housing options.
PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.

SB 2474 SD2
Paid Family Leave – All workers deserve access to family leave, which is essential in allowing parents to care for newborn keiki and family members who are seriously ill. 
PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.

SB2759 SD1
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the State from leasing any public lands, or extending the lease of any public lands, to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is not in good standing with the State or that has not met all financial, contractual, and legal obligations.The committee(s) on
The House Water and Land Committee led by Representative Linda Ichiyama recommend(s) that the measure be deferred – which means she killed the bill.

Does anyone really read the testimony I send in? Is it truly important that I go to the legislature’s website, log in, and submit testimony in support or opposition? Is actually showing up in person important?

Why bother? Isn’t the “fix” already in? Aren’t the decisions already made?

The answer is yes, yes, yes, absolutely yes, because it’s important, and yes sometimes, and maybe but not really.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, and a thousand more times – your participation in our democracy is critically important. We, collectively must take ownership and spend the time paying attention, and yes…send in those emails, make the calls and submit the testimony.

Not every member of the committee, commission, or board will read the testimony – but some do. The media reads some of it, and other members of the public read it. And sometimes even the director or other staff members will read it.

The bottom line is volume matters. The number of people in favor or opposed to an issue, as judged by the volume of testimony and the number of people in the room – matters.

I believe the vast majority of policymakers, commissioners, board members, and staff, truly want to please the public and are uncomfortable when the public is overwhelmingly unhappy with their decisions.

But to sway those in positions of power, the public must show up.

Yes, most commissioners and board members probably come into a meeting predisposed to vote a certain way and/or just accommodate “staff’s recommendation” and move on. Likewise most legislative or council committee members lean always to accepting the “chair’s recommendation” and likewise just keep moving and not make waves.

But when the public shows up in force, when the sentiment is strong, united, and based on facts and solid reasoning – those decision-makers sometimes rethink their preset inclinations and start asking the tough direct questions themselves.

Written testimony when possible should be on time, direct, to the point, and backed with reason and facts. But truthfully…just get it in. Late is better than never and a simple straightforward few sentences for or against an item is enough. Don’t forget to include your name and the town or district where you live!

Please also send in testimony or email that‘s positive and appeals to the decision-makers “better angels”. Send support and praise when that leader does something right. All too often the loudest voices in the room are those who are upset. Sometimes harsh criticism is warranted but we must also remember to send in support and praise when deserved as well.

Showing up in person, even if you don’t speak at the meeting is important also. Just being a body in the room with other like-minded citizens is important. If you’ve never been to a Planning Commission or Council meeting or attended a legislative hearing – I encourage you to do so. It’s easy and especially as an observer, it can be enjoyable to see the people and hear the voices – live and in person.

British statesman and world leader Winston Churchill famously said, “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…”.

So…Democracy is what we have but it only works when people participate. So please, send in that testimony, show up at that public hearing, call your legislators – be part of our democracy.

Gary Hooser
Published in The Garden Island 03/12/24

Given the precarious condition of the world and the fact the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i (DPH) Presidential Primary is being held today, I think it’s only right that I let folks know where I’m at on this.

I suspect I’ll disappoint those readers on the very far left, the more libertarian anti-corporate activists who I occasionally fight along side of, and those folks on the far right some of who I might be related to.

But regardless of the risk to friendships and family disagreements, when the general election on Nov. 5 arrives, my vote without question will go to Joe Biden.

While an “uncommitted” vote during the presidential primary allows me to vent, and express my extreme dissatisfaction with his action and inaction facilitating the tragedy in Gaza — on Nov. 5, I will check the box next to the name of Joe Biden.

“Voting isn’t marriage — it’s public transport. You’re not waiting for ‘the one’ who is absolutely perfect. You’re getting the bus. And if there isn’t one going exactly to your destination, you don’t stay at home…you take the one going closest to where you want to be.” — Paul Tambyah

I understand there are differing opinions, but I believe there’s only one candidate who can win and get us closer to the destination we want. If we stay home or divide our votes on Nov. 5, Donald Trump will win and take us down a road to the apocalypse.

My thoughts about President Joe Biden range from total dismay, to he’s a good man doing a good job. As to the Democratic Party itself the internal dialogue is similar, ranging from it’s corporate control to it’s real life pragmatism, to it could be so much worse or better, to it’s our own damn fault because more of us are not involved.

But regardless, it’s “game on” for the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i presidential primary. Wednesday is the big day with voting across all islands, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.

The choices on the presidential primary ballot will be: Joesph R. Biden Jr., Jason Michael Palmer, Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato, Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson. There will also be an option for “uncommitted.”

Yes, I’m gonna show up. And you should too.

As frustrated as I am by global, national and local party politics, I’m going to show up this evening and participate in our democracy. Giving up is just not in my genes. We quit. They win.

While voting for president starts at 6pm, the main event is the DPH biennial election’s at 7 p.m.

The DPH has great potential as a force for positive change. I’ve seen the party break loose from it’s good ole boy, corporatist bindings in the past. I know that can happen again if we show up, speak out, and put our own names forward to serve in the various party officer positions.

In local party elections, just a handful of people can make a huge difference. Each state House district has a 15 member council. These council’s are responsible for identifying the three names the governor must choose from to fill legislative positions when incumbent legislators retire early (or go to jail).

Please. Show up. Bring your friends, and when the time comes, raise your hand and offer to serve on the district council or as a delegate to the state convention.

Statewide, find your voting location here: https://www.hawaiidemocrats.org/2024biennialelection

Kaua‘i Democrats will be gathering and voting at the following sites:

District 15 — Hanalei Neighborhood Center

District 15 Satellite — Kapa}a Neighborhood Center

District 16 — HGEA Hall, 3213 Akahi St, Lihu‘e

District 17 — Hanapepe Neighborhood Center

And oh yes, I almost forgot. The Republican Party will also be having its presidential caucus on Tuesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To find out more, talk to a Republican.

The below has been sitting on my desk for almost two weeks. I’ve read and reread it several times, and had associates, and yes lawyers read it as well. It’s one of those “can’t make this stuff up” stories. As is always the case, I challenge anyone to dispute the facts of what I write.

Pulling Back The Curtain
Stewardship or Development –
The future is up to us.

So what’s exactly going on down the hill in Wailua on Kauaʻi? Regardless of where you live, this question is important.

While commonly referred to as the former Coco Palms Hotel, the proper name of the area is Wailuanuiaho’āno.

What’s going on is basically the same thing that’s been going on for the past 30 plus years since hurricane Iniki rolled through and wreaked havoc. Lots of talk, some cosmetic action taken without the proper permits, promises made by the developer and their representatives, promises broken by the same folks, county and state agencies perplexed – wanting to do the right thing, but unsure as to how to move forward.

In my opinion, Reef Capital and RP21, the Utah based owners and current would-be developers, represented by lobbyist/attorney Mauna Kea Trask (who also represents the billion dollar south-side Kukuiʻula Development Company LLC) – should close up, sell the property to the county or a community based nonprofit – and go home.

Wailuanuiaho’āno is literally the birth place of Hawaiian royalty.

These incredibly important lands deserve preservation and community stewardship. Instead, in pursuit of a hotel pipe-dream that has long passed, these sacred lands are being trashed and desecrated.

I don’t use these words lightly.

For starters – Reef Capital, RP21 and or their contractor/surrogates, have been dumping, grading, and grubbing on conservation land and on state owned lands without permits, AND cutting down coconut trees of historical importance without permits, AND entering, occupying, and fencing off state lands without permits.

Can’t make this stuff up.

In testimony before the Board of Land and Natural Resources, 55 of the 60 people who submitted testimony in support of the owner/developer – are not long-time community members but rather Utah based employees, partners, investors, friends, or relatives of the developer/owner Reef Capitol, RP21, and related entities. However this fact is not apparent from the testimony since none of these individuals disclosed their relationship with the owners/developers. A cursory read of the testimony would lead most to believe these are local residents testifying in support of their community. However with Google as a friend the truth becomes apparent.

Government agencies need to stop looking the other way and stop accepting the excuses and downright lies offered by the owner and developer. The owner/developer needs to realize this is not Utah, fold up their tent, sell out at fair market value to the county or community based non-profit, and leave.

If not for the countless exceptions to permitting laws and regulations granted to these developers by the County and State – no hotel would ever be approved. The tsunami zone and coastal impacts, the inland flooding that now occurs, the traffic, the hundreds of burial sites, the deep historical significance, the ancient fishponds, the already existing stench of a sewer system that’s either dysfunctional or already overcapacity, the lack of housing for the nonexistent workforce that must be imported – are just a few of the development challenges.

The developers/owners have already demonstrated their lack of concern for the place, and for its cultural and historical significance.

They’ve cut down 70 to 100 coconut trees from a historical coconut grove without the necessary permissions from the state. They dumped these trees on conservation zoned lands and then used heavy machinery to grub and grade, again without the legal permits (I personally witnessed this and have video footage to prove it).

For the past year they’ve used adjacent state-owned public lands without a valid lease or permit (trespassing). They constantly grade and grub without permits and without the required archeological observer present. I drive by this area daily and personally witness this activity (and yes I have pictures).

They’ve failed to abide by the required county approved construction debris management plan. Their permits propose putting 45-50 hotel parking places on state publicly owned lands. They’ve not conducted and have no plans to conduct an environmental impact statement (EIS) even though the development has a direct impact on sensitive coastal areas, includes areas now on the National Register of Historical Places, and is home to various threatened species of native birds. I could go on…

The Utah developers previous “representative” who first appeared before the Kauaʻi Planning Commission in 2022, is a convicted felon. He committed mortgage fraud on victims in Nevada, Montana, and Hawaiʻi. He was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Wire and Bank Fraud in the Nevada District Court on 4/30/13. Needless to say, once this information came to light, this fellow no longer appears before the Planning Commission nor any public body. He seems to have just faded away into the background.

At a Council meeting held on May 10, 2023, their current representative, lobbyist/attorney Mauna Kea Trask, defended the bad optics that accompany his own advocacy of resort development of lands sacred to the Hawaiian community, telling Councilmembers, “I get a lot of heat for defending developers now, but I defend criminals, I defended the County of Kaua’i, I defended a lot of people….I understand you do not trust me, I am a hired gun.” He then went on to say he truly believed this was a good and worthy project, and these developers were different from the ones that came before…etc. etc. etc.

Enough already.

I’m hopeful the Kauaʻi County Planning Department and the State BLNR likewise will come to the same conclusions. Enough is enough, and the time of endless permit extensions is over.

The answer is community ownership and community stewardship.

The County, State, OHA, and/or our friends in Washington DC could partner and make this happen. Kamehameha Schools, other Hawaiian Trusts, other private nonprofit Kanaka-led community organizations, and/or other national trusts and foundations could likewise purchase, preserve and manage these incredibly important lands.

There are uberwealthy individuals living on Kauaʻi who could purchase these lands and partner with local nonprofit community groups.

Or all of the above – all of us, including the current Utah owners, could join hands to make the community vision of community ownership, stewardship, preservation, and restoration – a reality.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser (https://www.garyhooser.com/)
Former Kauaʻi County Councilmember, Hawaiʻi State Senator, and Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) for the State of Hawaiʻi.

*To help please support the community nonprofit 501c3 I Ola Wailuanui (https://www.wailuanui.org/) – sign the Wailuanui petition (https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/wailuanui-petition-opposing-hotel-development.html) and make an online (or mail) financial contribution (https://www.wailuanui.org/donate) if you can. Here’s just one of many pictures of illegal grading, grubbing, and dumping of coconut trees cut down from state lands, without permission from the state of Hawaiʻi as is required.

Screenshot

A recent Honolulu news story reports the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee (WAM), Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, is proposing to reduce spending on public education in order to balance the overall state budget. Hawai‘i’s 258 public schools and 37 public charter schools are being told to expect budget cuts ranging from $213 million to $320 million.

Cutting the Department of Education budget to balance the state budget, will negatively impact every child in Hawai‘i between the ages of 5 and 18 — except of course those attending private schools.

There are a multitude of other ways to raise money and balance the budget. Cutting education or other essential services that support those at the bottom of the economic ladder is unacceptable.

Please contact the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM), Sen. Dela Cruz and House Finance Committee Chair, Representative Kyle Yamashita.

Please also call Senate President Ronald Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki, and tell them not to do it. These two gentleman are the leaders who in theory guide what happens or doesn’t happen at the Legislature.

Tell them all, no, no, no. Tell them as clearly and succinctly and directly (but yet politely and professionally) – Do not short-change the future of our kids so politicians can avoid raising taxes on hotels, tourists, rich investors, real estate speculators, and others who can afford to pay more.

The message to them is simple: “Don’t do it.”

It’s unbelievable the chair of WAM would consider making Hawai‘i’s public school children pay these costs, rather than charging the rich absentee investors, the hotels and resorts, the tourists, real estate speculators, foreign corporations, and the uberwealthy.

Or if these folks (the vast majority of who do not live here) were tapped out (and they’re not), WAM could then look at increasing taxes on gun sales, alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods, and the sale of second, third and fourth vacation homes.

Maybe even our almost all blue, Democratic Party dominated, so-called progressive legislature could even legalize (and heavily tax) the responsible adult use of cannabis, such as 24 other U.S. states do already.

There are plenty of other ways to raise money.

No hotel has ever left Hawai‘i because our taxes are too high.

No hotel is suffering from reduced occupancy because taxes are too high.

No foreign investors are leaving because our taxes are too high.

The uberwealthy have no clue as to how much taxes they are paying here anyway, and certainly will not sell their zillion-dollar beachfront estate and move away if we ask them to pay more.

To parents, students, teachers, and all who care about the future of public education — please join me. Make the calls. Send the emails.

Don’t balance the budget on the backs of our children is the message.

Would cutting the school budget mean increasing class sizes, hiring fewer teachers, reducing their already low pay, or continuing to defer their well-deserved increases? Could it mean canceling much needed technology improvements, or deferring even further building repairs and maintenance?

Could it mean a return to furlough Fridays? Remind our legislative decision-makers what happened during that debacle. Let them know that while you don’t really want to incur the time and travel needed to do so, you’re not opposed to visiting their offices in person to ensure the message get’s through.

Please keep all communications polite, professional, and to the point.

Investing in our children’s education is a direct investment in Hawaii. The conversation should be not about how much we can take away from them, but how much more we can invest in their future.

Again, the key decision-makers are:

Senate President Ronald Kouchi senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

House Speaker Scott Saiki repsaiki@capitol.hawaii.gov

WAM Chair Donovan Dela Cruz sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov

Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita repyamashita@capitol.hawaii.gov

Gary Hooser
First published in The Garden Island Newspaper
02/28/2024