GaryHooser's Blog

I received a belated birthday congratulatory text a few days ago from a friend who asked, “You doing ok? I heard you’ve lost some weight.” *Note – if you’re not interested in the personal reflections stuff just skip down to the nitty gritty rip-and-shred policy discussion in bold below.

But for those of you who are interested, the short answer is I’m not just “ok” but probably in better shape and healthier than I’ve been in years. On April 11, 2023 I began a journey which I wrote about earlier, and I’ve continued on that journey which translates loosely to eating healthy food, getting out of my chair, and walking 10,000 steps – every day.

To be clear it’s not about getting skinny, it’s about feeling good, and I feel great. At 70 years old, my life has been good, and I’m looking forward to the coming decade. Here’s that birthday story if you missed it 😉

Eating right and exercise. Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché but that’s it.

My meals over the past 8 months have been mostly plant-based and every day it gets closer to being straight vegan. It’s also zero alcohol, zero added sugar, and mostly zero processed foods. And I love it!

My exercise consists of 10,000 steps per day, at least 5 days per week. If I am traveling or not feeling great, I don’t push it. Listening to my body is important.

On Friday, I walked from behind Kintaro’s restaurant in Wailua, along the coastal walking path to Kapaa Town, to Kountry Kitchen, through down-town, then back along the beach, returning to my starting point and trusty-rusty 2001 Toyota pickup truck.

According to my iPhone I did 12,148 steps, which equals about 5.99 miles – all in a 90 minute morning stroll along the coast of one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

And yes, I love every minute of it. Sometimes it’s challenging to “get out the door” but once I start walking I love it.

My body moves at a leisurely pace, while my mind races through the events, challenges, and stresses of the moment. Basically, while I walk I figure things out, get clear on my “things to do list”, vet ideas, explore strategies, and debate in my mind a wide host of topics.

On this day, prior to heading out the door, I read in the Honolulu StarAdvertiser that Senator Dela Cruz, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee (WAM), was proposing to balance the budget by reducing the amount of money now spent on public education. In other words, short-change our kids instead of raising taxes on hotels, tourists, rich investors, real estate speculators and others who can afford to pay more.

So, on this day, I spent the first 20 minutes of my walk mentally and angrily shredding the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM), Senator Donovan Dela Cruz.

Then, “the penny dropped” and I reminded myself the entire WAM committee and ultimately the House Finance Committee and Chair Representative Kyle Yamashita is also responsible. I then (in my mind while walking) started strategizing how to get the word out to encourage people to contact these guys – and talk some sense into them.

All this intensive internal dialogue occurred between Kintaro’s restaurant and the Kapaa library.

By the time I turned the corner at the halfway point, I’d figured it out and the remaining part of the walk was much more restful 😉

I sit here at home now on my trusty 10 year old PowerMac, telling the story and hoping to enroll you the reader into helping by contacting your State Senator and Representative. Find out who that is, and their contact info here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/

The message to them is simple – “Don’t do it. Don’t short-change our students”

Balancing the budget on the backs of our public schools will hurt our children. There are a multitude of other ways to raise the money and balance the budget. Cutting education or other essential services is unacceptable.

Thank you to the reader for getting this far. Please join me in this journey and take that next step with me – send the email, make that call, then get up, get off the chair, and go outside and take that walk! Check your phone for the health app that will help you keep track…set your steps goal at a level you’re comfortable with and then every day…just do it. Note: I know that walking is not easy nor perhaps even possible for some – if that’s the case – perhaps find another way to just get your body in motion and sustain that motion for a few more minutes every day.

Love to all…take care of yourself, your ohana, and our collective community.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser
P.S. If you’re wondering “who the heck is this guy” here’s a short bio: https://www.garyhooser.com/about If you want to drill down deeper – read this short piece I wrote some 35 years ago entitled “I don’t want to be Donald Trump anymore” (can’t make this stuff up). And if you’re curious about what keeps me awake at night – read here my missive “Leave Jeffrey alone”.

My telephone was ringing off the hook over the weekend with people calling to let me know the State Department of Transportation (DOT) was “spraying herbicides along the highway between Kapaa and Anahola”.

Please sign this petition joining me and many others to tell the Governor and the Mayor to stop the use of poisonous herbicides on Kauai highways!

While “ringing off the hook” is a phrase only boomer’s may understand, the individual who witnessed the spraying, and took the time to make the calls – was a millennial.

Mahalo plenty to you my young friend whom I’ve never met. Thank you for caring about the health of your neighbors, and for taking the time to make those calls and encouraging others to do likewise.

We can all learn from her initiative, right out of the box – issuing a prompt, concise, information based, and clear call to action.

Her message posted on social media for the entire world to see:
“If you have a connection to Kauai please call Lyle Tabata and Edward Sniffen to request that Kauai goes back to cutting and mowing the highways instead of toxic herbicide use.”

She then writes clearly about what she personally witnessed and learned after making a few key telephone calls.

“On February 16, 2024 I noticed the use of an herbicide on the Kauai highways between Kapaa and Anahola. There was a very small sign that said, “Warning Herbicide in Use”, and there were trucks driving by spraying. I called the Director of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HI DOT), Edward Sniffen, who told me that this was authorized by the Kauai District office, specifically Lawrence Dill. Dill’s voicemail indicates he is on leave and to contact Lyle Tibet at (808) 241-3032.

Lyle Tabata told me that they are using an herbicide called Finale, which was approved late last year and is being applied on the South and East sides of the island so far. He claimed it is safe so I asked him for the research he has that indicates its safety and he said he could not comment. Tabata said there were many public service announcements made on County of Kauai Facebook page, Hawaii DOT Facebook page, and the newspaper. I was unable to find these announcements.”

The tone of her message is calm, professional, and straightforward. She is not personal, snarky or sarcastic, and does not slam or throw Mr. Sniffen, Mr. Dill, or Mr. Tabata, under the bus.

Next she states the facts in language we can understand.

“The label for the herbicide Finale indicates that it is hazardous to humans, animals, water safety and the environment. It requires the use of personal protective equipment that must be properly disposed of, equipment that every resident and visitor driving by the highways while they are applying it, is not wearing.”

She then provides links to her research, and concludes with the specific information needed for direct community engagement.

“If you feel concerned about the issues posed by herbicide use in public areas on the island of Kauai…please contact:”

* Lyle Tabata [County of Kauai]—(808) 241-3032
* Edward Sniffen [HI DOT Director]—(808) 587-2160
* Nadine Nakamura [Kauai Representative]—(808) 586-8435 or repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov
* Ronald Kouchi [Senator for Kauai County]—(808) 586-6030 or senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

It’s textbook civic engagement and I applaud her for taking the initiative. As a result, I’ll certainly be making the calls and encourage others to do the same.

And to those who say we must use toxic herbicides to control roadside weeds, please note both the Big Island and Maui have stopped using such chemicals on their County roads.

In an official statement on 06/21/2023 Hawaii County Public Works Director Steve Pause said, ”The Department has been working for some time to develop alternative means and methods to achieve maintenance of County infrastructure without the reliance on chemical herbicides. We believe this day has arrived.”

Perhaps it’s time for Kauai County to join Maui and Hawaii Island…and together we can nudge the SDOT to follow.

First published in The Garden Island newspaper
020/21/24

I read recently in “Ask Georgia” that there was a move afoot to get rid of Jeffrey.

Jeffrey might possibly offend the delicate sensibilities of certain members of our community, but to my knowledge he has never hurt anybody.

Jeffrey is a homeless man who for many years has lived on a small strip of land located alongside the main highway and Wailua beach. Jeffrey’s physical domain has shifted somewhat over the years but essentially it consists of a 10 X 10 square foot piece of dirt alongside a busy highway just a few steps from the white sand and blue water of Wailua Bay.

Within Jeffrey’s tiny plot is a chaise lounge upon which he sleeps, and a small neat bundle that contains, I assume, all that he possesses in this world.

In the old days, Jeffrey lived without the chaise lounge and without the small bundle. In the old days, Jeffrey would simply stand day after day, hour after hour on his 10 foot by 10 foot spot, sometimes muttering quietly to himself and sometimes staring silently at some secret spot on the ground.

For years, it seems, he did not have any possessions whatsoever. For years he has simply existed, apparently secure and comfortable in that one particular little corner of the earth he calls home.

Through wind, rain and sunshine, day after day, night after night. Jeffrey would simply stand there, occasionally he could be seen shuffling down the highway headed toward Sizzler or the convenience store, but most of Jeffrey’s life consisted of standing or sitting in that 10 by 10 square that is his home.

Jeffrey’s home is immaculate. Never will you see trash or litter within or near Jeffrey’s 10 by 10 dirt square. There is no tent, no structure of any kind and no car, abandoned, rusty or otherwise. There is just a chaise lounge, a small neat bundle and a quiet man sitting or standing in a 10 by 10 foot square of dirt.

Jeffrey rarely has guests or visitors. There are no rowdy late night parties nor problems with parking congestion. Jeffrey’s visitors are few and mostly uninvited well-wishers who bring him unsolicited hot meals, perhaps a fresh shirt or jacket and sometimes spiritual counseling on Sundays.

The chaise lounge and the small bundle are not items Jeffrey purchased at Walmart but the gifts of good-hearted folks trying to add a little comfort and warmth to Jeffrey’s life.

Jeffrey lives a meager existence and doesn’t hurt anyone. He doesn’t build fires, he doesn’t panhandle, he doesn’t sell drugs, and he doesn’t go naked on the beach. Technically Jeffrey is not even camping. He is merely existing.

There is not and should not be a law against merely existing. Jeffrey clearly lives in a world far removed from the day-to-day reality of most Kaua‘i residents, but he is no criminal.

He may be offensive in appearance to some who pass in their cars and he might be an embarrassment to our visitor industry, but he is no criminal. Jeffrey is homeless and poor, but he is no criminal.

I have a suggestion to those who would support getting rid of Jeffrey. As you drive by Wailua beach you can distract your visiting friends or VIPs by turning their attention to the Coco Palms Hotel which continues to sit unoccupied and deteriorating before our eyes.

Your polite conversation can discuss the negative impact on our economy this still unopened and unoccupied hotel presents to our community, and you can discuss ways to accelerate the rebuilding process.

Then, as you pass Kealia Beach heading north, encourage your friends to look toward the mountains so that they can avoid being confronted with a view of junk cars and trash piled along the highway.

Our community and our visitor industry has many serious problems and challenges that need to be dealt with and Jeffrey is not one of them. Car break-ins at scenic look-outs are committed almost daily by people who live in real homes located in legitimate neighborhoods. Why not spend some time solving this real and serious problem?

The still abandoned Wai‘ohai hotel on the Southside hurts our image and our economy far more than Jeffrey ever could. Why not take action to remove the Wai‘ohai from Po‘ipu Beach?

Jeffrey has his problems but he keeps them to himself. He may need care, help and protection but health care professionals in our community are probably the only ones qualified to evaluate and recommend “what to do about Jeffrey.”

I say leave him alone.

Gary Hooser
July 6, 1997
Published in The Garden Island newspaper

Read also on this blog “The State Budget, A Moral Document”

Interested in a good laugh and a deep dive into the Hooser psyche of 34 years ago?

While going through boxes of old news clippings my dear mother has been saving, I found this missive I penned in the early 1990’s.

At the time I was in the real estate business, working in the high-end Kauai residential market, and doing fairly well. During this time a friend and I formed a partnership and started a small local magazine “Kauai Business and Real Estate” – thus began my journey in writing, doing a regular “from the editor column”.

Little did I (or anyone) know at that time what would eventually become of Donald Trump (actually we still don’t know).

I also had no idea that I would be elected to public office, eventually serving on the Kauai Council and in the Hawaii State Senate. I was just a 35 year old, a young father and small businessman, doing big deals working with rich people, and going through yet another one of those “rolling mid-life crisis” that I am so fond of.

Who would have thought?

Title: “I don’t want to be Donald Trump Anymore”
originally published in Kauai Business & Real Estate Magazine, early 1990’s



At one time I thought I did but now I am sure that I don’t.


I’m still not sure about being President. I go back and forth about being President. Some days I think that it would be nice to lead the world through to enlightenment and then other days I think that it would be more trouble than it is worth. But one thing is for sure – I am absolutely positive that I don’t want to be Donald Trump.


Now don’t get me wrong, the Money would be nice. I just wouldn’t want to have to do the things he has to or live the life he leads. Again, I don’t want to be misunderstood, it is not an ego problem. I am not lacking in the inflated ego department. If anyone questions the size or condition of my ego, just ask my wife. Claudette will confirm that the size of my ego is not a limiting factor in my ambition quotient.


“Gary’s lost the eye of the tiger,” some of my Realtor friends will say. “Gary’s lost the drive,” others will whisper as they write up their big deals. “Gary’s nuts,” still others will say as they chase escrows through the process.


I will be the first to agree that perhaps I am nuts. I have done a few wild and crazy things in my life and I hope to do a few more in the years ahead.


The drive is still there but the “eye” is shifting its gaze and coming to rest on something other than the almighty dollar.

The “eye of the tiger” is now looking for the quality of life. The “eye” stares unrelentingly at the hours spent with family and friends.The “eye” peers out at the time spent smelling the roses. The “eye of the tiger” looks also at the health and heart of the body that carries it. The “eye” is shifting to and fro scrutinizing the role I play in this global village we call earth. The “eye of the tiger” is zeroing in on the fundamentals of the elusive “good life” and what the “eye” sees now is much more than the glorious M word.


The feeling of accomplishment and achievement generates emotions that are indescribable and I have definitely not lost my desire to scale mountains. The power and the glitter of gold have by no means been totally removed from my field of vision. Only now the “eye” looks for other summits to climb and other mountains to conquer. The “eye” now realizes the journey itself is as important as arriving at the peak.


The big M word still has its place and it is a very big place, but it is not the most important place. I will still chase the occasional big deal but I will not let those deals run my life. The creature comforts money can buy are still much sought after and appreciated, but money is no longer the primary focus.


Perhaps my basic needs have been met which is allowing the focus to change. In any case I’m changing. Maybe living on Kauai has allowed my vision to evolve. After all Donald Trump lives in New York City, where making money to create happiness is a way of life. I live on Kauai and can just look around and be thankful for my good fortune.

Gary Hooser



2024 Legislative Session

A brief list of some of the priority bills moving through the process, that if passed into law could make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of many.

Note: I understand there are perhaps hundreds more that could be put on this list and I have included here only a handful. Please check with the many advocacy organizations listed here for a more complete overview.

Clean Elections – Publicly Funded Elections: SB2381

Paid family leave: HB 2757, SB 2474

Child tax credit: HB 1662

Legalizing cannabis: SB 3335

Decriminalization of cannabis: HB 1596

Capital gains tax: HB 1660, SB 2325

Education funding ConAm: HB 1537

Pesticide protections SB 3316, SB 3315, SB 2366

Marriage equality ConAm: HB 2802

Gender-affirming care: HB 2079

Bail reform: HB 1603

Funding for homeless and Housing: HB 2629

State land leases: SB 2759

Midwifery: SB 2969 and HB 2649 Relating to Access to Reproductive Care”

Water systems: HB 2694, SB 2978 (would allow the state to take over private water systems on Maui–

Israel/Gaza Ceasefire Resolution – SR 6 and SCR 13

It’s easy to be a cynic and in these times of hardship and turmoil, it’s very hard to be optimistic.

But we must have hope, we must dream and believe in a better world, and we must work hard to turn that hope and those dreams into reality.

Otherwise what options do we have? Give up? Roll over? Just give them the keys, move to the side, and look the other way?

Fat chance. Not in our neighborhood, and not on our watch.

Think about for a second, that moment in the future when our children and grandchildren will ask the question, “Where were you Dad? Mom? Grandpa? Grandma?”.

“Where were you when the planet was burning, when thousands of our neighbors lived under bridges and in bushes at the side of the road, and when children were dying and the world did nothing?”

We of course must be prepared to tell them and show them, that win, lose, or draw, we were on the right side of history. We must be able to look them in the eye and tell them that we fought hard for them, and through our collective action the world is a better place. Still imperfect perhaps, still with more work to do, but a better place nonetheless.

I’m actually feeling a sense of hope and optimism today in our local community, focused on local issues. Perhaps Hawai’i can after-all, emulate the 2023 Minnesota legislature.

In a single year Minnesota passed legislation that included: free breakfast and lunch for all children in school; a state-run paid family and medical leave program; legalized recreational cannabis; free in-state college tuition; a reduction of taxes for low and middle-income households; a ban on PFAS “forever chemicals”; codified abortion rights; boosted funding for schools and more.

Hawai’i could be poised to do something similar. The bills are on the table, the hearings have been scheduled, advocates from throughout the islands are paying attention and sending in their testimony. It’s an election year. Perhaps I’m being naive, or perhaps now is the time for the passage of good, forward-thinking public policy.

This could be a watershed year for Hawai’i. We could step up and ensure our friends and family on Maui are treated with the respect and priority they deserve, AND we can take some big steps down a positive path of change that supports and provides affordable housing for local residents, funds our public schools properly, protects our health and natural environment, removes barriers once and for all for the LGBTQ community, and levels the elections playing field for future generations. There is also growing momentum in support of global peace and a reduction of the military foot-print in our islands – starting with Pōhakuloa.

Yes, we can actually do this.

Or not. This year could also turn out like so many others. If we’re lucky a few crumbs are thrown our way and a few baby steps are taken in the right direction.

The determining factor lies not in the mood or the inclination of the politicians but rather in the commitment or lack thereof by you and me.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting too old to accept crumbs and baby steps.

Bottom line: When we show up, we win. If not, well then it’s our own damn fault.

The cards are stacked at this moment in time in our favor. The bills are on the table. Most have already been vetted and are already moving in the right direction through the process.

It’s an election year. Yes, I know I said that already, but want to drive the point home.

Let’s do this.

Get on the email list of local advocacy organizations. Submit testimony in support of their priority bills. Info is here: https://garyhooser.blog/2024/02/12/advocacy-groups-action-alerts/

Together we can.

Directory of Advocacy Organizations and Groups in Hawai’i that monitor public policy initiatives and issue action alerts seeking public testimony. These groups share my general values – Please visit their websites, sign-up for the action alerts, stay informed on the issues, and submit testimony!

Please lmk via the comments any organizations you believe are missing –

To be included the group/organization must have a website, be involved in public policy issues, monitor bills and issue “action alerts” seeking testimony or related actions, and must have posted on their website their Board of Directors, sponsors of the org, or otherwise what individuals are managing/leading their efforts – anonymous groups will not be posted.

ACLU Hawai’i – Protecting civil liberties and free speech
https://www.acluhi.org

ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures – Native Hawaiian voices, values, and experiences – economic recovery for ʻāina aloha
https://www.ainaalohafutures.com

Chamber of Sustainable Commerce – Strengthening our economy without hurting workers, communities, or the environment.
https://www.chamberofsustainablecommerce.org

Common Cause Hawai’i– Good government, election reform, ethics and lobbyist regulation. https://www.commoncause.org/hawaii

Conservation Council for Hawai’i– Environmental Legislative Network (ELN) https://www.conservehawaii.org/get-involved/environmental-legislative-network

Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) – Fair and Sustainable Food Systems, Community Based Stewardship, Reclaiming Democracy, Social/Economic Justice
https://www.hapahi.org

Hawai’i AppleSeed – Social and economic justice, affordable housing, tax reform
https://hiappleseed.org

Hawai’i Children’s Action Network (HCAN) – Keeping children safe, healthy, ready to learn https://www.hawaii-can.org

Hawai’i Public Health Institute – Food and agriculture, transportation, public safety, oral health, healthy eating + active living (HEAL), tobacco, drug and alcohol prevention https://www.hiphi.org

Hawai’i Workers Center – Fair wages, worker rights, tenant rights https://www.hawaiiworkerscenter.org/action/

Hawai’i’s 1,000 Friends – Legislature Good and Bad Bill Alerts – Environmental/Cultural
http://www.hawaiis1000friends.org

HuliPac – Big Island centered grass-roots political and policy action
https://www.hulihi.com

Indivisible Hawai’i – A pro-democracy citizen activist group whose mission is to protect and enhance the institutions of democracy, resist Trumpism by engaging our elected officials at all levels of government and promote progressive and democratic values. https://indivisiblehawaii.org/

Maui Tomorrow – Protects Maui’s precious natural areas and prime open space for recreational use and aesthetic value, promotes the concept of ecologically sound development, and preserves the opportunity for a rural lifestyle on Maui. https://mauitomorrow.org/

Our Hawai’i – Building a movement to create a Hawai’i that puts kama’āina and kānaka maoli — not big money interests — first.
https://our-hawaii.org

Pacific Birth Collective – midwifery and related
https://pacificbirthcollective.org/Midwifery-in-Hawaii

Pono Hawai’i Initiative (PHI) – Empower people-driven political leadership to achieve economic, social, and environmental justice.
https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org

Save Koloa – Environmental and Community protection – Fighting bad poorly planned developments on Kauai. https://savekoloa.com/

Sierra Club of Hawai’i – Environmental protection, Red Hill, sea level rise, over-development
https://sierraclubhawaii.org

Surfrider Foundation Hawai’i – Protect and enjoy, ocean, waves, and beaches
https://hawaii.surfrider.org

I Ola Wailuanui – Kauaʻi centered – Support the cultural enrichment, historic preservation, land conservation & spiritual nourishment of Wailuanuiaho’ano – no hotel. The time of the Coco Palms Hotel has passed.https://www.wailuanui.org/

350 Hawaii – Climate change
https://350hawaii.org

70 years ago, on January 19, 1954, at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego California, my beautiful mother (who is 91 years old by the way), gave birth, to me…Gary Lee Hooser.

Thank you Mom! 😉

It’s been a good 70 years.

We moved to Hawai‘i in 1970 where I attended Radford High School, graduating (just barely) in 1972.

My parents and two brothers moved “back to the mainland” and I stayed, first living in Maunawili on Oahu’s windward side, then Kāneʻohe, then still later in Waikīkī – before landing permanently on the east side of Kauaʻi in 1980.

My beautiful wife Claudette has undoubtedly played a key role in “keeping me on track” after dragging me off the streets of Waikīkī in 1980. We have two incredibly awesome children, Dylan (Leeona) and Kelli-Rose (Justin), and 4 equally incredible grandchildren – Rixon, Isabella, Kaliyah, and Harper.

Read about how Claudette and I first met – https://garyhooser.blog/2019/05/17/on-the-occasion-of-my-39th-wedding-anniversary/

We live now with our faithful and very handsome, American Staffordshire Terrier, and best friend, Maximus Aurelious (Max) in Wailua Homesteads on Kauaʻi in the house our children grew up in. My days are spent serving as the volunteer Board President for the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) a 501C3 nonprofit and Executive Director of Pono Hawai‘i Initiative (PHI) a 501C4 nonprofit. In my free time, I help other non-profits, and I write. I love the writing part and it’s a growing part of my life.

I’ve learned a whole lot over the past 55 years working as a dishwasher, an operating engineer apprentice, pedicab driver, door-to-door salesman (cookware and fire alarms), truck driver, FunFactory manager, Real Estate Broker, small business owner, window and carpet cleaner, magazine publisher, County Council Member, State Senator and Majority Leader, Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and serving on various nonprofit Boards. I’ve run for office 10 times, winning 6 and losing 4.

While some would say it looks like I couldn’t keep a steady job, others will say that variety is the spice of life. In any case, I wouldn’t change any of it.

It’s been a roller coaster at times, with some deep lows and some totally phenomenal highs. But without question, I am blessed, my life has been a good one, and I feel good about what I’ve done and who I am. Like everyone, I’ve made my share of mistakes over the years, but I’ve learned from them (mostly) and like a good whiskey or fine wine (bad metaphor given my diet)…I like to think, I’ve gotten better with age.

My health is good. In the past year I’ve began paying serious attention to the basics of self-care, eating right (mostly plant-based and no alcohol), and exercising (10,000 steps per day).

Consequently, I’ve lost 50 lbs, feel great, and take zero medications. Read about my health and self-care journey- https://garyhooser.blog/2023/09/20/personal-reflections-crossing-bridges-and-walking-about/

As I now enter the prime of my life, the words “if I knew then what I know now” jump to mind. The beautiful truth of today and this particular moment in time is that I do know now. I have 70 years of life experience that’s prepared me well for the years to come.

I’m better prepared than ever for whatever new challenge or adventure is ahead, and ready now to make the next 10 years the most productive and positive ones of them all.

Perhaps then I may truly retire and work in the garden, play a little golf, and putter around the garage. Yea right…trust me…that’s never going to happen. Note: My editor/daughter eye-rolled hard, and gave me a virtual poke when reading this.

There’s work still left to do. There are mountains still yet to climb and there’s a new legion of climbers to support, train, and mentor for the future. And yes, there are still too many people living under bridges, our planet is still burning, and thousands of innocent people are killed daily in war torn areas around the globe.

So to be clear, I’m not going anywhere, and I’m entering this next phase of life stronger and more committed than ever before.

You are most likely reading this, because you are either also engaged in the battle or itching to roll up your sleeves and join in the fray. From the bottom of my heart I offer you all my sincerest thanks for being there – standing shoulder-to-shoulder in our common quest to make the world a better place.

Yes we need to do more and I invite everyone, I implore and beg everyone – to join me in renewed energy and commitment. We must continue to spread the word, enroll others, and continue to take ownership of and responsibility for our common future.

We fight, we win, we have good fun (that’s the self-care part). Of course we lose some too, but we keep fighting, keep pushing, and keep helping our friends and neighbors.

Mahalo plenty to all who are out there in the trenches working hard in our community and giving what they can to help others do the work as well.

And of course, if you want to help on my 70th birthday, I’ll take it 😉

Below is a very short birthday wish list.

1 ** Sharing and plugging my blog https://garyhooser.blog/ TODAY with your own social media networks would be awesome, easy, and help me expand my own networks 😉

2 ** And yes, supporting the work financially via an online or mail contribution to Pono Hawai‘i Initiative (PHI), whether $7, or $70, $700, or whatever, – would totally make my day. I promise to put it to good use making good trouble. My goal for 2024 is to make big-kine-good-trouble 😉

https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/https/donate/phi

Mahalo to all for any help and support you can offer – TODAY especially 😉.

And it goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway- If I can ever help or add value to any community project you’re working on, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

Note on fundraising: Every dollar given to PHI will be used in the pursuit of peace, justice, and environmental protection.Because PHI is legally permitted to actively and aggressively engage in political and policy advocacy, and follows all reporting rules and regulations that go with that – contributions are not tax deductible.

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

Sent from my iPhone

It’s easy to imagine the scene at the big square building in Honolulu, Wednesday January 17 – opening day of the 2024 legislative session. There will be “pomp and circumstance”, important people rubbing shoulders with other important people, high-minded rhetoric spoken from the floor of the House and Senate Chambers, and a common message intended to dampen expectations.

Maui, rightfully so, will be the lead topic and strong commitments will be made to do everything possible to help our friends and neighbors in Lahaina.

The state budget and lack of money will be the next point made. Various speakers will stress that the legislature will likely have to delay many important and pressing needs.

My hope is after dampening expectations (a smart political move in an election year), our friends at the legislature will then on May 3 sine die, surprise us and far exceed them.

Balancing the budget, and paying for basic essentials is always an issue. However it’s also always true there are many ways new money can be found without impacting the average local resident. Increased taxes and fees for visitors, off-island investors, and large multi-national corporations are a good place to start.

Passing a publicly funded “Clean Elections” measure requires only modest first year funding since 2026 is the earliest it would take effect. It’s a top priority of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and sitting in every single key position in the House and Senate is a Hawai‘i Democrat.

Strengthening SNAP benefits for low income families is actually an economic driver bringing in more federal dollars that are spent in local grocery stores and farmers markets. Allowing these benefits to be utilized in local restaurants further helps our small businesses.

Other initiatives that will have a zero budget impact include:

Require rental-car companies to be “all electric” within X years. Increase tax rates on gasoline powered rental cars to incentivize the transition. This will decrease greenhouse gas emissions and provide an inventory of used EV’s for purchase by local residents. Require hotels to provide charging stations.

Ban the sale or prohibit the use of cancer causing chemicals within X miles from schools, hospitals, houses, parks, and drinking water sources.

Allow traditional birthing attendants to legally attend and support home-birthing upon the request of an expectant mother who has been fully informed as to attendants qualifications. House Majority Leader, Kauai Representative Nadine Nakamura will play an influential role in determining the future of this measure. For background and updates go to the Hawaii Home Birth Collective: https://hihbc.org/

Prohibit the incarceration of people who’ve not been convicted of any crime and are awaiting trial – unless they’re considered a flight risk, have a history of violence, are chronic reoffenders, subject to restraining order, or the crime they’re accused involves violence. Almost half the people in jail (@ $253 per day), are “pre-trial detainees” who are poor and cannot afford bail.

Prohibit referral of bills to the Finance or Ways and Means committee unless there’s a direct budget impact. Require bill amendments be in writing and available for public review at least 48 hours in advance of the vote. Prohibit bill deferral by committee without a vote.

Require affordable housing permit processing to take precedence over all other permitting requests. This doesn’t mean cutting corners, but does mean affordable housing for local residents must always be at front of the line.

Pass a House/Senate Concurrent Resolution calling for a complete ceasefire in Gaza/Israel similar to the Resolution passed by the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i.

Well there you have it – 12 different public policy proposals, 3 that raise money, 1 with modest and phased in costs, and the rest with minimal to zero budget impact.

I’m absolutely sure that advocates walking the halls at the Capitol today, the armchair quarterbacks at home watching, and those guys in suits smiling and shaking hands, can come up with many more.

Now we just need the political will. That will happen when you call your district Representative and Senator, and ask them politely and professionally to make it so. Find your district Rep/Sen contact info here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/

Gary Hooser
Subscribe at https://www.garyhooser.com/
First published 01/17/24 in The Garden Island newspaper

“Prior to appearing before the County Council or administrative agency, a lobbyist shall orally disclose his or her status as a lobbyist and the person on whose behalf the lobbyist is appearing.” Kauaʻi County Ordinance #999

While it’s an all too common occurrence for a locally well-connected attorney (or other influential insider) to sit at the microphone testifying to Commissioner’s and Councilmember’s clearly advocating on behalf of and attempting to convince them of a developers good intent, never have I heard them say out-loud, “I am a lobbyist representing XYZ developer.”

Nor have I heard them say, “I’m here today because these guys are paying me good money to come here to say nice things about them and their project. I’ve known you Commissioner’s and Councilmember’s for a long time. You know I would not say this if I didn’t really mean it. Please pass whatever it is they’re asking for.”

“Lobbyist” means any individual who for pay or other consideration engages in lobbying on behalf of another person in excess of five (5) hours in any month or any reporting period…or spends more than $750 lobbying during any reporting period.

“Lobbying” means communicating, directly or through an agent, or soliciting other to communicate, with a State of County officer or employee for the purpose of attempting to influence any Legislative action or Administrative action.

Read the ordinance: https://www.kauai.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/county-council/documents/lobbyist-registration/ordinance_no._999.pdf

To be clear, attorneys who limit their actions to “advise their clients on the construction or impact of the legislative or administrative action” may not meet the definition of lobbyist.

However, those attorneys who sit at the table and testify in front of Commissioners and Councilmember’s ”For the purpose of attempting to influence any legislative action or administrative action” and spend more than 5 hours in any month – are de facto paid lobbyists and required to file and disclose.

The threshold is 5 hours per month and a single meeting of the Kauaʻi Planning Commission or Kauaʻi County Council will sometimes exceed that, not to mention the “meeting before the meeting and the meeting after the meeting” and the phone calls and emails between the meeting.

Read for yourself the list of who has and who has not filed as a Kauaʻi County lobbyist. https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Council/Lobbyist-Registration

Remember, everyone who testifies on any issue is “lobbying” but not everyone who participates in lobbying is a “lobbyist”.

It’s only those individuals who are paid to influence or who spend over a certain amount for the purpose of influencing who are by definition lobbyist’s. These people need to register, file reports AND DISCLOSE THAT THEY ARE A LOBBYIST ORALLY PRIOR TO OFFERING TESTIMONY.

The Kauaʻi lobbyist law known as ordinance #999, was originally introduced by yours truly, as Bill 2164. It was passed by a unanimous vote of the full Council on March 23, 2016 and signed into law by then Mayor Bernard Carvalho on March 30, 2016.

The County Clerk is responsible for administering Ordinance 999 and enforcement is via the Kauaʻi Ethics Commission.

My hope is that Ordinance #999 might be enforced.

My further hope is that it would be amended in the future to require anyone testifying, to disclose if they receive or will receive any direct financial benefit from the entity or related entities seeking approval/disapproval before that government body. This language would ensure public disclosure by employees, subcontractors, vendors, and others who have a direct financial benefit but who may not “lobby” the 5 hours per month required for lobbyist disclosure.

The people in the audience, the people responsible for casting the ultimate vote, and the public as a whole need to know who is there in the room and online offering testimony motivated by their communities best interest, and who is there because of the money.

Gary Hooser
Published in The Garden Island Newspaper 01/10/24

Note: Each County has it’s own County disclosure requirements AND the State has a separate law as well. The “oral disclosure” element contained in the Kauaʻi lobbyist law applies only to lobbyists testifying before the Kauaʻi County Council, or a Kauaʻi Board or Commission – and may or may not be included in the other County lobbyist laws.