GaryHooser's Blog

Maui Election Alert!
Action needed today 11/14/22

Apparently, over 900 Maui ballots have signature issues or were otherwise rejected. Noe Ahia (Wailuku) who is key to maintaining a progressive majority is down by just 504 votes!

Please take action now and go to https://elections.hawaii.gov/ and click on “TRACK YOUR BALLOT” and follow the simple instructions. If you get a message back saying “BALLOT REJECTED,” please call the Maui County Clerk at 808-270-7749 and also email county.clerk@mauicounty.us immediately to “cure” your ballot to make sure it’s counted! This must be done ASAP today 11/14/22 if at all possible.

Note: I went through the “TRACK YOUR BALLOT” process and it’s very easy to do.

For those that value putting people and the planet ahead of profits – I’m calling it a win.

While the national results remain close, it’s clear from a “blue perspective” that we did much better than was being projected almost universally by political pundits on both sides of the aisle. Let’s give a big “hurrah” for John Fetterman, send our love and aloha to Stacey Abrams and Beto O’Rourke, and pray that our friends in Georgia will step up for Warnock.

Below are my thoughts and a summary of what happened last night, focusing only on candidates that were endorsed by Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative (PHI).
https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org

Obviously, there are many candidates who came out on top in their bid for election who were not endorsed by PHI. Some did not seek our endorsement, some did not need it, and some did not want it. But all deserve our heartfelt congratulations for being willing to serve, and for doing the work needed to win. My hope is that all who have been elected will seek to serve in a manner that is honest, open, and collaborative.

Fern Anuenue Holland whom I have known and worked with for years finished a strong #9 but was out of the running in a 7-member Kauaʻi Council race. Fern is verifiably awesome, and an incredibly hard worker with a deep commitment to her community. This was Fern’s first attempt County Council race and I am confident and extremely hopeful that she will run again and win election in the future.

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Addison Bulosan in his second attempt at election to serve on the Kauai County Council slammed it home finishing in a very strong #3 position on the 7-member roster. I was greatly pleased to see him quoted in the media this morning saying that his top priority is to support additional affordable housing construction and use increased taxes on transient vacation rentals (TVR) to pay for it.

Huge kudos also to first-time candidate Matt Weyer who fended off a “big name” and won an important seat at the table of the Honolulu City Council. Unfortunately, my former colleague in the State Senate, Ron Menor came up short in his bid to come back to the Council. Tommy Waters, not surprisingly totally dominated his race and returns to the good work he has been doing on the Council.

On Maui, the progressive block of 4 held on to their Council seats but was not able to reach that vital #5 majority. Mahalo plenty to Keani Rawlins-Fernandez – Molokai, Gabe Johnson – Lanai, Tamara Paltin – West Maui, and Shane Sinenci – East Maui. If ever there was a dream team this is it. My hope is that this journey will only strengthen the bonds and mutual commitment that have led to so many incredible accomplishments for Maui County.

The voters of Maui also elected 3 very strong mana wahine to serve in the State House of Representatives: Terez Amato, District 11 (South Maui), Mahina Poepoe, District 13 (Haiku, Ko’olau, Hana, Kaupo, Kipahulu, Paia, Lanai, Moloka’i), Elle Cochran, District 14 (West Maui, Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu).

First-time Maui Council candidates who did not make it this time: Noelani Ahia – Wailuku, Waihee, Waikapu, Nara Boone – Makawao, Haiku, Paia, Jordan Hocker – Upcountry, and Robin Knox – South Maui. These 4 should hold their heads high as all represented their communities well, all ran strong campaigns, and I hope all will run again in 2024.

A special shout-out to Jenn Kagiwada who in her very first election attempt succeeded in securing a seat on the Hawaii Island County Council. She joins a stellar group including Heather Kimball, Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder, and Rebecca Villegas.

State House candidate Natalia Hussey-Burdick (Kailua, Kāne’ohe) prevailed finishing very strong against a well-funded anti-choice opponent. Natalia probably deserves the “best campaign award” as she did it all by knocking on doors, holding signs on the highway, attending coffee hours and community meetings, telephone and text banking, investing in social media and traditional media, direct mail, and raising the funds to make it all happen while rejecting PAC and big business/development money.

Progressive incumbents in the State House who also will be coming back include: Amy Perruso, District 46 (Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Launani Valley), Sonny Ganaden, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Pearl Harbor/Hickam), Adrian Tam, District 24 (Waikiki, McCully, Moiliili) and Jeanné Kapela, District 5 (North Kona, South Kona, West Ka’u).

Unfortunately and somewhat surprisingly for me, Corey Rosenlee, District 39 (‘Ewa, Waipahu, Kunia, Ho’opili, Waikele) was not able to garner the votes needed. My hope is he will give it another go in 2024 as his values and strength of character would be a huge asset to the institution. Matt LoPresti, District 41 (Ocean Pointe, Hoakalei, ‘Ewa Gentry, ‘Ewa Beach, Kalaeloa, Ko Olina) also struggled to gain traction and fell short. His consistent vote in support of progressive issues will be missed.

Of the 10 Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative endorsed candidates for the State House, 8 made it through the night. To no one’s surprise, another former State Senate colleague and now U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda won a resounding victory in her quest to serve the CD2.

So, as is normally the case – we won some and we lost some.

We must remember to honor, respect, and offer our deep appreciation to those who were willing to “put it out there” on our behalf, but who fell short.

We must also remember that merely casting a vote is not enough. We must show up to testify and to support those who we helped elect. We must back them up. When they are facing the inevitable pressures from big money interests – we must fill the room and push back.

As someone who has felt the sting and the pain of losing my own first race – I know how it hurts. I also know the tremendous personal satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that you are engaged in something important and meaningful.

To all of you who ran – I say thank you. Your willingness to put yourself out in the public light, to do the work, and to make the personal sacrifices needed in order to run the campaigns that you did, is greatly appreciated.

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

Regardless of the final outcomes of the 2022 elections, the real work and the real leadership necessary to improve lives and save our planet – will come only from the electorate and not the elected.

Only through the active engagement of the broader community, will our elected politicians find the strength and courage to make the critically important changes needed. This is the reality at all levels – Federal, State, and County.

Trust me on this. I’ve been there, and know the reality of how our political system works. The votes necessary to regulate environmentally harmful industries will come about only when people on the streets demand it. The political will needed to increase taxes on the very rich to support affordable housing for local residents is only going to happen when the halls of government fill with citizens insisting upon it. And only when the people’s voice drowns out that of the insurance lobby will universal health care for all people, regardless of their ability to pay – become a reality.

A people united will never be defeated, “el pueblo unido jamás será vencido” – comes from one of the most important protest songs in the world.

This is really what it’s all about. Our government leaders are elected by us to represent us, but it’s up to us – to be loud and clear as to our wants, needs, and expectations.

No single charismatic leader is going to rise up and lead us to the promised land. This my friends is not going to happen – at least not to the promised land that I envision. If one should rise up and attempt to be such a leader, you can be sure the forces of money and power would take her out – and/or he would fall to the corruption that such power inevitably leads to.

Elected representative leadership who “lean our way”, directed and supported by an informed and engaged community who take ownership of and responsibility for their government. This is what democracy looks like and this is the only model that will get us through to a better tomorrow.

Translation: We can’t just go vote then go back to Netflix, and expect the world to change for the better. And no, watching Face the Nation, listening to National Public Radio, and posting on social media, are not enough either.

We need active engagement in a true “Civic Square” both in a metaphorical sense and in a real tangible civic infrastructure sense. We need to get to a place where civic matters are regularly discussed at our dinner table, and where not voting, not submitting testimony, and not showing up at a public meeting are the exception and not the rule.

How do we get there?

For starters, we need to demand of those elected to serve us, to instigate and support the civic infrastructure needed. The public needs and deserves legislative bodies that value civic engagement rather than treat it with thinly veiled disdain while waiting impatiently for the 2 or 3-minute testimony clock to beep.

We need legislators at both the County and the State levels who embrace the Sunshine Law rather than seeking ways to avoid it.

We need to get money out of politics and instituting a true and robust publicly funded election program is how we get there.

Fortunately, many of the items needed to rebuild the Civic Square will be contained in recommendations forthcoming by the Hawaii State Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct (CISC). The Commission’s final recommendations are due out on December 2, 2022, and bill drafts and rule change proposals can be found on their website. https://bit.ly/3TeP2oX

The CISC report and how our State Legislature reacts to it will be a litmus test. The recommendations will either be ignored, embraced, or given meaningless lip service accompanied by robust statements of support but no real action.

Please take the time to visit the CISC website, review the proposals, and email them your thoughts now at StandardsofConduct@capitol.hawaii.gov – prior to when the final report is due. This will allow them to possibly include your ideas and suggestions in the final draft.

This is important. I believe the CISC members are sincere in their effort to produce the best, most meaningful report possible.

So let’s help them. And let’s always remember, that el pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

This morning KGMB Hawaii News Now is reporting that big development interests, fueled by millions of dollars of outside money are literally trying to take out and take over the Maui County Council.

The breaking news story is here on Hawaii News Now – Union PAC focuses on Maui races that could flip council to more pro-growth posture

Fortunately, the community is fighting back. Watch this excellent 2-minute video that describes “the competing visions of Maui’s future” and what is really going on.

File this under “can’t make this stuff up”.

Outside big development money is literally attempting a coup in an attempt to take over the Maui County Council.

The audacity of the pro-development forces knows no bounds. It’s disgusting really.

Good luck to the residents of Maui. I don’t live there, but if I did I would be angry, disappointed, and determined not to let this happen – and I would be voting for the Maui ‘Onipa’a 2022 slate!

It’s last call. The polls will be closing soon. Voting is in full swing and the absolute deadline to walk-in your ballot and or vote-in-person is Tuesday, November 8th. All the info on how to register and vote on the same day is at https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/

The Kauai County Council race is probably the most interesting thing on the ballot. The vast majority of the other races are either terribly lopsided or otherwise uninspiring (I’m sure the candidates would argue about this characterization).

Based on the August Primary Election results, if voting patterns don’t change in the General Election, the good-ole-boys are going to win. I say this with a slight bit of sarcasm and an even slighter hint of affection. After all, I’ve served in government and politics for the past 20 years and by definition, some would say that I’m a good-ole-boy myself.

But of course, I’m not running for election to public office. I’ve chosen instead to make space for others at that table and to serve in other ways. I only wish some of those now on the ballot would have done the same. There are lots of ways to serve if service is in fact your objective.

Term limits for Councilmembers were approved by a more than 2-1 vote in 2006. The message was loud and strong – 8 years is enough. Serve for 8 years then step aside and make space for new people to serve on the Council.

Unfortunately, it’s turned into a revolving door with a 2-year break in between elections. Consequently, in 2022 we now have the past attempting to join the present.

That’s not to say that good-ole-boys are not nice guys. They of course are not bad people. They just look at the world through a good-ole-boy lens with an affinity for maintaining the status quo. Most of them are nice enough. There’s only one who I would consider not so nice and I’ll drop that little note right here (knowing how fun it is to speculate).

This is not gendered slang inclusive of men and women. This is literally about the previous male Councilmembers coming back, taking over, and eliminating the possibility of additional women being elected to the Council.

At the end of the August primary election, 6 of the top 7 vote-getters were men and 6 are incumbents or former incumbents, having served in the past on the Council.

If nothing changes on November 8th the good-ole-boys will win again and there will be a dearth of the female perspective, AND a dearth of new energy, new ideas, and new leadership.

There are several qualified women possessing a wealth of experience and potential, “down the line” but for them to win, at least two of the good-ole-boys must lose.

This is the way it works:

In order for a candidate to “move up” they must get more votes on November 8th than those above them. This means as a voter if you’re interested in ensuring that the new energy, new ideas, and the new candidates now at the bottom of the pile “move up” to the top or at least the middle of the pile and actually win – you must refrain from voting for the candidates above them in the line-up.

That’s the bottom line, or at least that’s the only way the bottom line will move to the middle of the line and actually have a chance to be elected and to serve.

To be clear not every guy on the list is a bad guy or a good-ole-boy. Define them as you see fit. And as I said earlier, even the good-ole-boys are not necessarily bad guys (except maybe that one I was referring to above).

If you want more diversity of ideas on the Council and less of the rinse and repeat, then you must not vote for any good-ole-boys at all – period. Not one.

No matter how clever, nice, friendly, or cool the old-guard may appear to be – don’t give them your vote.

If you truly want change, then vote for it and elect new energy, new ideas, and yes more women. If you are feeling particularly generous, throw a vote if you must to one of the good guys. But do not under any circumstances cast votes for candidates who might then beat the one or two or maybe three, that you really and truly want to win.

Now, go vote. Please. Today. Don’t wait until the last day of November 8th.

Exciting news on our work to purchase the Coco Palms Wailuanuiahoʻāno property! *updated 11/29/22

We’ve raised almost $200,000 in donation pledges. While still short of our first-tier $1 million goal, the response has been phenomenal.

Providing a pledge of financial support requires no out-of-pocket money today and is simply a statement and a commitment that says when I Ola Wailuanui is able to raise enough money to close on the purchase ($22 million plus or minus) – then and only then will you fulfill your pledge and make a contribution (tax-deductible).

We each have a different capacity to give. Some can write a check for $22 million in one motion. Others could give $2,000 per year for 5 years and still others will stretch to give $100. All are welcome.

To be clear, no pledge is too small.

If you prefer to make a direct online donation rather than a pledge, that would of course be welcome also!

It’s important that we reach that million-dollar mark by the end of January. Many deadlines converge on this date and it is essential we show maximum community support when this happens.

Please help if you can and email – IOlaWailuanui@gmail.com to request a pledge form.

Your pledge could be over time – X $ upon closing and purchase of the property and then X $ per year for the next 4 years.

Visit https://www.wailuanui.org and learn more about the vision, and plan to purchase Wailuanuiahoʻāno – formerly known as the Coco Palms Hotel.

You are probably familiar with the Coco Palms Hotel issue, and aware that this area is incredibly special in terms of its history and culture. You are probably also aware that the owners and would-be developers of this property have broken promise after promise to our community, and have treated this property like a rubbish heap for the past 30 years.

Achieving the first $1 million in community-based pledges will send a message loud and clear to the seller AND will open doors leading to larger funding commitments from financial institutions, philanthropic trusts, foundations, and government sources.

Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to leave this place a little better than we found it. So please chip in if you can!

Email – IOlaWailuanui@gmail.com to request a pledge form!

Yes, it’s a big lift. But we can and must do it.

Success means we, collectively as a community, leave a lasting legacy for our moʻopuna, and for generations to come – in perpetuity.

Failure means we and they, will forever lose a historical and cultural treasure that if called by its rightful name is Wailuanuiahoʻāno.

The $800,000 remaining to reach our goal can be achieved by just 80 people agreeing to pledge $2,000 per year X 5 years – and/or any number of gift combinations.

Please – email IOlaWailuanui@gmail.com request a pledge form and give to a level that makes you feel good and would make your moʻopuna proud!

Obligatory disclaimer: No one pays me to write. I am a volunteer and will make no money out of this. But I will sleep very well at night knowing that I did everything I could to help make it happen.

10 totally awesome progressives that when elected to the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives will – Rock the House! Plus a list of solid, forward-thinking Council candidates on every island. Plus, Plus, Plus – an update on the attacks against the Maui Council Onipaa candidates coming from the right – big development, big business, big money, and the hotel industry.

Let’s support and vote for these candidates and show the world they can flush their big money down the toilet – We are not going to let them buy our elections.

Please click through, read and SHARE!

https://mailchi.mp/47913d24f5d1/25-candidate-endorsements-statewide-5232505

I’m getting lots of calls from folks asking my opinion about the 4 proposed Kauaʻi County Charter Amendments,. and since this is after-all an opinion column (referring to my weekly column in The Garden Island), here goes:

I’m voting yes on Question 1: Relating to Prosecutor Vacancy
As we saw during the most recent “special election” the money and effort utilized seemed excessive and unnecessary. This change makes sense.

I’m voting no on Question 2: Relating to an Electric Power Authority
I don’t understand why we would want to eliminate our future choices. There appears to be no harm or cost in preserving this option so I see no sense in getting rid of it.

I’m voting no on Question 3: Relating to the Salary Commission
I fully confess to my own bias here, as I believe that in general “Boards and Commissions” should serve primarily in an advisory role. Those elected to public office may accept or reject those recommendations, or perhaps amend and accept them. The fundamental decision-making authority on matters of public policy including those that have budget impacts should be held and exercised by those elected to do so – not an appointed commission.

I’m leaning toward voting no on Question 4: Relating to Surety Bonds
Currently, certain officers and employees are required by existing charter language to be bonded and insured. If this measure passes, apparently that requirement will be eliminated. Whether removing the existing provision will reduce public protections, I do not know.

Below is the exact official language provided by the County intended to explain what voting yes or no would mean for the 4 Charter questions https://kauaiballotinfo.com.

As I initially dug through the info it became clear to me that “words matter” and the official words chosen to describe the impact of a yes or no vote – appear to favor the yes vote perspective. To demonstrate how the inclusion or exclusion of a few words does indeed matter, at the bottom of each question below I’ve included my thoughts marked by an asterisk * with suggested changes to the language underlined.

Question 1: Relating to Prosecutor Vacancy
Shall the County Charter be amended to require that future elections for Prosecuting Attorney occur at the same time as the County’s regularly scheduled elections?

Voting yes on this question would allow a first deputy prosecutor to serve as Prosecuting Attorney until a new Prosecuting Attorney is elected in a regularly scheduled election.

Voting no on this question would continue to require the County of Kauaʻi to hold a special election should a vacancy occur for Prosecuting Attorney if a vacancy lasts between one year and 18 months.

*This language seems straightforward and clear.

Question 2: Relating to an Electric Power Authority
Shall the Charter be amended to remove Article 30 which allows the County Council to create an electric power corporation?

Voting yes on this question would repeal Article 30 to avoid any duplication of services and limit the unnecessary growth of government.

Voting no on this question would allow the County Council to create an electric power authority corporation – a separate, independent unit from the County government that would be responsible for Kauai’s electricity – similar to KIUC.

*This language could have been written like this:
Voting yes on this question would repeal Article 30 and take away the current authority the County has to create a power authority should the need arise in the future.

Voting no on this question would continue to allow the County Council to create an electric power authority corporation – a separate, independent unit from the County government that would be responsible for Kauai’s electricity – similar to KIUC should the need arise.

Question 3: Relating to the Salary Commission
Shall the Charter be amended to give the Salary Commission the authority to establish the maximum salary for elected and appointed officials?

Voting yes on this question would allow the Salary Commission to establish the maximum salary for elected and appointed officials, which includes department heads and deputies.

Voting no on this question would continue to allow the County Council to reject all or portions of recommendations and findings made by the Salary Commission.

*This language could have been written like this:
Voting yes on this question would take away the power of the County Council to reject the recommendations and findings made by the salary commission.

Question 4: Relating to Surety Bonds
Shall the Charter be amended by removing the portion of section 19.17 that requires surety bonds for certain officers and employees?

Voting yes on this question would give the County flexibility in purchasing insurance and/or surety bonds by eliminating a provision that requires the purchase of surety bonds.

Voting no on this question would require the County to purchase surety bonds for certain officers and employees.

*This language could have been written like this:
Voting no on this question would ensure that certain officers and employees of the County continue to be covered by surety bonds as is now required by the charter.

After reading through the alternative language – does your opinion change? Do you find yourself rethinking how you’d like to vote? Whatever you choose, please vote!

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

Why doesn’t Hawaii media report on The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), the source of Congressman Kahele’s ethics probe? I spent literally 5 minutes online… which led to the below. And this particular rabbit hole is dirty and goes deep if you want to follow it.

No matter what happens now, FACT and the individuals who were first to whisper in their ear the idea of going after Kahele…have accomplished their goal and achieved the headlines they sought.

According to The Center for Media and Democracy’s “Source Watch” https://bit.ly/3eMYMbI :

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is a group that says it was founded in 2014 and has been described as “a conservative counterweight”…

In 2014, FACT’s funding came entirely from DonorsTrust. The group was led by Matthew Whitaker — who served as Trump’s acting United States Attorney General…According to Slate, FACT reports on what it sees “as ethical lapses by prominent Democrats and requested that government agencies and law enforcement investigate them—especially if they were Hillary Clinton.”…

“FACT’s origins and the source of funding” remain “obscure” according to the Washington Post …Some of the people listed as members of the board for FACT’s alleged predecessor say that they “never agreed to join” or “did not remember anything about the group.” One person listed as a board member said “the organization only existed on paper and didn’t do anything at all.” The actions of FACT, which were “overwhelmingly focused on Democrats,” may have violated its tax-exempt status, according to the Associated Press.

My note: Google DonorsTrust…and you will find…the Donors organizations are advertised as a way for very wealthy people and corporations to remain hidden when “funding sensitive or controversial issues,”

Another “can’t make this stuff up” note: Google Neil Corkery the current treasurer of FACT…and you can spend hours reading about his deep connections to hard-core right-wing groups, dark money…and more.

To be clear I do not know what exact complaints have been made against Congressman Kahele, nor whether he has violated any ethics rules.

Media reports seem to say the complaint is that he “co-sponsored” 4 bills that benefited the airline industry and his employer Hawaiian Airlines. I have no idea as to the actual nature or substance (or not) of the allegations against him but his type of ethical situation is a common one as every bill has some impact on everyone…Changes to regulations governing airlines impact airports and impact travelers etc etc etc

It seems likely that this comes down to whether there was a “direct and tangible impact that was specific to only his employer” or was the employer just part of a “class or broader group of beneficiaries (such as all airlines and the airline industry) who were targeted by the legislation. Another factor is whether or not any potential conflict was disclosed. It seems that Kahele’s employment with Hawaiian Airlines was common knowledge so it seems difficult to believe that failure to disclose would be a problem.

My point in posting this is that it’s important to know the facts “beyond the headlines” and the source of the complaint. In this case, the organization that planted the complaint that generated the media, FACT, is clearly biased and has a history involving dark money in support of conservative hard right causes.

As I said at the start of this piece: No matter what happens now, FACT and the individuals who were first to whisper in their ear the idea of going after Kahele…have accomplished their goal and achieved the headlines they sought.

It’s disgusting really.

Gary Hooser
*written in a bit of a rush…apologies for typos and grammatical stuff

In case you missed it. From the mass email I sent out earlier today: Statewide, County by County – Pono Hawaii Initiative Council Candidate Endorsements –

Please encourage friends and networks to sign up for my email at https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com