GaryHooser's Blog

Here’s a list of all races that will be on the Hawaii ballot in 2026 AND all incumbents currently in these positions. Please let me know if you notice any errors or typos…am doing the best I can but it’s a lot of data.

Please also check out this excellent “Office of Elections” resource listing seats open and qualifications needed to run.

And for the most recent bank balances in each and every incumbents campaign spending bank account – I’ve got that ranking here also…Following The Money…

U.S. Senate Seats will not be on the 2026 ballot
Senator Brian Schatz will be up for reelection in 2028
Senator Mazie Hirono will be up for reelection in 2030

In 2026 the Hawaii Ballot will contain the following races

U.S. Representative District I – incumbent Rep. Ed Case up for reelection
U.S. Representative District II – incumbent Rep. Jill Tokuda up for reelection

Governor
Josh Green up for reelection

Lieutenant Governor
Sylvia Luke up for reelection

State Senate – seats and incumbents up for reelection
District 2 Joy A. San Buenaventura – Puna
District 5 Troy Hashimoto – Maui – Wailuku, Kahului
District 8 Ronald Kouchi – Kauai
District 9 Stanley Chang – Hawaii Kai
District 10 Les Ihara – Palolo, St. Louis Heights
District 11 Carol Fukunaga – Manoa, Makiki
District 13 Karl Rhoads – Nuuanu
District 14 Donna Kim – Kalihi, Ft. Shafter
District 15 Glenn Wakai – Foster Village, Salt Lake
District 17 Donovan Dela Cruz – Wahiawa, Mililani
District 20 Kurt Fevella – Ewa Beach
District 21 Mike Gabbard – Kapolei
District 25 Chris Lee – Kailua, Waimanalo

State Representative
All 51 Districts are up for reelection – see a complete list of incumbents and districts here.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee – up for reelection
Maui Resident Trustee – Carmen Hulu Lindsey
Oahu Resident Trustee – Kalei Akaka
At-Large Trustee (3 seats)
Keoni Souza
Brickwood M. Galuteria
John D. Waiheʻe IV

County of Hawaii
Mayor Kimo Alameda is not up for reelection until 2028
Councilmembers – 9 total are all up for election
6 incumbents plus 3 termed out
Incumbents

Heather L. Kimball District 1 – North Hilo, Hāmākua, and Portion of Waimea

Jennifer “Jenn” Kagiwada District 2 – Hilo, portions of South Hilo

Dennis “Fresh” Onishi District 3 – Portion of South Hilo and Portion of Kea’au

Ashley Kierkiewicz TERMED OUT District 4 – Lower Puna, Pāhoa

Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder TERMED OUT District 5 -Upper Puna and portions of Keaʻau

Michelle Galimba District 6 – Kāʻu, portions of South Kona, Volcano

Rebecca Villegas TERMED OUT District 7 – Portion of Kona and South Kona

Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba District 8 – North Kona

James E. Hustace District 9 – Kohala, portions of Waimea

County of Maui
Mayor – Incumbent Richard T. Bissen, Jr. is up for reelection
Councilmembers – 9 total
No incumbents are termed out and all are up for reelection
Incumbents

Chair – Alice L. Lee – Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū

Vice Chair – Yuki Lei Sugimura – Upcountry

Tasha Kama – Kahului

Thomas Cook – South Maui

Gabe Johnson – Lānaʻi

Tamara Paltin – West Maui

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez – Molokai

Shane Sinenci – East Maui

Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins – Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia

County of Kauai
Mayor – No incumbent – open seat
Councilmembers – 7 total – all elected “at large” and no districts
There are 3 incumbents running for reelection and 4 “open” seats
Incumbents

Arryl Kaneshiro

Fern Holland

Addison Bulosan

Felicia Cowden TERMED OUT

KipuKai Kualii TERMED OUT

Bernard Carvalho – RUNNING FOR MAYOR

Mel Rapozo – RUNNING FOR MAYOR

City and County of Honolulu
Mayor Rick Blangiardi is up for reelection in 2028
Councilmembers – No incumbents are termed out.
Incumbents

Matt Weyer – II – Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Wahiawā, Mokulē‘ia, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Pūpūkea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana, Ka‘a‘awa, Kualoa, Waiāhole, and Kahalu‘u

Tommy Waters, Chair – IV – Hawai’i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu Valley, ‘Āina Haina, Wailupe, Wai‘alae Iki, Kalani Valley, Kāhala, Wilhemina Rise, Kaimukī, Kapahulu,
Diamond Head, and Waikīkī

Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – VI -Portions of Kakaʻako, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Papakolea, Pauoa Valley, Nu‘uanu, Iwilei, Liliha, ‘Ālewa Heights, Kalihi and Kalihi Valley

Val Aquino Okimoto – VIII – Portions of ‘Aiea, Waimalu, Newtown, Pearl City, Seaview, Crestview, Waipi‘o Gentry, Koa Ridge, Mililani Town, and Mililani Mauka.

For those who are serious about their policy and politics, the most recent Campaign Spending Reports through June 30, 2025 as posted on August 10, 2025 can be found at: https://csc.hawaii.gov/CFSPublic/menu/

I encourage folks to review the data within the reports, which reveals the names of every campaign donor that contributes $100 or more AND the campaign expenses – in some detail.

Civil Beat recently posted some updates as well. Data Dive: Campaign Donations Plummeted During Legislative Session

Below is a “top to bottom” ranking of the money available in campaign spending bank accounts – for every incumbent politician in every State and County political office in Hawaii, including Office of Hawaiian Affairs. I’ll be digging deeper into this…in the future and if/when I find stuff that stands out or especially interesting…I’ll let you know!

Gov. Green, Josh $1,627,076.55
Sen. Dela Cruz, Donovan $1,191,107.26
L.G. Luke, Sylvia $563,565.69
Sen. Keohokalole, Jarrett $274,424.23
Kauai Mayor Kawakami, Derek $250,380.81
Hon Council Waters, Tommy $234,879.03
Sen. Kim, Donna $200,752.55
Sen. Hashimoto, Troy $199,246.42
Rep. Matayoshi, Scot $192,716.42
Sen. DeCoite, Lynn $178,528.12
Sen. Moriwaki, Sharon $139,180.38
Sen. Rhoads, Karl $136,263.32
Sen. Aquino, Henry $135,888.82
Hon CC Dos Santos-Tam, Tyler $135,075.02
Hon CC Nishimoto, Scott $135,034.34
Rep. Yamashita, Kyle $122,308.48
Hon. Mayory Blangiardi, Rick $119,573.49
Sen. San Buenaventura, Joy $115,432.69
Sen. Chang, Stanley $113,907.43
Rep. Kitagawa, Lisa $110,391.36
Sen. Wakai, Glenn $108,390.75
Sen. Kidani, Michelle $104,252.78
Speaker Rep. Nakamura, Nadine $99,403.15
Sen. Elefante, Brandon $98,236.00
Hon CC Okimoto, Val $89,497.26
Rep. Woodson, Justin $82,688.05
Maui CC Sugimura, Yuki $82,450.59
Kauai CC Kaneshiro, Arryl $77,007.59
Rep. Tarnas, David $75,458.62
Rep. Lowen, Nicole $69,898.51
Sen. Inouye, Lorraine $64,707.88
Sen. Kanuha, Dru $64,541.61
Maui CC Uu-Hodgins, Nohelani $64,239.37
Rep. Ilagan, Greggor $64,272.47
Rep. Holt, Daniel $64,165.72
Sen. Richards, Herbert $62,962.59
Hon CC Weyer, Matt $62,412.64
Rep. Takenouchi, Jenna $60,352.91
Pres. Sen. Kouchi, Ron $60,318.87
Rep. Takayama, Gregg $58,803.25
Rep. Todd, Christopher $57,784.94
Rep. Tam, Adrian $54,397.52
Sen. Gabbard, Mike $53,050.53
Hon CC Kiaaina, Esther $52,342.59
Rep. Ichiyama, Linda $51,489.08
Sen. Fevella, Kurt $50,353.45
HI CC Kierkiewicz, Ashley $47,775.42
Rep. Hashem, Mark $45,579.25
OHA At Large Galuteria, Brickwood $44,889.00
Rep. Chun, Cory $44,193.10
Rep. Sayama, Jackson $43,460.87
K. Mayor Cand. Rapozo, Melvin $41,661.51
Rep. Garrett, Andrew $40,484.73
Rep. Miyake, Tyson $40,012.36
Rep. Matsumoto, Lauren $37,529.45
Rep. Kahaloa, Kirstin $33,373.08
Hon CC Tulba, Augusto $32,289.44
Hon CC Tupola, Andria $29,227.37
Hon CC Cordero, Radiant $28,474.48
Maui CC Paltin, Tamara $27,801.77
Rep. Garcia, Diamond $26,634.66
Maui CC Lee, Alice $26,405.02
Rep. Lee Loy, Susan $25,798.55
Sen. Lee, Christopher $23,986.75
Rep. Kong, Samuel $23,686.12
Rep. Lamosao, Rachele $22,350.55
Rep. Evslin, Luke $21,273.41
Rep. Pierick, Elijah $20,748.29
Kauai CC Kualii, KipuKai $20,049.34
Rep. Kila, Darius $19,318.97
Rep. Poepoe, Mahinamalamalama $18,753.61
Rep. Morikawa, Daynette $16,710.66
Maui CC Kama, Natalie $14,846.90
Rep. Amato, Terez $14,545.93
Rep. Hussey, Ikaika $14,327.46
Maui CC Rawlins-Fernandez, Keani $13,789.43
Rep. Lee, Michael $13,496.83
Rep. Shimizu, Garner $13,337.96
K. Mayor Cand. Carvalho, Bernard $13,298.09
Rep. Kusch, Matthias $12,840.42
HI CC Inaba, Holeka $12,620.28
Rep. Iwamoto, Kim Coco $8,944.51
Rep. La Chica, Mae Patricia $8,416.69
Rep. Alcos, David $8,067.68
HI CC Kagiwada, Jennifer $7,944.62
Rep. Olds, Ikaika $7,061.69
Kauai CC Holland, Fern $6,401.73
Sen. DeCorte, Samantha $6,028.19
HI CC Hustace, James $5,925.12
Maui Mayor Bissen, Richard $5,105.77
OHA Maui Lindsey, Carmen $4,897.00
HI CC Villegas, Rebecca $4,598.33
Rep. Marten, Lisa $4,471.18
OHA at large Akina, William $4,220.53
HI CC Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matthew $3,673.22
HI CC. Galimba, Michelle $3,560.52
Rep. Perruso, Amy $3,505.79
Rep. Templo, Shirley $2,991.50
Rep. Gedeon, Joe $2,805.01
OHA, Oahu Akaka, Kalei $2,782.34
Sen. Awa, Brenton $2,721.78
Rep. Belatti, Della $2,483.68
Kauai CC Bulosan, Addison $2,340.93
Maui CC Sinenci, Shane $1,868.95
BI Mayor Alameda, Kimo $1,428.02
Rep. Grandinetti, Tina $472.78
Maui CC Johnson, Gabriel $351.14
Rep. Cochran, Elle $308.58
HI CC Kimball, Heather $103.39
OHA Chair Kahele, Kaiali’i. $100.00
Rep. Kapela, Jeanne $0.73
Maui CC Cook, Thomas $-292.15
Rep. Reyes Oda, Julie $-385.06
OHA, Molokai Lanai Alapa, Luana $-1,702.99
OHA Kauai, Ahuna, Daniel $-2,486.65
Rep. Muraoka, Chris $-5,991.59
Kauai CC Cowden, Felicia $-6,990.93
Rep. Quinlan, Sean $-8,050.44
Rep. Souza, Kanani $-8,139.77
Sen. McKelvey, Angus $-9,054.44
OHA At Large Waihee, John Jr. $-21,258.80
HI CC Onishi, Dennis $-23,885.03
Sen. Ihara, Les $-25,370.04
OHA at large Souza, Keoni $-64,400.76
Sen. Fukunaga, Carol $-67,773.43

Note: I’m assuming (but will be digging deeper) that many/most of “negative” balances are due to candidate loaning themselves money to run their own campaign.

Gary Hooser

Today, Monday August 11th at 5pm – check out our Policy – Politics video podcast on YouTube and/or on FaceBook – We’ll be discussing the upcoming 2026 elections, hot-button “action” items, AND offering insider tips via “Lessons from the Ledge” 😉

We need elected leaders who can’t sleep at night.

Those who lead our government should be individuals who cannot “un-see” the injustice that permeates our so-called modern civilization.

We need servant leaders who toss and turn throughout the night as they think about what they can and MUST do to make things better.

A palpable urgency of the moment, with the absolute certainty that together we can build a better tomorrow, MUST dominate the thoughts and actions of those who sit at the top.

We need leadership at all levels who see the people in our community living on sidewalks, under bridges and in their cars, AND the crying, starving, and dying children of Gaza – EVERY SINGLE DAY.

We need policy makers and government administrators who are unable to look away from the degradation of our water, our food, and our oceans – – and who are totally committed to making our world a better place.

NOW. TODAY. AT THIS MOMENT.

“After the mid-terms”…”During the next regular session”…”Once the budget allows for it…”

Any language of further delay or denial is simply unacceptable.

Imagine if our Governor, our mayors, state legislators, and county council-members each stood up and publicly condemned Hamas for the murder of between 1,200 and 2,000 Israelis since October 7, 2023, AND condemned Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the horrific retaliatory slaughter of over 60,000 Palestinians – with nearly a third of the dead under the age of 18. (Reuters).

The United States provides significant funding to the IDF, and thus supports the ongoing genocide. The U.S. is the largest provider of weapons and has more troops stationed in more bases, and in more countries, than ANY other nation on the planet.

Imagine if our government leaders had the courage and resolve to actually shrink the budget and physical footprint of the U.S. Military, here at home and overseas.

Imagine our local state and county government leaders standing up to ICE…and passing local laws that prohibit law enforcement from hiding behind masks, AND requiring due process.

Imagine further if our political leaders made a commitment to NOT wait until the next election cycle — or the next regular legislative session — or the next ANYTHING. Imagine if they started NOW and didn’t stop until our community and planet turned the corner.

That’s the leadership we need and deserve.

Anyone presently holding public office who’s unable to make that commitment and/or does not feel in their heart the urgency of the moment must be replaced in 2026 — or sooner if there are legal, moral and ethical methods to do so.

The good news: We the people have the power to make this happen.

If we’re asking our political leaders for a total commitment, it’s only right we offer the same.

This means individual and collective ACTION.

It means calling and emailing our political leaders at ALL LEVELS and demanding they take action NOW.

We need a special state legislative session NOW. We need our political leadership to condemn the atrocities occurring in GAZA NOW. We need our County governments to protect our local communities against the abuses of ICE – NOW.

Of course those in power will likely tell us “There’s no money.” Our response should be “BS”.

We live in a time and place of great abundance. The wealth that surrounds us should go where it is most needed and most deserved — to support our planet and our people.

We must get rid of our own personal excuses as well.

TO WIN, WE MUST SHOW UP.

We must attend those public hearings, hold signs at the protest rallies, submit testimony, actively support the campaigns of new candidates, donate money when we can, and RUN FOR ELECTION OURSELVES IF WE CAN’T FIND OTHERS TO STEP UP.

Dr. King said it best, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

So, let’s DO this. Let’s grab hold of that arc and pull it towards justice with everything we’ve got…and then let’s pull some more.

Gary Hooser
Just a tūtū man who can’t sleep at night and feels compelled to share.
To: Blog readers – I post my missives and ramblings here on this blog first…before I send out to my mass email list or post on FaceBook or other republication…Your feedback is important and sometimes I may edit subsequent versions based on thoughts and impressions you share with me…after you read the original blog post.

It’s way past time for our elected Democrats to step up, support, and FIGHT for the values and principles outlined within the Hawai’i Democratic Party Platform.

We need those who wear the “D” during their election campaigns to prove they really are Democrats.

Unfortunately, too many are Democrats in name only (DINOs).

They say the right things and brag about “liberal” values, but in their hearts they’re corporatists, masquerading as centrists, and dressed like Democrats.

Their natural inclination is to side with the Money — big business, developers, large landowners, and the wealthiest among us.

Our State legislature is full of them.

One would think having such a large majority of Democrats serving in the legislature would equate to the passage of forward thinking public policy strongly aligned with the Hawai’i Democratic Party platform.

One would think.

After-all, it’s pretty basic, non-controversial stuff.

For example, the official Democratic Party platform “supports measures to drastically reduce income and wealth inequality.”

It goes without saying that Hawai’i is way behind on this one.

Just talk to the folks working full-time and yet still forced to live in their car due to low wages and the high cost of housing.

Another key platform goal: “Protect and restore the civil and human rights of each person.”

Unfortunately, too many Democrats now in office support increased criminalization of the houseless, oppose criminal justice reform and are keeping their head in the sand when it comes to ICE and immigration.

”We believe government officials should . . . support full transparency in all government functions.” To say this foundational principle is regularly ignored by incumbent Democrats at the legislature, is a gross understatement (think about the travesty of SB933).

We need Hawai’i Democratic lawmakers to step up and do the job we’ve elected them to do.

In 2023, 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.

Massachusetts voters recently approved a “millionaires tax” that generated $2.46 billion in its first full year AND the millionaires are not fleeing the state because taxes are too high.

Hawai’i DINO’s actually reduced taxes for our own millionaires last year. AND the Trump administrations Big Ugly Bill has reduced their taxes even more.

Connecticut is a blue state that takes political corruption so seriously they passed a law making “failure to report public bribery” a criminal offense. If a public servant is aware their boss, or a colleague is on the take, they are legally required to report it or also be guilty of a crime.

I’ve gotta ask: Where’s OUR Big Beautiful Bill that increases taxes on the very rich AND attacks the root of “pay to play” culture in that big square building?

Where’s our own comprehensive legislative agenda that supports Democratic Party values such as; eradicating income inequality, protecting civil rights and due process, decriminalizing poverty, expanding free healthcare, reimagining public safety, campaign spending reform, increased transparency, and building true permanently affordable housing?

It’s not too late. Our Hawai’i Democratic legislators could – no, they SHOULD — and they MUST – call a Special Session to lessen the impact of the Big Bad Ugly Bill on our state.

And while they’re at it, they MUST take that opportunity to prove who they really are — and what they stand for.

Local Party leadership and Rank-and-file Democrats must insist that Democrats elected as Democrats begin ACTING like Democrats.

We can reform the Party, leave the Party, or join/start another Party.

All options are on the table.

Gary Hooser
Former State Senator and former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Now just a tūtū man doing his best to make our world a better place.

Walking in the Kōloa Days Parade this past Saturday was a fun reminder of how: “Lucky we live Kaua‘i”.

The weather was perfect, a hot summer day with blue skies and a cool breeze when you were fortunate to be in the shade. Friends and family, local residents and visitors alike lined the roadway clustered under the shade of large monkey pod trees, sitting on beach chairs, blankets and on tailgates of pickup trucks. Coolers filled with water, cut pineapple, and frozen ice snacks seemed to be everywhere while children of all ages waited patiently with huge smiles and obvious expectation of what would soon be coming down the road.

The parade route started at Kōloa Elementary School and ended up at the Kōloa park and athletic fields where under the big tents were local crafts, jewelry, clothing, art, music, dance, Taiko drumming, and much more.

There were huge delicious looking watermelons, colorful shave-ice cones, cotton candy, flying saucers, and other delightful snacks to choose from.

The parade itself can only be described as “local style” in the most positive sense. Rugged paniolo astride their spirited steeds, local dignitaries walking and waving, community organizations carrying signs and banners, convertibles, golf carts, and flatbeds- all part of the grand procession.

Keiki walked with kūpuna. Old time Kōloa residents and kama‘aina walked side-by-side with part-time residents and malahini. Real estate developments and resorts shared the road with conservation groups and non-profits. Everywhere, people from all walks of life were talking and laughing, shaking hands and embracing. Friends old and new were doing the things that build and strengthen communities – celebrating their love of life on Kaua‘i and specifically the love and respect for life in Kōloa. Yes, we are very lucky to be able to call Kaua‘i home.

Was truly a Louis Armstrong “Wonderful World” type of moment.

The Hooser Ohana walked with the good folks of Malama Maha‘ulepu. The protection and preservation of the Maha’ulepu area and coastline is sacrosanct, and we were honored to join this hardworking and dedicated community group.

While Claudette and I have called the east-side home for the past 45 years, our son and his family have put down roots in Kōloa. They own a small eatery, the Smash Cafe, located on the corner as you first enter Old Kōloa Town. Our grandson is a proud student at Koloa Elementary School, and loves fishing with uncle along the coastline. His little sister who’s not yet old enough for school, runs with the neighbor kids, and chases the chickens for fun.

Needless to say, we’ve come to love this little town and the sunny south-side of our island.

Kōloa is a real community. The people who live there, know their neighbors. They watch each others kids. It’s a place where guaranteed, you’re going to run into friends at the market, or down at the harbor. You can walk or ride your bike to town and the beach.

Kōloa is a uniquely special place with a storied history surrounded by a pristine natural environment that include mountains that will take your breath away and a coastline unlike any other in the world.

This is why the Hooser Ohana walked with Malama Maha’ulepu. This is why we should all walk, support and work along side of them and other worthy organizations committed to the work of protecting that which is irreplaceable.

Mahalo to the good folks who organized, supported, and made the Kōloa Days Parade happen – it’s an annual reminder of how lucky we are and of our kuleana to this place.

I’m parking 5 years of my previous writing here on this page today.
This is a LiveJournal Blog I started in 2005 and then switched to WordPress in 2010…sooooo that means about 20 years of writing policy, politics, and personal missives….at least 1 per week…so do the math Gary….1,040 at the minimum missives…hmmm…something tells me I will never find the time to go through and sort or catalog them…to see which are worth saving or turning into book or manual or something…dealing with political advocacy and running for office…which is the majority of the content…but who knows? Maybe I’ll get a Bee in my bonnet and dig into it one day. In any case…don’t want to lose it again (I just rediscovered it today while looking for a particular piece of writing I know I did…but could not find. But enough rambling for a Sunday! Here is is https://garyhooser.livejournal.com

Mahalo for taking the time to check in and read this blog once in a while. I do my best to keep my posts informative, useful, entertaining if possible – and not too long.

If you want more… Please consider subscribing to my email rant-letter or political action-letter or whatever you want to call it…but it’s not a newsletter! Please…I truly hate the term and I certainly don’t read newsletters.

Please also watch our newest – Policy + Politics video podcast via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/THJnzO2FfPQ?si=ZL6fQqLw24lgL82f

or Policy + Politics via FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZU7RN7sda/

The shows are all recorded and available to view anytime. Please take a moment to watch and/or just listen…and let me know what you think. We are new at this and your feedback is greatly appreciated.

My co-host extraordinaire, Aria Juliet Castillo, is on vacation and so yesterday’s show was just me!

It’s basically “Hooser unleashed” :-).

I promise to do my very best to deliver 90 minutes of coherent, interesting, and valuable policy and politics content.

If you have specific questions or issues you would like me to talk about…please respond here to this blog post…and again feedback and suggestions on how we might improve…are welcome 😉

Your’s truly,

Gary Hooser
former lots of things…but forget the titles
Just call me tūtū man

Months ago Hawai’i legislators were told to hold August 25-29, September 29-October 3, and November 17-21 for a possible special session to deal with the anticipated Trump budget cuts.

The Legislature convened a special session in 2017 to deal with the Honolulu fixed rail project.

One would think hauling people away in the middle of the night without due process, and the Trump Administration attacks upon all areas of civil society would warrant at least the same degree of attention as “rail”.

One would think.

The needs are great and we cannot wait until the next regular session.

There’s nothing regular about the times we’re living in.

Coming up with the State funds necessary to offset the impacts of Federal funding cuts impacting Hawai’i public schools, health care, nutrition assistance, environmental protection, and other essential public services – is priority #1.

“Fixing” the deeply flawed SB933 (4 politicians empowered to award $50,000,000 to nonprofits behind closed doors) is just one of several legislative actions, that cannot wait until the “regular” session.

Mahalo to Representative Della Belatti for proposing this fix and strongly speaking in support of convening a much needed special session. Mahalo also to Representatives: Kim Coco Iwamoto, Kanani Souza, and House Majority Whip Amy Perruso for joining in that support.

Rep. Perruso also supports including in the special session a measure prohibiting law enforcement officers from hiding their identity behind masks while making arrests, requiring visible credentials, and ensuring due process. In addition she’s advocating for passage of a bill banning state contractors and their immediate families from donating to political campaigns (pay to play).

These 3 items: No secret police, fix SB933, and close the contractor “pay to play” loophole – represent a good start.

I believe however the people deserve more.

We have an affordable housing crisis that needs emergency ACTION, not just an emergency declaration.

Sweeping the unsheltered from public view should be the crime, not sleeping in your car or in the bushes at the side of the road – when there’s literally no other legal place to sleep.

Restoring faith and confidence in government, must also be a priority.

Strengthening campaign spending laws, ending the “two ticket to a fundraiser” scam allowing the transfer of money between candidates, closing the “contractor family and friends loophole”, and passing publicly funded elections – would be huge steps in the right direction.

Special sessions can be called by the governor or by a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate and may last up to 30 days.

Please join me now in reaching out to every legislator in that big square building.

Contact first, your district Senator and Representative – (name/contact info here https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/ ) AND then contact Senate President Ronald Kouchi (808-586-6030 senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov ) and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (808-586-6100 repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov ).

Let them know you’re counting on them to support a special session.

Should they say there’s not enough time in a special session to do what’s needed, remind them they can and should start now, form working groups, hold hearings, fine-tune bills – and then during the actual 30 day special session conduct the final hearings and votes.

Inevitably they will bring up the money, or lack thereof.

Remind them gently yet firmly that last year they approved tax cuts that will cost Hawai’i over $1.4 billion per year. (Hawai’i Appleseed)

Suggest that perhaps during the special session they should claw back a billion or so from the wealthy beneficiaries of both the Hawai’i 2024 tax cuts and those contained in Trumps BBB.

We need thoughtful, proactive, positive action, not excuses for putting things off to another day.

That day is now. Please make the calls and send the email.

Let’s do this.

Gary Hooser

I just posted this comment on a StarAdvertiser story where the governor and others are quoted saying we don’t need a special session because the really bad stuff hasn’t happened yet…so my comment is “Yes absolutely makes total sense to me. Why hold a special session now to be proactive prior to the actual crisis arriving? Why not just wait for bad things to actually happen first before troubling our part-time legislative leaders? After-all everything else is totally on track. The number of masked ICE enforcers have not yet gotten the headlines here that deserve a response. Let’s wait until something really bad that makes super headlines that alarms even more tourists before we take proactive steps. Our unsheltered have sufficient, safe, clean, and weather resistant (almost) tents to live in (so long as they move on every few weeks) AND we already gave them an emergency declaration! Surely they can wait until a regular session? Our contractors and their friends and family members can still contribute to political campaigns, and the need and frequency of political fundraising can now move full speed ahead, without being hindered by cumbersome regulations. Oh yes…SB933 which is now law…will allow 4 of our best legislators to dispense $50,000,000 to nonprofits in their districts and across the islands from the privacy of their closed door meetings. What could go wrong? We don’t need no stinking special session when we have the status quo which is working just fine!”

If you agree a Special Session is yes most definitely needed NOW please
Contact first, your district Senator and Representative – (name/contact info here https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/ ) AND then contact Senate President Ronald Kouchi (808-586-6030 senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov ) and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (808-586-6100 repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov

Here’s the story “Special Session May Not Be Needed”