GaryHooser's Blog

Aloha,

A friend sent me a short message a few days ago asking, “Where do we go from here?” My initial response was simply, “Forward.”

Later, I added, “We rest a bit, then we go back at it. We help our friends in the general election of November 3, at the same time we regroup and start on 2022. Along the way we fight for the good stuff, and against the bad stuff. Are you in?”

So, I ask you who are reading this today, are you in? Can you help?

In order to continue moving forward, maintain, and grow our efforts, the Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) could use some help itself actually. We run a pretty lean organization but we do have expenses. Can you help by making a secure online contribution today? Our goal is to raise at least $6,500 by September 1st so that we can revamp our website, further grow our communication efforts and fund basic administrative costs through the final quarter of the year. If you prefer, contributions by check may be sent to: Pono Hawaii Initiative, P.O. Box 871, Honolulu, HI 96808

We had many solid wins in the recent Primary Election, but now need to focus on the General to preserve and expand on those gains. There will not be as many races to focus on but each is important and some critically so (more on this in a future post).

For 2022, the planning begins now. In 2022 every single seat in the Hawaii State House and Senate will be up for election, plus there will be a governors race, a Kauai and Maui mayors race, and others.

Potential candidates (both incumbent and newcomers) need to start laying the groundwork for their campaigns now. If you are interested in running in 2022, if you have roots in your community, and if your values are in support of environmental, economic, and social justice, please lmk if I can help or otherwise add value (for free) to your planning.

So yes, we keep moving forward and doing so as aggressively as possible. There is too much at stake to dilly dally.

Please if you can, an online contribution of any amount, whether it is $25, $250 to $2,500 is welcome and no amount is too small. We are recognized by the federal government as 501c4 non-profit organization however because of the legislative and political advocacy work we do, CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer at this time. My hope is that we can raise an amount to cover our basic expenses by September 21st, and then focus 100% of future efforts toward helping the handful of candidates who anticipate having close general elections.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser – http://www.garyhooser.com
Pono Hawaii Initiative https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org

NOTE: If you are not on my regular email list, please consider subscribing directly at http://www.garyhooser.com/#four

#winning

In a stunning display of strength for the progressive movement in Hawaii, Kim Coco Iwamoto is within 162 votes of beating Speaker of the House Scott Saiki, arguably one of the most powerful men in Hawaii. HD26 (Kakaako)

Hawaii News Now is reporting the race as “too close to call” stating that approximately 2,500 votes statewide remain uncounted. Note to readers: As of August 16th I have seen no further reports to indicate anything has changed. My assumption is that the 2,500 ballots yet to be counted did not impact any race.

In his 26 years in office, Saiki had never seriously been challenged and started the race with $222,230 in his campaign war chest, versus Iwamoto’s $17,886. Saiki had the support of every single public worker union (whose pay raises during the pandemic Saiki had vocally supported), virtually the entire business establishment (given that he has consistently blocked increasing the minimum wage) and a local media that refused to even acknowledge that Iwamoto was a serious challenger.

On top of it all, Speaker Saiki utilized his power and position and both his campaign budget and his official legislative budget, to flood his district’s mailboxes with official-looking brochures touting his work on pandemic issues.

Yes, the entire political and business establishment rallied together to beat Kim Coco Iwamoto. They may, or may not have won this election, but Kim Coco Iwamoto and those in Hawaii who are fighting to put people and the planet above corporate profits, are definitely winning the war.

On another battle-front between corporate profits and protecting the ‘aina, is another “too close to call” race between Walter Ritte, a man who is unquestionably a champion for all Hawaii, and incumbent Lynne DeCoite. At the time of this email, Ritte was just 91 votes shy of victory. HD13 (Molokai/Maui)

Running in their first re-election campaigns incumbent Representatives Amy Perruso and Tina Wildberger both soundly trounced their challengers, proving that a new legislator can speak out, oppose the establishment when necessary – and still get reelected. HD46 (Wahiawa)  & HD11 (Kihei Maui)

Sonny Ganaden, a true champion for working people has overwhelmingly beaten incumbent Representative Romy Cachola 1,470 to 831. HD30 (Kalihi)

First-time candidate Adrian Tam, a strong progressive and emerging young leader, also appears to have carved out a narrow 143 vote win, against the House Leadership backed incumbent Representative Tom Brower. HD22 (Waikiki)

Another newcomer, Trish La Chica HD36 (Mililani) won her primary solidly. Trish’s campaign is based on her “dedication to fighting against unjust systems and policies that favor those with wealth and power.” HD36 (Mililani)

Former Representative Matt LoPresti “the comeback kid” who is a solid progressive also won his primary with strong numbers. HD41 (Ewa)

Lisa Marten’s win is also emerging as a victory for progressives and those in the environmental community. This Windward Oahu district was fortunate to have several good candidates competing and though my choice was Alan Akao who did not make the cut – this district and the progressive/environmental community will be well represented here by Lisa Marten. HD51 (Kailua/Waimanalo)

Similarly, on the Big Island there were two solid individuals running for the same seat, who share the world view of putting people and the planet first. Jeanne Kapela came out on top over Colehour Bondera who is also a friend and ally. HD5 (Kona)

So let’s do the math for the State House of Representatives – 8 solid wins for people and the planet, with 2 more “on the bubble”.  #winning

During the course of this campaign journey, I came to the conclusion that we had at least 19 solid candidates running for the State House who shared our world view of environmental, economic, and social justice. To each of you who ran, please know that you are a hero in my book. I know a little bit about what it takes to run a campaign for public office, and the toll it can take on family, friends, and finances.  

Whether you are one of those candidates who made it over the top, or perhaps you fell short – you should be commended for your willingness to put it out there. Many in our community talk about change, but few are willing to actually make the commitment to enter the arena and risk defeat.

I lost my first race in 1994 for the Kauai County Council and it was the worst day of my life. I ran again in 1998 and won. In total, I have run for public office 10 different times, winning 6 and falling short in 4.  I encourage every candidate that was not successful this time, to take the time needed to rest and catch-up on family and personal stuff…and then start working on the next campaign.

After-all – 2022 starts now.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com
Complete Results – Office of Elections
Subscribe – Hooser email/news 

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

Does anyone else find it interesting that a lobbyist for Monsanto is running the House Leadership PAC? House Leadership by definition is Speaker Scott Saiki and his team.

You really can’t make this stuff up. A Political Action Committee established to support “House Leadership,” is being managed by Emmanuel Zibakalam who is a lobbyist for the largest GMO companies and pesticide manufacturers on the planet. For added value, Mr. Zibakalam is also involved in a “pro-rail” group that appears to be masquerading as a grass-roots community-based organization.

It goes without saying that both groups have a significant financial stake in the decisions made by Speaker Saiki and House Leadership.

Organizational Report for Hawaii House Democratic PAC

The position of PAC Chairperson, the PAC Treasurer and the PAC Custodian of Books and Accounts, are all held by a single individual – Emmanuel Zibakalam.

Mr Zibakalam lists his occupation as Principal at Pacific Business Advocates LLC 

Per their website: “Pacific Business Advocates accommodates clients looking for advocacy in the Federal, State, and County arenas. We maintain a constant dialogue with government entities to ensure current information of the rapidly changing political landscape.”

At the very top of their “Sample Client Roster” are: Bayer (Monsanto), Syngenta, Corteva (Dow/Dupont), and the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association.

Mr. Zibakalam is also a spokesperson for Friends of Rail, a “pro-rail” support group that has been described as a fake grassroots organization (astroturf) backed by rail development interests. See Civil Beat Ian Lind: ‘Don’t be fooled by Friends of Rail’

Mr. Zibakalam has raised $24,750 during the most recent reporting period.

Recent Campaign Contributions by the Hawaii House Democratic PAC are all to Representatives who Speaker Saiki and House Leadership want to “protect.”

Onishi, Richard 08/03/2020 $2,000
Gates, Cedric 08/03/2020 $2,000
Brower, Tom 07/15/2020 $2,000
Eli, Stacelynn 07/15/2020 $2,000
Kitagawa, Lisa 07/15/2020 $2,000

By protecting these Representatives, Mr. Zibalkalam and by extension his clients are protecting the position of House Speaker Scott Saiki.

For Mr. Zibakalam and his clients, this is a twofer. They gain and/or improve their access and influence with regards to these 5 legislators, but more importantly, they significantly increase their access to Speaker Scott Saiki.

This my friends is the definition of “buying influence.” It is of course legal, and yes, Speaker Saiki has some influence when it comes to making laws.

A closing note on “buying influence”: To be clear, for the vast majority of legislators a $2,000 contribution does not buy a vote. But it does buy access. The is a very real “hierarchy of access” and people that help politicians get elected, have greater access than the regular man and woman on the street. Accepting a donation from the House Leadership PAC does not beholden the recipient to the donor, but the donor will in fact gain easier access to the recipient in the future.

Full Disclosure: I am actively and strongly supporting Kim Coco Iwamoto in her campaign for election to the State House, currently held by House Speaker Scott Saiki. Kau’i Pratt-Aquino is also on my “highly recommended” list of endorsements and she is running against incumbent Lisa Kitagawa. My endorsement list and that of Pono Hawaii Initiative, also is supporting Adrian Tam who is challenging incumbent Tom Brower as well as is Shannon Matson who is running against Richard Onishi.

If you believe that our criminal justice system needs an overhaul then Jacquie Esser is your candidate for Honolulu Prosecutor. If you believe that people should not go to jail simply because they are poor and homeless, then Jacquie is someone that you will want to support. If you want a prosecutor who will aggressively go after white-collar crime and political corruption – Jacquie Esser is your candidate.

Honolulu Prosecutor candidate Jacquie Esser can win, but she needs our help today. She is very, very close to making it into the General Election (see Civil Beat Poll). Jacquie has momentum, she has worked very hard to make it this far and needs to push her t.v. advertising just a little bit harder over the next few days. 50 of us giving $100 apiece online TODAY can make a huge difference in this very close race.

Regardless of where you live, if you have the capacity to help – please send something to Jacquie Esser today. She is very close and just needs a little bit more support – from all of us.

Jacquie is the one and only candidate for these times, at this moment. She has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders as well as a wide range of organizations and community leaders.

A friend sent me an email recently asking, “Why Esser over Alm?”

My brief response, “On Judge Alm and Jacquie Esser: My general view of the world at the moment (and not just because of COVID) is one of intense urgency.  Esser brings the values, commitment, and energy needed for the moment.  Jacquie is actively out in the community every day it seems, sharing her values, plans, and thoughts on criminal justice.  I don’t think I have ever seen anything from Judge Alm at all. Perhaps he is not on social media, or maybe because he is the comfortable front-runner he has not been campaigning aggressively – However I would prefer someone with “the eye of the tiger” and not someone comfortable with the status quo. And…I would be less than truthful if I did not say that I find Esser as a woman and someone much younger than Alm…a more refreshing and inspiring candidate. This is coming from a 66-year-old white man 😉  We need to move our state, our country and our world more quickly along that “arc of the moral universe” which is long, but it bends toward justice.” (Dr. King) – and I believe Esser has the “fire in the belly” we need to do this.“

My fellow baby boomers: we have seriously messed up. it’s time to give the next generation a shot at fixing what we broke. Please help Jacquie Esser today if you can.

The absolute final day to vote in the 2020 Primary Election is August 8th, but the deadline to mail-in your Ballot has passed.

Please consider voting this week, in person at a “Voter Service Center” or drop off your ballot at a “Place of Deposit” – for these endorsed/recommended candidates:

Statewide endorsements/recommendations –

Oahu County –

Kauai County –

Maui County –

The official Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) endorsements

To ensure the likelihood of your ballot being RECEIVED by the office of elections on or before August 8th, you should go to a “Voter Service Center” for accessible in-person voting, same-day voter registration, and collection of voted ballots. Hours of operation are daily through August 7, 2020 – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, August 8th, they are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

You can drop off your ballot at the “Voter Service Centers”, or “vote in person”, and or do “same-day voter registration” and then vote.

There are also many “Places of Deposit” on every island where a completed ballot (complete with sealed and signed envelope) can be dropped off. These locations do not allow actual voting or voting registration only ballot drop off in a secure location. A map and list of statewide location is here:

To be absolutely sure your vote is counted, or if you have questions about your voter registration, or if you have not gotten your ballot in the mail yet – I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE THE EFFORT AND JUST GO TO A VOTER SERVICE CENTER (LOCATIONS ON EACH ISLAND LISTED BELOW). And please, don’t wait until Saturday to do this!

Piikoi Building
4444 Rice St
Lihue, 96766

Kapolei Hale
1000 Uluohia St
Kapolei, 96707

Honolulu Hale
530 S King St
Honolulu, 96813

Mitchell Pauole Center
90 Ainoa St
Kaunakakai, 96748

Lanai Police Station
855 Fraser Ave
Lanai City, 96763

Velma McWayne Santos Community Center
395 Waena St
Wailuku, 96793

West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, 96740

County of Hawaii Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi St
Hilo, 96720

It’s crunch time. Today is the last day to vote by mail, but I strongly encourage everyone to join me and vote in person today. Yes, vote in person!
See locations below –

I tried voting by mail but my ballot was returned by the office of elections with a note saying my signature did not match with the signature they had on file. My first thought was that I may have signed my middle name, or my middle initial, or not…and the therefore the sample they have on file did not match. Upon investigation, I discovered my return envelope and my wife’s return envelope had inadvertently been mixed up and we signed the wrong envelope.

So…since I did not want to just guess, take a chance and re-sign, and re-mail…I went down and voted in person. While in theory today is the final day to put your ballot in the mail, I’m encouraging everyone to consider voting in person – TODAY if possible! See the locations for every island below!

If it’s helpful, here are my recommendations for many of the races around the state, especially for the State House – but also includes Council, OHA and the Honolulu Prosecutor (Jacquie Esser of course).

Statewide endorsements/recommendations – https://garyhooser.blog/2020/06/14/rebuilding-the-house-an-almost-complete-list-of-phi-endorsed-candidates/

Oahu County – https://garyhooser.blog/2020/07/21/2020-a-complete-list-of-oahu-candidate-recommendations-state-house-oha-prosecutor-council/

Kauai County – https://garyhooser.blog/2020/07/21/a-complete-list-of-kauai-candidate-recommendations-oha-council-cd2/

Hawaii County – https://garyhooser.blog/2020/07/21/a-complete-list-of-hawaii-county-election-recommendations-state-house-council-federal-oha/

Maui County – https://garyhooser.blog/2020/07/21/a-complete-list-of-maui-candidate-recommendations-state-house-council-oha-and-federal/

The official Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) endorsements are HERE.
https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/endorsements-2020

Ballots must be mailed out no later than Monday, August 3rd to ensure the likelihood of being RECEIVED by the office of elections on or before August 8th.

However, to be absolutely sure your vote is counted, you should go to a Voter service center for accessible in-person voting, same-day voter registration, and collection of voted ballots. Hours of operation are July 27, 2020 – August 7, 2020 Monday through Saturday, excluding Sundays – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Piikoi Building
4444 Rice St
Lihue, 96766

Kapolei Hale
1000 Uluohia St
Kapolei, 96707

Honolulu Hale
530 S King St
Honolulu, 96813

Mitchell Pauole Center
90 Ainoa St
Kaunakakai, 96748

Lanai Police Station
855 Fraser Ave
Lanai City, 96763

Velma McWayne Santos Community Center
395 Waena St
Wailuku, 96793

West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, 96740

County of Hawaii Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi St
Hilo, 96720

Let’s face the facts. The majority rules. Whether it’s state, federal or county — the majority of elected office-holders drive the agenda, and a majority of voters elect those office-holders.

In Hawaii, a majority of the population has historically stayed home on election day. Consequently, a minority actually elect those who represent the majority.

Go figure. No wonder things are so messed up.

So to the disaffected, disenfranchised and disconnected who do not believe in the system and therefore do not vote — yours is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you voted, perhaps things would be different. If you actually got involved in the system and in the democracy that controls our government, perhaps your issues and priorities would be addressed.

You have two choices. Join in making our democracy a better one that puts people and the planet first, or drop out and see your predictions of a deteriorating world come true. If you choose to drop out, please do so quietly — we do not need the passive-aggressive behavior of those who claim to be revolutionaries but who never leave their couch.

The time is now, the choice is yours.

Our world is literally burning. Nearly half of Hawaii’s people wake up every morning facing the stress that comes with being one paycheck or now one unemployment check, away from homelessness. Our economy is collapsing, and the opportunity to re-imagine our future is at our doorstep.

Meanwhile, our legislative leadership just sits there. They have the power to redirect our economy today to one the embraces both technological innovation, and food self-sufficiency. They have the power and ability to reshape our visitor industry to one that has a smaller footprint, and ensures every worker receives a living wage. Balancing the budget for a few weeks and arguing with the governor are not enough. Hawaii deserves so much more.

The complainers rail that the only choices we have at the ballot box are the “same ol’, same ol’.”

But this year it’s different. This year, fortunately, we have an array of high-quality candidates to choose from.

For the first time in many years, we have a strong selection of candidates on the ballot who are willing, able and brave enough to make the bold choices needed to move us forward.

These candidates are knocking on the door asking to come in to help, and to lead. It is our collective vote that will open that door.

We collectively have the power today, at this very moment, to literally change the direction of our state, and the nature of our government.

Hawaii voters are being presented with a unique opportunity to reshape the entire state House of Representatives. Voters can send a message loud and clear that business as usual at the state Capitol is no longer acceptable.

There are at least 19 solid progressive and environmentally friendly candidates running for election to the state House.

In addition to the state House, there are good and forward-thinking candidates running for County Council, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and for the office of Honolulu prosecutor. See the complete list of endorsed candidates here:

Yes, we can in fact change the world of Hawaii politics and government as we know it — but only if we take the time to vote.

Just a handful of days remain until the primary election concludes. Ballots must be received by Aug. 8. The deadline to mail in your ballot is Monday August 3rd but everyone can also vote, and/or register to vote in person at these locations:

It’s crunch time for the 2020 elections. The stakes are high.

Please vote.

ISLAND VOICES StarAdvertiser 07/30,20 By Gary Hooser – The above blog post is a slightly edited version – https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/07/30/editorial/island-voices/column-voting-for-change-the-time-is-now-and-the-choice-is-yours/

Gary Hooser is the executive director for Pono Hawai‘i Initiative, board president of HAPA, and a former senator and Kauai councilmember.

As I go about my work, speaking and writing on issues pertaining to policy and politics, people often talk about their fear of speaking out publicly on issues and candidates.

None of us is free of that fear, because we are all vulnerable to bullying, be it political or corporate.  But now more than ever it is vital to the life of our community and the survival of our planet that we each speak up.

Voting is the ultimate opportunity to speak without fear of retribution. 

The fear sometimes comes from simply living and working in a small community and not wanting to offend friends and neighbors.
 
Too often though, the fear is based on the reality of politics. You are employed by government, your business does government work, or perhaps you are an advocate in the legislative arena. If you speak out against “leadership”, they can hurt you. They can hurt your future employment prospects. They can hurt your business. They can hurt the issues you might be working on.
 
Those who advocate for environmental protection, economic justice, open government, and the rights of the disenfranchised, hesitate to publicly criticize the do-nothing “policy of neglect” currently embraced by legislative leadership. There is a justifiable fear that these same “leaders” will kill or block an advocate’s policy proposals (bills), to teach them a lesson. The threat and the reality of retribution from adversaries both public and private is real.

When political and corporate forces unite the bullying and thuggery can be formidable.

Look what happened to former Governor Ben Cayetano. He ran for Honolulu Mayor on an anti-rail platform and the big money development interests shredded him. Publicly and repeatedly they attacked his character spreading lies, half-truths, rumor, and innuendo. He lost the election, sued for defamation and won. But of course, it was too late. The personal toll it took on him and his family must have been significant.
 
I experienced a small taste of this treatment myself during the Bill 2491 experience on Kauai in 2013. After all, the chemical companies of the world, Syngenta, Monsanto, Dupont, BASF and Dow Chemical (yes, they have all changed their name but not their spots) – have demonstrated that they will spend millions, co-opt members of the community, and basically do whatever they need to do in order to maximize profits. They operate globally in political environments that make the Kauai County Council look like kindergarten. They eat guys like me for lunch. Or at least that is what they try to do. Truth is, guys like me don’t digest too well: we don’t go away, and we never stop fighting back.
 
The ability and willingness to speak up and speak out is a powerful tool and potent weapon of its own. But it also brings with it pain. That’s why many choose to shut the front door, be quiet, and be happy for the legislative policy crumbs that do eventually come their way. Some front-line public interest advocates make the conscious choice to stay quiet and criticize privately.
 
But we cannot afford that anymore. I honestly believe that in this moment, making your voice–and your vote count– matters more than ever. I have spent nearly 20 years working in the political arena. More than ever, I believe we need to elect a new crop of leaders.
 
Legislators who can effectively articulate their positions on issues and take the initiative to do so publicly have more “power” on the floor of the House and the Senate than those who accept their marching orders and vote in silence. Citizen advocates, especially when they band together and speak out united on an issue, have tremendous power and protection from retribution.
 
And that is the secret to winning when dealing with political bullies and their threats. They push you, you push them back. The good news is we’re dealing with people who must be reelected every two or four years in order to maintain their power. Smart legislators soon realize that it makes more sense to accommodate and embrace a just and righteous cause than to retaliate out of ego or personal spite.
 
So, don’t engage in political gutter-fighting if you don’t have the stomach for it. But one thing you can and must do is VOTE. If, despite the urgency of the moment, you don’t want to get involved in the public side of things, at the very least please complete your ballot and speak truth to power in the privacy of your home.

Please encourage others to vote as well. For those that have not registered as voters yet, there is still time as Hawaii allows, same-day voter registration.
https://elections.hawaii.gov/voters/registration/ 

You have a choice this year. You can elect and hold accountable individuals who put the public interest above their own, and who will fight hard to protect people and the planet. Or you can do nothing and retain those lawmakers who carry water for the corporations, and who perpetuate the politics as usual, big-money, big-ego, fear-based, decision-making present at all levels.

Hawaii has already paid too high a price because of failures in leadership.
 
The choice is yours, the time is now.

Please VOTE.

Hawai’i County 2020 Election Recommendations
(for all Counties Statewide go HERE)

After an exhaustive review of almost every race for every office in the state of Hawai’i, the below list represents my final recommendations for the 2020 Hawai’i primary election and includes candidates for both State, County, and Federal offices. Most of the candidates I am recommending, I know personally. Others I have met, done considerable research, and gotten input from friends who live in Hawai’i County and residents who live in the various districts. All, I believe share the core values of economic, social, and environmental justice – Putting people and the planet above corporate profits.

I start with the State House and end with the Council.

Shannon Matson
House District 3 (Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano)
Born in Honoka’a and raised on Hawai’i Island, Shannon Lopeka Matson, is grateful to call Hawaiian Acres her home. As an alumnus of U.H. Hilo, she has been an active community leader in the Hilo and Puna area for over 15 years. Fellow community leader Kealoha Pisciotta says it best, “I support Shannon Matson in her run for the House Of Representative for my District. She embodies a new kind of leadership that is needed in this time of great change. As a Mother, Business Owner, Environmental and Social Justice Advocate, I believe she has what it takes to be a champion for the people and the land.” https://electshannonmatson.com

Eileen Ohara
House District 4 (Puna)
Eileen Ohara brings experience to the position, and that experience will tell you where her values are. Special Projects Manager, Malama O Puna, 2020
Hawaii County Council Member & Chair of the Environmental Management Committee, 2016-2018, Office Manager and Community Liaison, State Senate, 2012-13, Business Development Specialist, Pacific Biodiesel & Big Island Biodiesel, 2007-2011. Recycling Coordinator, County of Hawai’i, Dept. of Environmental Management, 2003-2006, Executive Director, Recycle Hawai`i, 2002-2003, Planner, County of Hawaii, Planning Department, 2001-2002, Coordinator, HELCO, Remote Residential Solar Electric & Street Lighting Programs, 1995-1999, Founding Board Member and Quality Control Officer, Hawai`i Organic Farmers Assn, 1993-2001. http://ohara4puna.com

Jeanné Kapela 
House District 5 (Naalehu, Ocean View, Capt. Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona)
Jeanné was born in Kona and raised on a small coffee farm in the nearby town of Captain Cook. She graduated from Konawaena High School in 2012 and currently serves West Hawai’i as a member of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Board of Directors, Lions Club of Kona member, communications chair of Konawaena High School’s 100th Anniversary Committee, and Director of the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition. Jeanné believes that it’s time to guarantee that the workers who drive our economy are able to thrive financially by raising the minimum wage to at least $15/hour and establishing a statewide paid family leave program. She is also committed to raising teacher pay, fully funding our schools, and creating a Green New Deal.
https://www.jeannekapela.com

Note: For District 5, there are two names listed for the single seat. Jeanné Kapela has the endorsement of the Pono Hawai’i Initiative, and Colehour Bondera who was a late entry to the race has my personal support. This is a “win-win” for District 5 as both are solid in their values and both bring new energy to the State House of Representatives. This race and the endorsement process was a difficult and awkward one for me as I have great respect for both candidates.

Colehour Bondera
House District 5 (Naalehu, Ocean View, Capt. Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona)
Colehour Bondera is a farmer and long time resident in the District. He is the President of the Board of Kona Coffee Farmers Association, a board member of the Kona Farm Bureau and on the board also of the national organization, Beyond Pesticides.
https://colehourbondera.com

U.S. Congress CD2 – Kaiali‘i “Kai” Kahele
State Senator Kai Kahele has proven that when the crunch comes, he will do the right thing. Certainly, on issues pertaining to environmental protection, he has without question proven himself. He has also on numerous occasions bucked the powers that be, and taken tough decisions that put people and the planet first. https://www.kaikahele.com

In the races listed below, other seats are also up for election but I am making no recommendation. I am only endorsing candidates who I know personally and have experience working with them at some level. I suggest leaving “blanks” and not voting on races unless you are clear and firm on your choice.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Note: These offices are voted on “statewide”.
Dan Ahuna (Kauaʻi County)
Lanakila Mangauil (Hawaiʻi County)

HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
Heather Kimball, CD1 (Portions of South & North Hilo & Waimea & Hamakua)
Matt Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder, CD5 (Portions of Western Puna)
Rebecca Villegas, CD7 (Portions of South & North Kona)

On the Mayor’s race for Hawai’i County – There are too many candidates and none at the moment stand out as particularly strong on the most important issues – environmental protection, and economic and social justice, AND have the experience needed to manage the County. While I may write about this race in the future, I do not expect to make any recommendations.

Please help by sharing this message far and wide.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com
Note: If you received this blog post “forwarded from a friend” and would like to be kept informed of policy, politics and the upcoming elections – please consider subscribing to my email newsletter – http://garyhooser.com/#four

2020 Maui State and County Election Recommendations
(for all Counties Statewide go here)

After an exhaustive review of almost every race for every office in the state of Hawaii, the below list represents my final recommendations for the 2020 primary elections and includes candidates for both State, County, and Federal offices. Most of the candidates I am recommending, I know personally. Others I have met, done considerable research, and gotten input from Maui friends and residents who live in their district. All, I believe share the core values of economic, social, and environmental justice – Putting people and the planet above corporate profits.

I start with the State House and end with the Council.

Ka’apuni Aiwohi
House District 8 (Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku, Waikapu)
Ka’apuni Aiwohi says that “Growing up in a Hawaiian household taught me the foundational value of mālama. To care for those that can not care for themselves and for those that do not have a voice.” He will advocate for improving Hawaii’s educational system and for building an economy that will provide jobs for the next generation. He believes strongly also that we must restore trust in our government, protect Hawaii’s sacred places and “bring a holistic and sustainable approach to our `āina so the next generations can enjoy the natural luxuries that we currently use.” https://votekaapuni.com

Tina Wildberger 
House District 11 (Kihei, Wailea, Makena)
Representative Tina Wildberger has 23 years of work experience in Hawaii both as a hospitality professional in Food & Beverage and a small business owner. She is a progressive employer who understands the issues faced by business owners working hard to make ends meet in our island economy. In the first legislative session following her election, Tina showed her willingness to speak truth to power when she stood up and spoke out against the corporate water theft bill being promoted by House leadership. If not for her willingness to speak out, public trust rights to stream waters on Maui would have been transferred for free to a private real estate investment trust who had already essentially sold them to another entity for $62,000,000. Please help support and ensure the reelection of Representative Tina Wildberger.
https://www.tinawildberger.com

Simon Russell
House District 12 (Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, Kahului)
Simon Russell was raised in Hawaii, works as a farmer, and lives in Upcountry Maui (Makawao). Simon is “everything agriculture” and is totally committed to helping to create a Hawaii that is food self-sufficient. He helps farmers today through Hui ‘O Mālama ‘Āina LLC, an agricultural consulting company, and Farm Maui LLC, a licensed contracting company focused on farm operations and management. His background includes Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation (HFUF) – Founding President (2015-2017), USDA Farm Service Agency – State Committee Member, Affordable Agriculture Worker Housing Working Group – Founder, and involvement with many other agricultural and community organizations. Simon Russell is a staunch advocate for Hawaii farmers, Hawaii families, and Hawaii’s natural environment.
https://russell2020.org

Walter Ritte
House District 13 (Haiku, Hana, Kaupo, Kipahulu, Nahiku, Paia, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Molokini)
Uncle Walter Ritte is a legend, a visionary, and a force for the people. In the past, he has moved rhetorical mountains – including the U.S. Congress, the State of Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii – and he has protected real ones. His election and presence in the House of Representatives would be a monumental win for the aloha aina movement. https://ritte.org/

U.S. Congress CD2 – Kaiali‘i “Kai” Kahele
State Senator Kai Kahele has proven that when the crunch comes, he will do the right thing. Certainly, on issues pertaining to environmental protection, he has without question proven himself. He has also on numerous occasions bucked the powers that be, and taken tough decisions that put people and the planet first. https://www.kaikahele.com

I am not making recommendations for every race or every open seat. I am only endorsing candidates who I know personally and have experience working with them at some level. I suggest leaving “blanks” and not voting on races unless you are clear and firm on your choice.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Note: These offices are voted on “statewide”.
Dan Ahuna (Kauaʻi County)
Lanakila Mangauil (Hawaiʻi County)
https://www.lanakilaforoha.com

Maui County Council
Kelly King (South Maui)
Tamara Paltin (West Maui)
Shane Sinenci (East Maui)
Keani Rawlins-Fernandez (Molokai)
Gabe Johnson (Lanai)

Please help by sharing this message far and wide.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

Note: If you received this blog post “forwarded from a friend” and would like to be kept informed of policy, politics and the upcoming elections – please consider subscribing to my email newsletter – http://garyhooser.com/#four