GaryHooser's Blog

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

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 Kauai primary election and includes candidates for 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 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.

(for all Counties Statewide go here)

All of Kauai’s State House and State Senate seats are unopposed in the primary election

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)

Kauai County Council
Mason Chock (Island Wide)
Felicia Cowden (Island Wide)
Luke Evslin (Island Wide)
There are many new candidates running on Kauai that I have not yet had the opportunity to properly review and/or get to know. It is my hope to expand this list after the Primary election and include additional candidates. But for now, I am only actively supporting these three candidates.

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

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 Hawaii primary election for Oahu 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 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 race – on Oahu.
(for all Counties Statewide go here)

Becky Gardner
House District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki)
Becky Gardner is an attorney with extensive experience working at the state legislature. She is an elected member of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board and a founding board member of Envision Kaimuki. As the child of a Filipina mother and an English-German father, Becky learned the value of diversity and honoring culture early on. She is driven by a passion to help create a better world for her two daughters and to share with the community her vision for a just, equitable and sustainable future. Becky Gardner’s election would bring valuable personal and professional experience to the Hawaii House of Representatives.
https://www.beckygardnerhawaii.com

Adrian Tam
House District 22 (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako)
Adrian K. Tam was born and raised in Honolulu. In 2015, Adrian graduated from Penn State University and returned to Hawaii to join his family business and ultimately serve as legislative staff for former Speaker Calvin Say and current State Senator Stanley Chang. He has served in multiple capacities for the Hawaii Democratic Party, is a board member of Young Progressives Demanding Action, a member of the Waikiki Lions Club, and the former vice-president of the Taiwanese American Professionals. “I know Adrian to be caring, hardworking, and deeply committed to supporting progressive initiatives that help the people, ecology, and economy of Hawaii.” – Malia Nolan, Community Advocate
https://www.adrianforhawaii.com

Kim Coco Iwamoto
House District 26 (McCully, Kakaako, Ala Moana, Downtown)
Kim Coco Iwamoto’s victory in this race would shake the House and Hawaii’s political establishment to its core. She is experienced in business, is a former legal aid attorney, has served as a member of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, and on the Hawaii Board of Education. She is a strong advocate of fulling funding public education and says succinctly: “If the legislature can find the political will to fund elevated rail, it can find the funds to elevate our schools”. As to affordable housing and economic justice, she walks the talk: “Kim Coco is part of the solution. She reached out to programs serving the homeless and rented an apartment to a hard-working father of three who had slipped into homelessness and had been living in their van for three years.”– Catherine Graham – Housing Advocate. Kim Coco is a champion of justice and a fearless advocate who puts the interest of people and the planet above all else.
https://www.kimcoco.com

James Logue
House District 29 (Kalihi-Palama, Iwilei & Chinatown)
James says: “I want higher wages for our workers so they can go home after a long day of work and not have to worry about being able to make rent or their mortgage payment. We need to prevent homelessness by supporting our workers. Most people are one paycheck or disaster away from homelessness. Higher wages can alleviate that burden. I spoke to James at length recently and came away convinced he someone who will fight hard for the rights of working men and women and is definitely not afraid to speak truth to power. The State House certainly needs more people willing to speak up.
https://www.logueforhouse.com

Sonny Ganaden
House District 30 (Kalihi, Halawa, Sand Island, Airport)
Sonny Ganaden loves Kalihi, the community where he lives and works. He is a writer, an attorney, and the program coordinator at a non-profit in Kalihi, mentoring young people and helping to build community. As an attorney, he represents small local businesses, indigent defendants, juveniles, and victims of domestic violence. As a journalist, his focus is on the dignity and creativity of ordinary heroes. Sonny is committed to working hard for the people of his district and he is committed to a reform of the criminal justice system that is fair and equitable for all people, not just the rich and connected.

Home

Trish La Chica
House District 36 (Mililani Mauka, Mililani)
Trish La Chica has dedicated her entire career fighting against unjust systems and policies favoring those with wealth and power. As a community advocate, Trish believes that government should work hard to ensure that the people it serves should never, ever have to feel powerless. Trish is currently the advocacy and policy director for the Hawaii Public Health Institute and also serves on the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board. Her public policy focus can be summed up in 7 words – “Championing issues that impact Hawaii’s working families.” It is without question that working men and women on all islands, in all communities here in Hawaii, would benefit from the election of Trish La Chica.
https://www.trishlachica.com

Matt LoPresti
House District 41 (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Ewa Villages, Hoakalei, Ocean Pointe)
Matthew S. LoPresti, Ph.D. (University of Hawai‘i at Manoa) has been teaching philosophy at the university level since 1999, and has served two prior terms in the Hawaii State Legislature, House of Representatives for District 41. Matt’s work-ethic and his care for the land and the environment comes from both of his grandfathers, each of whom were farmers and small business owners. His passion for education comes from his mother who was a teacher. Matt’s past record in the House of Representatives demonstrates clearly that he is a strong voice and a solid vote for progressive issues – putting people and the planet first. https://matt4ewa.com

Vickie Kam
House District 42 (Kapolei – Makakilo)
Vickie Kam is committed to the service of her community by addressing the needs of working families, economic equity, and environmental stewardship. She is an educator, small business owner, beekeeper, mom, and a new grandparent. Vickie Kam is tireless in her community work as evidenced by her involvement with: West Oahu Alumni, Blue Zones Project, Kapolei Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Working Families Coalition, Founding Member of Women’s Island Soccer Association, Democratic Party of Hawaii (Labor and Women’s Caucus), NEA Teacher Leader Initiative, ACLU, and The Southern Poverty Law Center.
https://www.vickiekam.com

Amy Perruso
House District 46 (Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, Launani Valley)
AmyPerruso works hard for her community. First and foremost Amy is a teacher and says that “Teaching and surfing for decades in Hawai’i led me to the practices, people, and politics of aloha ʻāina.” Her stated mission is to “help create a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future for our community and our islands.” Because of Amy’s hard work and initiative, the Department of Education announced a “no herbicide policy” for ALL public schools in Hawaii. While hundreds of people and many organizations were essential partners in this success, it was because of Representative Amy Perruso’s leadership and initiative that it came to fruition. Let’s all get behind this incredible woman and support her reelection. https://www.voteamyperruso.com/

Kau’i Pratt-Aquino
House District 48 (Kaneohe, Kahaluu, Waiahole)
Kau’i Pratt-Aquino is about community empowerment. She goes to sleep every night and wakes up every morning thinking about how to help and support her community. She is a mother, a lawyer, and an extraordinarily effective community advocate. Raised in Koʻolaupoko, she is a seventh-generation Native Hawaiian of the area who brings over seventeen years of experience in community advocacy and development to the legislative arena. She was raised in Pūʻohala Village where she and her family have resided for nearly 40 years. Kau’i says “I am running for the State House of Representatives because I care deeply about our future and the needs of our community. As I travel around the district, talking with people too often I hear they do not feel their interests are being represented in government. I want to change that.” All Hawaii will benefit from the election of Kau’i Pratt-Aquino.
https://www.kauiprattaquino.com

Micah Pregitzer 
House District 50 (Kailua, Kaneohe Bay)
Micah Kalama Pregitzer is a longtime resident of Kailua and the Windward side of O’ahu. He has been teaching science at Kalaheo High School for the last 16 years and currently serves as Windward Chapter President for the Hawai’i State Teachers Association. A champion of economic justice, Micah is committed to ensuring that Hawai’i’s economy works for people, not corporations. He will fight to fully fund public schools, raise the minimum wage, build truly affordable housing, and establish paid family leave programs that uplift working families. Micah is also committed to strengthening Hawai’i’s efforts to combat climate change and protect our natural environment.
https://www.micahpregitzer.com

Alan Akao
House District 51 (Kailua-Waimanalo)
Alan K. Akao, Esq. is a life-long Kailua resident. He received his B.A. in Classics with a minor in Philosophy from Rutgers University. In 2015 he earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with a certificate in Native Hawaiian Law and subsequently became a practicing attorney licensed to practice in Hawaii in both state and federal courts. Alan has received the enthusiastic endorsement of both the ILWU and the HSTA who stated “Alan is the candidate who can best advocate (for the rights of working people and for education) in the state legislature for House District 51.”
https://www.alanakao.com/meet-alan

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

Honolulu Prosecutor – Jacquie Esser
Jacquie is an experienced, eloquent, strong, and independent voice for justice – true justice for all regardless of how much money they have.
http://www.esserforjustice.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)

Honolulu City Council
Will Espero – District 9
Esther Kia’āina – District 3

On the Mayor’s race for Oahu – There are too many candidates and none at the moment stand out as particularly strong on the issues most important to me – 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

Making it easier for developers and landowners to make more money, by eliminating their requirement to provide affordable housing, is in my opinion bad public policy. The recent doubling (and more) of allowable density in the Lihue town core without obtaining any commitment to build any affordable housing whatsoever, was a huge financial gift to those landowners. To grant these same landowners (and others) still yet another gift by eliminating the 30% workforce housing requirement now on the books, would be a huge mistake and arguably, a betrayal of the public trust.

Landowners and developers will design, build, and sell their projects targeting the highest market price they can get in order to maximize profits. This is totally understandable and to be expected.

However, it’s not in the publics’ best interest to eliminate existing affordable housing requirements in order to maximize a project’s profit potential. This is especially true in situations where the landowner/developer is offering nothing tangible in return.

There is nothing on the table, and consequently, the County is essentially “negotiating with themselves.” The discussion by some on the Council that making it easier for landowners/developers to make more money would result in the building of more “market” inventory, and that additional inventory will thus create more affordable inventory “downstream” – is all just speculation (pun is most definitely intended).

If a landowner/developer was actually proposing to develop something and needed support to “make the numbers work” in order to comply with the affordable housing requirement, then yes the County should absolutely look at how they can assist in achieving that goal. But removing the requirement to build affordable housing and expecting to achieve more affordable housing, is a foolish negotiating position at best.

Keep the affordable housing requirement and incentivize as needed but only for the actual creation of genuinely affordable housing units (for purchase and for rent).

The County Council has already passed an “incentive package” for the “Additional Rental Unit” (ARU) affordable housing initiative. This package would effectively lower the cost of construction from $10,000 to $17,000 per unit – via “fee waivers and other incentives”. The ARU law allows homeowners who comply with certain guidelines to construct a second dwelling on their property intended for long term rental or family use.

The County could utilize these same mechanisms to incentivize and support developers seeking to comply with the 30% affordable requirement. In addition, the County could consider further incentives based on the deferral of future property tax income.

Please stay with me for the moment as we venture into the weeds. A landowner who now owns a single-family residence pays X amount of property tax annually based on an owner occupant Homestead rate of $3.05 per $1,000 of assessed value. When that same landowner constructs a new additional single-family home or ARU, the tax assessed value of their property would normally increase to reflect the additional value created by the construction of the second home AND the rate may increase to the Residential (rental) rate of $6.05. The County could “waive” and simply ignore for tax assessment purposes the value of the new ARU. For a $400,000 tax assessment increase, based on a range of $3.05 and $6.05 tax rate = an increase of $1,220 to $2,420 per year in property taxes. Extend this benefit over 10 years = $10,220 to $20,420 in additional incentive above and beyond what is already in place for ARU’s.

Obviously, because of inflation, the tax savings number quoted is very conservative.

The County could thus offer both ARU builders and those complying with the 30% requirement, an incentive package that could save developers/builders $20,000 to $40,000 per unit or more, and there would be no direct impact on the County budget.

It is important to note that the County is not receiving any tax income from these units because they do not exist, and thus the County would be “giving away potential future property tax revenue” and not real dollars out of today’s budget. It is also important to realize that the units being incentivized are affordable and located in existing urban areas where core County services are already in place (parks, police, fire, etc).

The County has the power of zoning and density. The County also has a significant capacity to borrow money at very low rates. And the County of course “makes the rules” that govern construction and development. The County should utilize these powers to the benefit of the public and not just the benefit of landowners and developers.

Each of these powers can be used to incentivize the construction of truly affordable housing. Instead of just giving away density, the County could and should “trade extra density” in exchange for the development of affordable housing. The County could use its low-interest borrowing capacity to help with the cost of infrastructure, in exchange for affordable housing development, and they could “amend the rules” – but not at the expense of health and environment.

There are many, many things the County could and should do to accelerate the development of affordable housing.

Rather than remove requirements for affordable housing, the County should support and incentivize landowners/developers to comply. If landowners prefer to land-bank those properties located within or adjacent to existing urban areas, then the County should consider purchasing that same land, via condemnation if needed. Utilizing private contractors for the construction, the County could then partner with a nonprofit developer and sell the homes or lots to local residents at affordable prices, with protections that they remain affordable in perpetuity.

Councilmember KipuKai Kuali’i and Council Chair Kaneshiro have introduced Bill 2774 that if passed, will effectively eliminate the construction of any future workforce/affordable housing in the town cores of Lihue, Koloa, and Kalaheo.

Seriously. You can’t make this stuff up. I am sure Bill 2774 is well-intentioned, but I am even more sure it is seriously misguided.

Bill 2774 on tomorrow’s Council agenda, proposes to eliminate for a period of ten years the current law requiring at least 30% of all new housing development to be affordable.

The specific language of the proposed Bill 2774 states:

“Sec. 7A-1.4.2 Exemptions.
The workforce housing requirements of this Chapter, shall not apply to
the following:
(a) Projects within the following special planning areas and design
districts, developed at or above the maximum density allowed:
(1) Lihu’e Town Core Urban Design District as defined in
Title IV, Chapter 10, Article 5A.
(2) Koloa Town Walkable Mixed-Use District as defined in
Title IV, Chapter 10, Article 6.
(3) Kalãheo Town Walkable Mixed-Use District as defined in
Title IV, Chapter 10, Article 6.

(In addition to preventing low-income residents from living in the town cores, if passed by the council the construction of new affordable housing will also be eliminated in the below situations as well.)

(b) Projects outside of Visitor Destination Areas and Special Management Areas in residential or mixed-use zoning districts with a density of R-10 or greater, consisting of multiple or single-family attached dwellings, developed at or above the maximum density allowed.
(c) Any affordable or workforce housing development developed by or for the County, either by itself or in partnership with another housing development organization, is exempt from the requirements of this Chapter.
(d) The exemptions in subsection (a) for special planning areas and design districts and in subsection (b) relating to zoning density shall expire ten (10) years from the date of their adoption.”

By eliminating the developer mandate to build a minimum number of workforce/affordable units, you can be assured that there will be no workforce/affordable units constructed. Instead of elimination, the Council should consider incentivization. Don’t get rid of it, but rather make it more attractive.

I have written this in the past, and I will repeat it again here: “The invisible hand makes them do it. Without government serving as a counterbalance, the invisible hand of free enterprise drives all development to sell to the highest bidder. More homes built for the market do not create more affordable housing. The trickle-down theory does not work.”

Developers will build to the top of the market to maximize their profits. Those who believe the addition of market-priced inventory is going to somehow increase the inventory of affordable units have been reading far too much Adam Smith.

In Hawaii, affordable housing equals “below market” housing, which will only be constructed if mandated by the government.

The Council is proposing to create a housing policy that eliminates the requirement for developers to build workforce housing, thus making it more expensive for workers to live in town cores closest to their places of employment.

It is surreal.

Two years ago the Kauai Council doubled the density in the Lihue urban core without obtaining any additional (above the existing 30% requirement) commitment from the landowners to build affordable housing. The value of these Rice Street properties was dramatically and instantly increased, and there was no reciprocal public benefit required by the Council. Now, the Council proposes to increase their largesse to these landowners and many others around the island even further by eliminating completely the meager workforce/affordable housing requirements now in place.

The Council should turn this proposal on its head and increase the requirements for workforce/affordable housing just as they already increased the density. Further, the Council should provide aggressive property tax incentives and other measures that reward and incentivize the development of housing that local residents can actually afford.

Local residents who work in restaurants, offices, and small businesses located on Lihue, Kalaheo, and Koloa deserve to be able to live, work, and play in those same neighborhoods. We need more workforce/affordable housing in our town cores and not less.

Readers, residents, and voters are encouraged to offer testimony via counciltestimony@kauai.gov before noon on Wednesday, July 8th, and/or share thoughts after that date with all seven councilmembers at councilmembers@kauai.gov.

Please, take the time and engage this issue today, with your Kaua‘i County Council.

“So are you saying that 90% of the House incumbents basically suck?” Question received in response to a recent blog post – at https://garyhooser.blog

“A fair question. Basically, I think that a majority either look at the world through a different lens and/or are too meek to speak out.” I replied.

Readers are invited to grade the State House and Senate themselves. Here are the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s top Legislative Priorities for 2019. Guess how many have been accomplished? Remember, Hawaii’s legislature is composed overwhelmingly of individuals who ran for office and were elected to office under the banner of the Democratic Party. And remember also, this is “pre-COVID-19.”

Tier One – Top Priorities
* Raising the Minimum Wage & Establishing a Living Wage
* Increasing Funding for Public Education
* Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

Tier Two – Important Policies That Need Action
*Establishing Collective Bargaining for Graduate Students
*Investing in Veterans Treatment Court
*Developing Neighbor Island Video Conferencing for Public Hearings
*Establishing Single-Payer Health Care (Medicare for All) in Hawaii

Tier Three – Issues To Begin Working Towards
*Improving Access to Behavioral Health Services
*Reforming our Criminal Justice and Bail System
*Establishing Publicly Funded Elections

The reality is that nothing on this list has been accomplished and barely any meaningful movement at all has occurred. Not in the 2019 session, not in the 2020 regular session and not in the 2020 session now underway. Nada, zip, nothing –

Yes, both the Senate and the House are responsible for the ongoing failure to support the priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, but the House under the leadership of its Speaker, Representative Scott Saiki, has stood out as the #1 culprit in preventing the #1 Party priority from passing into law. In 2019 the Senate was poised to agree to a $15 minimum wage, the Governor had expressed his support for a $15 minimum wage – and House Leadership killed it in conference committee. Meanwhile, the minimum wage sits at $10.10 per hour while the cost to merely subsist, exceeds $17.

So back to the original question: “Do 90% of the House incumbents basically suck?

The answer is clearly no. Are a majority in the House far too timid in their approach to supporting the very basic and straightforward issue priorities put forth by their own political party? The answer here would be yes, and too often that timidity looks and feels like negligence.

Fortunately, there are a handful of champions in the House willing to speak out, who support an actual living wage, who passionately fight for environmental protections, who believe in fully funding education, and that healthcare for all is a human right. And thankfully there are many others who also serve in the legislature that while less bold in their advocacy, would do the right thing and vote the right way IF their leadership actually led the way.

This all begs the question: How do we build a legislative body that has a majority who actually believes in this stuff (economic, environmental and social justice) – and is willing to fight hard for it?

The upcoming Primary Election on August 8th (with ballots being mailed out in less than 3 weeks), is the most urgent and obvious next step toward this goal. Statewide, there are at least 17 candidates running for election to the State House who do believe in this stuff and are willing to fight for it.

The other important part that does not go away regardless of who is elected and who is not – is the ongoing need for basic civic engagement. Each of us must be involved and make paying attention to our government – a permanent requirement of our personal citizenship.

Please take action today, research the candidates running in your district and around the state. Find a candidate or candidates that you like and support them. Get informed, submit testimony, attend the hearings, write letters to the editor and talk to your friends and neighbors about the issues.

We have 3 weeks to meaningfully engage the electoral process statewide, and a lifetime to own our personal civic responsibility.

The choice is ours to make. We can remain complacent and accept the status quo, or fully engage the opportunity before us – and win.

Note: If your values place people and the planet above corporate profits, here is a list of 17 candidates to the Hawaii State House of Representatives you might like. Please support them if you can! https://garyhooser.blog/2020/06/14/rebuilding-the-house-an-almost-complete-list-of-phi-endorsed-candidates/

Please consider also subscribing to my regular (sometimes semi-regular, or even irregular) email newsletter: Go to http://garyhooser.com/#four

To everyone who values civic engagement and who yearns for a government that is responsive, transparent, and values-based.

You gotta vote.  There are many excellent candidates that can make real change happen, but for them to serve – you need to vote. Here are 17 candidates running for the State House of Representatives that if elected could change the face, the culture, and the direction of policy and politics in Hawaii. https://garyhooser.blog/2020/06/14/rebuilding-the-house-an-almost-complete-list-of-phi-endorsed-candidates/

The upcoming August 8 primary election actually starts in only 3 weeks, when ballots will begin arriving in the mailbox of every registered voter in the state on or about July 21st.

TO RECEIVE A BALLOT IN THE MAIL, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED AND YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS MUST BE ON FILE AT THE OFFICE OF ELECTIONS BEFORE JULY 9! Visit the Office of Elections website to register to vote or update your information –  https://olvr.hawaii.gov 

Of course, if the Hawaii Legislature would pass SB2005 and institute Automatic Voter Registration (AVR), then you would already be registered and the information on file would be current. Read: https://garyhooser.blog/2019/01/20/the-reforms-that-make-all-other-reforms-possible-starting-with-automatic-voter-registration/

This will be the first regular election that is “all mail-in.” Every registered voter in the state will receive a ballot in the mail and every one of those ballots must be received by the office of elections by August 8th. This is important so I will repeat. For your vote to count, it must be received by August 8th – not mailed by August 8th but RECEIVED.

Yes, you can register and vote on the same day of August 8th but trust me on this one – August 8th is going to be a crazy day for people who wait until the last minute. There will only be two locations on the entire island of Oahu for people to “vote in person” or receive personal assistance on election day, August 8th.  Locations for “vote in person” options on every island will be very limited.

In addition, as you and I both know so very well – many would-be voters will wake up on August 8th and “not be able to find their ballot,” or claim they never got one, or inadvertently “spoil” their ballot and need a replacement. All of these voters will require “in-person” help. At best the main problem will be long lines, but complete chaos on August 8th is not an unlikely scenario.

Imagine for a second what August 8th could be like when an unknown number of voters wake up that morning and go “Oh poop! I forgot to put my ballot in the mail. I need to go down, drop off my ballot and/or vote in person.” On this same day, an also unknown number of new voters are going to have a similar epiphany and realize they forgot to register to vote. 

These hapless but well-intentioned souls will then head to whatever location they have gone to in the past, only to find it is closed. Then, they will call the office of elections to find out where they should go – and that number, of course, will be busy. When and if they eventually find the correct location and arrive there – the line will for sure, already be stretched around the block and then some.

So trust me on this. When the ballots arrive on or about July 21st, please exercise your civic duty and vote promptly. Don’t throw the ballot away thinking it’s junk mail and don’t throw it in the pile on the kitchen table to “look at later” and then end up spending your Saturday on August 8th standing in a long line wishing you were somewhere else.

Your vote matters. Please share this message with friends and family and double-check to make sure you are registered and the correct address is on file. It’s easy, just go to https://olvr.hawaii.gov

And after you do that, please contact your legislator and ask them to schedule and pass SB2005 this year, and pave the way for making it much easier to vote in future elections.

Mahalo for taking ownership of your government.

Best,

Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

If you would like to be on my email list and receive additional updates on occasion, please consider subscribing at http://garyhooser.com/#four