GaryHooser's Blog

While our first priority is personal health and then the economic realities of today, we must also at some point soon talk about what comes tomorrow.

There is the “here and now” conversation of social distancing, travel bans, quarantines and the fundamental need to just stay at home. By now, most of us get it and we are staying home if able to do so.

Personally, I am ready to move on and accept that there are enough cooks in the kitchen. When there is a capacity for expanded statewide testing, I’m confident that the decision will be made. As the government can develop further rules on better enforcing the mandatory quarantine I am likewise sure that will happen. Banging on those in power trying to do their best only makes things worse. Likewise, hating on people just because they are driving a rental car or don’t look local, or have pulled over to look at the ocean is unacceptable.

We are better than this. Each of us needs to take another deep breath and remember yet once again, that we are all in this together.

The immediate task before us is taking care of our personal health, and the health of the greater community. That boils down to staying home. If we must go out to work or do essential tasks, we must take the appropriate steps to social distance, wash our hands, etc.

Following close behind protecting our health, is managing as best we can the economic realities of the moment. Again, we need to remember we are all in this together. If you are a renter who has lost their job, reach out and talk to your landlord. If you are a landlord, offer help if you can to your tenant and then likewise reach out to the bank who is awaiting your mortgage payment.

If you have lost your job or had to close your business, or if you need help just to pay your bills or put food on the table – you should do the research and apply now for the help that is available. If you are not sure where to start, let your friends and neighbors know of your situation. Someone I am sure will step up to help. After all, that is how we roll.

It’s time now for the mortgage industry to simply reduce interest rates on existing mortgages, without forcing all to go through the refinance process. Ditto for credit card interest and student loans. While loan forbearance is helpful, temporarily deferring monthly payments, is not enough. The federal government is shoveling trillions of dollars into the financial markets to keep them viable, that help must be directed also to the interest rates being charged on consumer debt and residential mortgages.

Soon we must engage the post-pandemic public policy #pppp conversation. At some point, the 2020 legislative session will reopen. When this happens we as a community must ensure that key “moving forward” issues are addressed with the urgency they deserve.

The knee jerk legislative reaction to kickstarting the economy will be to invest in construction projects and reboot the visitor industry. Both must be done, but both must be done with mindfulness. We need a massive investment in basic infrastructure and affordable housing. We also need to support our friends and family in the visitor industry. But we need limits on growth, the industry must pay its fair share, and future visitors must be better informed as to the importance of respecting both our culture and our special places.

Construction and visitor jobs must be supported, but the current situation calls for much more.

The fragility of our “supply chain” and the need for food self-sufficiency has never been so apparent. We must attack this challenge with the commitment it deserves.

With the wide availability of modern communication technology, there is no legitimate excuse to continue delaying the opportunity for meaningful public participation in state government, regardless of where you live. We need “remote testimony” capability now.

Finally – Now is not the time to balance the state budget on the backs of the most economically vulnerable. Hard-earned and much-deserved tax credits and modest incremental wage increases must be preserved and in fact, expanded. 

When the 2020 legislative session eventually is called back to order, these issues (and others) must be addressed with the urgency they deserve. This is not the time for our legislature to hunker down, do only the basics and wait for the storm to pass. To the contrary, this is when we need them the most and I’m hopeful that leadership in the House and the Senate will, in fact, rise to the occasion.

Gotta confess I have mostly but not completely stayed home during these past 9 days. Today I went to the Big Save and to Times supermarkets with a short but challenging honey-do list (but never was able to find eggs or toilet paper). I also filled up the truck with gas and got a little cash from the ATM.

I kept my distance from everyone, was very conscious of what I touched, used my debit card (not cash), and washed my hands immediately afterward.

Other than that, I have been home this past week…except for that one afternoon when I could not resist driving to Koloa and visiting my 3-year-old grandson Rixon, son Dylan and daughter-in-law Leeona. I just could not stay away and convinced myself that as long as we did not get too close, that it would be ok. Some will say I was irresponsible and risked both getting my family sick and getting myself sick, and the guilt and tangible harm that could result.

But I did what I did, feeling at the moment that so long as we kept the social distancing in place and refrained from touching and hugging or close contact, that it was safe. We were mostly outdoors around a picnic table, under a tree with a barbecue and cooler nearby.

I went for two hours without touching my grandson and then had one small lapse in judgment. Rixon and I were standing next to each other (a few feet apart) when in what is a time-honored crude and juvenile male type of tradition…I extended my finger to him and asked him to pull it.

With his eyes as big as saucers and with just a tiny bit of hesitation, he reached over grabbed my finger firmly and pulled hard. I will not go into further detail as to what occurred next, but at that moment we both erupted in full-throated laughter and giggles. It was seriously one of those times neither of us will ever forget. Should, however, either of us now fall ill, I am not so sure how funny it will remain, but the moment cannot be taken back.

So, besides going a bit stir crazy now and again (as evidenced here), I remain mostly self-quarantined at home. As mentioned in an earlier column I am not sick, have no symptoms of any kind and to my knowledge, I have not been exposed to Covid-19. I’m staying home because it seems like the right thing to do, and because as a person of relative privilege, I can.

As to the question of whether or not I would ever ask my granddaughter Isabella who is just slightly younger than Rixon to participate in the same crude (some would say disgusting) ritual as I did with Rixon—-What do you think? Shield the sweet little girl or treat both grandchildren equally, regardless of their gender?

Note: This blog post was scrutinized prior to making it public by several friends and the initial reaction was mixed – but all agreed it made them laugh. My purpose in writing the post was both to make people smile but also confess to my lack of discipline in breaking my self-imposed quarantine, and acknowledge the bad judgment. I understand also that “flatulence humor” may be seen by some as unseemly. But hey…I can blame this on being stir crazy, a temporary lapse in good judgment and/or on being retired and being able to do and say what I like, or on my interest in expanding my writing…or whatever 😉

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Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami should be commended for his leadership in guiding Kauai County through these past very difficult few weeks. His daily updates have provided a calm, consistent and reassuring message that appropriate measures are being put into place to limit the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While I initially wondered about the evening curfew that was put into place, I understand the importance of sending an early message to visitors and residents of the need to stay home. The closing of the farmers’ markets also have raised questions, but I know clearly that these decisions were not undertaken lightly and are constantly under review.

I especially appreciate our Mayor has not overtly criticized or publicly “piled on” Governor Ige, second-guessing as to whether or not his decision-making has been aggressive enough. Whether or not such criticism is deserved, there is a point when this type of conversation is not helpful and in fact, is counter-productive. I believe that we crossed this point a few days ago.

Moving forward is where our collective energy should be focussed. What do we do next?

A huge infusion of economic support is coming very soon to local residents and businesses. The State Department of Labor is working 24/7 to manage the influx of unemployment insurance requests and has announced all applications will be “backdated” to compensate for the temporary system breakdown, which has been so frustrating for so many.

Contained within the multiple economic stimulus packages being passed by the U.S. Congress are measures to increase both the amount of the weekly unemployment benefit and the length of time the benefits will be paid. There will also be direct cash payments deposited into almost everyone’s bank account. While the exact amount has not yet been determined, it’s without a doubt that a cash infusion to individuals and families, will soon be on its way.

For those who have recently lost their jobs, the help and the money cannot come fast enough.

Everyone is in the same boat. From newly unemployed individuals renting a single room in a house, to now closed large retail stores renting huge commercial space in shopping centers. Everyone is either paying rent or mortgage payments, and those receiving the rent and mortgage payments are all likewise using those funds to pay their bills.

The economic circle of debt and dependence is locked in, and the result is complete interdependence. In a disaster such as this, no-one can afford to foreclose or evict as there is no-one to replace that income stream. Consequently, there will be many measures in place to limit or block foreclosures and evictions. After all, they can’t foreclose and evict all of us!

The truth is the economic disruption while severe and extremely disruptive is temporary. The heartbreaking reality for those perhaps already stretched to their limit before the arrival of Covid-19 is that even if temporary, they will get pushed over the edge and lose everything. But for most of us, I believe we are in the midst of temporary hardship. An incredibly stressful hardship, but temporary – and necessary for the greater good.

For what it’s worth, I believe the worse will be over relatively soon. Approximately 3 months after the first outbreak, new cases of Covid-19 in China have been dropping slowly but steadily over the past few weeks. Restaurants in the hardest-hit areas are starting to reopen and economic activity is slowly restarting.

Following this pattern, we should likewise be turning the corner in 3 months or so. At some point, the hotels, restaurants and related businesses will then gradually start reopening. Airlines will begin reinstating previously canceled flights and our local economy will start climbing back to health. The economic recovery will take some time, but a year from now will feel much more like normal, than the uncertainty and stress we are all feeling now.

While no one can accurately predict what will come next, we can do our best to create the future we want for ourselves. We can and should be redoubling our efforts to achieve true food self-sufficiency. Likewise, it’s way past time to make economic diversification a reality and not just a buzz word. And during the coming blur of actions and activity that accompany all disasters and the subsequent rush to recovery, we must always remember three things: This too shall pass, the sun always comes up the next day and we are all in this together.

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From Donna Wong, Hawaii 1,000 Friends – “While citing the need to take all precautions to prevent Coronavirus-19 from spreading, which I agree is critical the Governor in his Supplemental Proclamation has suspended HRS 91 Sunshine Law, HRS 92 Public agency meetings and records, HRS 92F Uniform Information Practices Act, HRS 343 EIS, HRS 171 Public lands, management and disposition, 2HRS 205 Land Use Commission, and HRS 205A Coastal Zone Management until May 15.

No explanation is given as to why environmental and planning laws 343, 205 and 205A, and 171 are suspended during this HEALTH emergency.

Note: Please consider subscribing and receive regular email updates/thoughts and occasional action alerts – on policy, politics, and life in general. Subscribe/Join here: http://garyhooser.com/#four

Today is my 6th day of voluntary self-isolation. I am not sick, have no symptoms of any kind and to my knowledge, I have not been exposed to Covid-19. I’m staying home because it seems like the right thing to do, and because as a person of relative privilege, I can.

Technically I am in the high-risk category due to being over 65 (just barely). Importantly, I have a history of respiratory issues. My birth father, who was a heavy smoker, died from complications relating to emphysema before he reached the age of 60. Every few years I contract chronic bronchitis, walking pneumonia or other similar type lung ailments.

Further complicating my situation and decision-making is the fact that my wife Claudette works in Lihue as a customer services agent for United Airlines. She is in contact daily with hundreds of travelers from throughout the world traveling to and from Kauai.

So while I am a high-risk potential victim of Covid-19, Claudette is a high-risk potential transmitter.

No, my self-isolation does not include staying away from my wife. However, because of the dual high-risk nature of our situation, it makes sense for me to stay home.

I made a trip to the bank yesterday stopping briefly at the 7-11 to buy a small container of half and half, consciously practicing appropriate social distancing the entire time. Beyond that I’ve remained at home, on the computer mostly, catching up on correspondence while compulsively watching the news and monitoring social media.

I am missing my 3-year-old grandson Rixon, terribly. He lives only a short distance away but I am torn as to whether the “social distancing” thing and the “dual high risk” situation mean that the responsible thing for me to do is also stay away from him, my son Dylan and daughter-in-law Leeona.

My daughter Kelli-Rose, her husband Justin and granddaughter Isabella, are presently in Japan where they await transfer to New Jersey. That separation is unavoidable and so easier to accept. But consciously choosing not to visit and hug little Rixon, is a tough pill to swallow (no pun intended).

A few days ago, my self-isolation resolve was at its breaking point and I made a decision to drive to Koloa for a visit, and yes, a likely hug. But the rains descended upon our island and driving through the storm did not make sense.

The question still plagues me though (still yet another unintended pun). Is the fear, the reality, and the risk actually so significant that I must stay away from those I love? gh

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What does this mean?

Read the Civil Beat piece “Hawaii legislature to suspend session amid coronavirus fears”

For advocates and those tracking, supporting and opposing various legislative measures, the short answer is that everything is on hold. There will be no hearings, no floor sessions and no votes taken until such time that the Speaker of the House and Senate President agree to reopen the session. When this happens new hearing notices will be posted but until then all bills are essentially “frozen” in place.

House/Senate leadership has indicated the session may be on hold for up to 8 weeks but also could be reconvened during this period for emergency purposes.

Apparently, the governor has sufficient legal authority to fund emergency services and programs and does not need legislative approvals.

During this time I would expect legislators and staff to continue working on various bills – negotiating with proponents and opponents, developing amendments, refining language, etc.

My hope is that legislators will also use this time to fully develop and accelerate the implementation of HB1153 SD2 RELATING TO REMOTE TESTIMONY IN LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS. This measure, in my opinion, should be made an urgent priority.

In addition, I am hopeful that legislators will make it an urgent priority to meet with local farmers and develop and pass measures directly connected to increasing local food production. Now more than ever, Hawaii needs to take bold steps toward self-reliance.

There are plenty of “legislative vehicles” already in the system to utilize for this purpose. And no, this urgency should not be used by corporate agriculture to make a “water grab” or otherwise take advantage of the situation to avoid health and safety regulations, or otherwise feather their own nests. We need to support local food production for local food consumption – not GMO test fields or corn grown for high fructose corn syrup, etc.

To be sure, though the session is not in session…the work goes on.

Full disclosure: Though I am Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, this column is not written for or on behalf of the Democratic Party of Hawaii – but is my personal and individual voice only.

My initial inclination today is to write about how a majority of Hawaii State Legislators profess to be Democrats and are members of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, but do not support the priorities of the Party. I am speaking of course on their failure to pass a living wage measure or even $15 per hour.

But readers will have to wait a bit more for that discussion. I have learned not to write when I am angry, or incredibly disappointed.

And of course, the Covid-19 pandemic is consuming all of our energy at the moment.

Today’s topic is the upcoming Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Presidential Preference Poll, or put another way Hawaii’s Presidential Primary.

If you are a Hawaii registered Democrat you should have already been mailed a ballot, or you will be getting one shortly.

YOU NEED TO MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT – ASAP

Please. If you have gotten the ballot in the mail, complete the information and send it back in the pre-addressed postage-paid envelope today!

If you have not yet gotten a ballot in the mail and you are a Democrat or think you are a Democrat or want to be a Democrat, read on.

DUE TO COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, ON-SITE VOTING HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND A 3RD ROUND OF BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED;

To BE INCLUDED IN THIS 3RD AND FINAL MAILING, YOU MUDT REGISTER AND ENROLL BY THE END OF THE DAY, TODAY APRIL 4th, 2020

Many residents think they are members of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, simply because they normally vote for a Democrat in regular primary elections.

This is not the case – You have to actually go to the Democratic Party of Hawaii Website and sign up to be a member of the Party to be considered a Registered Democrat and thus qualify to vote in the Hawaii Democratic Presidential Preference Poll.

All the info to join the Democratic Party of Hawaii is here:
https://secure.ngpvan.com/E_vyVj97Wke7zO27VmppSg2

Register to vote here: https://olvr.hawaii.gov

The Democratic Party of Hawaii 2020 Presidential Preference Poll will be ENTIRELY by mail-in ballots.

To participate, residents have to be both registered to vote in the State of Hawaii AND be registered members of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

If you are not sure if you are a member of the Democratic Party of Hawaii or not, I strongly encourage you to go to the website and join BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY TODAY APRIL 4TH. If you have not received a ballot, then it is likely that for whatever reason you are not showing up on the Party membership list – so again please visit the Party’s website and JOIN the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

Final point: If I am not pleased with the actions of the majority of Democrats serving in the Hawaii legislature, why am I encouraging you to join the Party? The answer is that I hope you will then join me in helping to change that unfortunate dynamic. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has an excellent platform with core values that put people and the planet first. We just need more Democrats to join the Party, get involved and more strongly encourage our elected officials to act and vote like Democrats.

Have you noticed the political awakening sweeping across Hawaiʻi?

Communities on every island are organizing to make their voices heard by government. Direct-action protests are popping up on different islands. More Hawaiʻi residents are registering to vote.

Exciting new candidates are throwing their hats in the ring and running for public office.

People are entering the civic arena for a reason. They feel the status quo isn’t working. Many families in Hawaiʻi cannot make ends meet. Our natural resources are in peril. Our government is simply not delivering the kind of bold reforms needed.

2020 KULEANA ACADEMY: ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF INEQUITY – NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
http://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy

It is no coincidence that the Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) leadership training program, Kuleana Academy, received a record number of applications during 2019.

Now, due to the generosity of many in the community who share our frustration at the slow pace of change, HAPA is excited to announce the 2020 Kuleana Academy!

Clearly, a growing number of our residents see that our current system is broken, and want to fix it. The Kuleana Academy provides them with the tools they need to do so.

As graduates run for office, or lead campaigns serving the public good, they hit the ground running to restore humanity to public policy. Two of our alumni are now lawmakers serving in the State House of Representatives, three on the Maui County Council, and seven have been elected to neighborhood boards on Oʻahu. Dozens more are grassroots organizers and policy advocates.

If you share our values of putting people and the planet first, are interested in running for public office, in supporting others who share those values to run, or otherwise want to increase your leadership skills in the public policy arena – Check out the Kuleana Academy (and watch the short video)! http://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy

In solidarity,

Gary Hooser http://www.garyhooser.com
Volunteer Board President
Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA)

Note: For other interesting reads on related topics, please check out these “quick reads” on The Hooser Blog:

“A new candidates guide to running for office”

A new candidates guide to running for office

“Turning Marchers Into Voters – learning from the revolution of ’54’”

Turning marchers into voters, learning from the revolution of ’54

“Corporatists masquerading as Democrats attempting to cloak themselves as centrists”

Corporatists masquerading as Democrats, attempting to cloak themselves as Centrists

NOTE 2: Please encourage your networks to subscribe to my regular “Policy and Politics” email list – by going here to subscribe: http://garyhooser.com/#four

Final Note: HAPA’s Kuleana Academy is not an electoral activity; it is a non-partisan educational program. HAPA and Kuleana Academy will not:

* endorse any political candidates for public office.

* make any campaign contributions (monetary or in-kind).

* ask candidates to sign pledges on any issues.

https://mailchi.mp/garyhooser/announcing-2020-kuleana-academy-candidateleadership-training

June 2nd is the deadline for candidates to file for public office and August 8th is the date of Hawai’i’s primary election.

There will be at least 63 open seats in the Hawaii State House and Senate.

While political pundit types will count seats now held by incumbents as “occupied” and thus be inclined to say that the only “open” seats are those without an incumbent, the writers of our constitution clearly did not intend this to be the case.

Just because an individual is sitting in the seat does not mean they own it.

Competition is a good thing and our community benefits from “contested elections” that force incumbents and challengers alike to work for the community’s support and vote. Incumbents should be asked to explain their accomplishments and their lack of accomplishments. Challengers must explain and convince the voter of their ideas, energy, ability, and commitment.

This is the time when voters must ask the tough but obvious questions.

Is traffic better or worse than it was when the incumbent was first elected? What will the challenger do differently to address this long-neglected situation?

Is Housing more affordable or less affordable than it was when the incumbent was first elected? Again, what are the challenger’s ideas?

How often has the incumbent held community meetings to hear personally and directly the needs, thoughts, and concerns of the community? Note: A mailed survey, cookbooks, and fancy brochures do not replace a genuine community meeting.

Unfortunately too often there is no challenger to choose from. Too often the incumbent gets a free pass while the voter gets shortchanged.

Many good potential candidates sit on the sidelines often locked by indecision, not knowing where to begin or what it actually takes to be elected and to serve.

I’m writing today to tell you it’s not that complicated, and that our community needs you. I’m also writing to let you know that serving in public office can be incredibly fulfilling and does not have to be the so-called “thankless job” that many allude to.

The steps to running for election to public office are the same, regardless of what office you choose. The below is a somewhat oversimplification (but not really).

*Answer the question “Why are you running?”

*Assemble a small team of two or three volunteers who will help you manage your campaign – A treasurer accountant type who can help manage the campaign bookkeeping and a campaign manager type who you can consult with and bounce ideas off.

*File an “organizational report” with the campaign spending commission. This is required before you can raise or spend any money on a campaign.

*Open a bank account for the campaign

*Ask 20 friends to contribute $50 or more to your campaign. Note: If you can’t do this, you should stop now. While you don’t need a zillion dollars to run and win, you do need to raise money for basic campaign materials. A credible House or Council race will require at least $35,000 (yard signs, banners, mailers, brochures, t-shirts etc) but these funds are not needed immediately and if you’re a credible candidate, willing to do the work and willing to reach out to others for help – the funding support will follow.

*Design and print a postcard type “walking piece” and a campaign business card. Keep it simple. The first printing should be just a few hundred pieces, enough to get started.

*Head on down to the County Office of Elections and “pull papers”. These are the forms needed to actually file to run for office. Bring a diverse group of family and friends with you. Take pictures, issue a press release, post on social media. Celebrate the huge step you are taking. Get the buzz going.

*Start knocking on doors and handing out your campaign materials. Everywhere you go, every person you meet- give them your campaign card.

*Work with your campaign team. Analyze your district. Figure out what is important to the voters in your district.

*Listen to the voters. Don’t tell them what’s important to you until after you find out what’s important to them.

*Do not worry about having big events. Host one such event possibly just before election day but FOCUS ON THE BASICS – Hold signs in the morning and knock on doors in the afternoon. REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT.

*You must be willing to ask people for help. You must be able to ask people for money. If you believe in yourself and in the purpose and mission of your campaign, you should be able to enthusiastically share that message with people when you ask for their help, support, and money.

Be yourself. Have fun. Smile. Speak from the heart. Do your homework. Listen to people.

I suggest you start now. There is a lot of work to do.