GaryHooser's Blog

The truth about SB3095hd1:

SB3095hd1 proposes meaningful pesticide regulation of the very largest users of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’s), requiring disclosure, “no spray zones” around all schools, and a complete ban of the pesticide and neurotoxin chlorpyrifos.

SB3095hd1 is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, The Hawaii Nurses Association, numerous other organizations and thousands of private citizens.

Main provisions:

1) Mandatory Disclosure: Requires the largest users of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’S) to disclose what they are using.

2) No Spray Zones Around Schools: 100’ no-spray zones around schools during school hours.

3) Ban Chlorpyrifos: A phased-in ban on the dangerous neurotoxin insecticide chlorpyrifos.

The school buffer zones and chlorpyrifos provisions provide tangible protections to the health and environment of our community, and the disclosure element will provide valuable data needed in order for citizens and government agencies to make informed decisions moving forward in the future.

SB3095hd1 represents a meaningful change in public policy and has tangible benefits to health and environmental protection.  While the 100’ buffer zone component is minimal, there is no law whatsoever now requiring any buffer zones at all.  It is also important to note that the existing “Good Neighbor Policy” is voluntary, and only impacts a handful of companies.  SB3095hd1 prohibits ALL users around ALL schools in Hawaii from using RUP’s during school hours.  And the buffer zone component is only one element of the package.  When evaluating the entire package (buffer, disclosure and chlorpyrifos ban), there is no question this measure is strong and meaningful.

The current status of SB3095hd1:

The official status of SB3095 can always be found here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3095&year=2018

The latest posting states: 4/10/2018 – Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 778).

Translation and a little background on process: 

SB3095hd1 is the “House” version of the measure containing the House amendments that is currently on the table for Senate consideration.

At this point in the process, the Senate can either “Agree or Disagree” to the House version.

If the Senate “Agreed” then the measure would be scheduled for a full Senate vote and then sent to the Governor for approval or veto.

As indicated in the “official status”, the Senate has “Disagreed”.

Note that it is fairly standard procedure for Senate to initially “disagree” to all Bills coming over from the House. These Bills normally “cross over” to the Senate in a group containing numerous Bills.  The typical default position of the Senate is to “disagree” on all of the Bills, then take further time to evaluate each individually and more closely.  In the coming days, it is likely that the Senate will “reverse” its position and decide to “agree” and pass various Bills that they had previously “disagreed to”.  SB3095hd1 may or may not be included.

Typically (but not always) the “lead chair”, in this case Senator Gabbard who has already publicly indicated his support of SB3095hd1, will normally make a recommendation via an official Senate Agree/Disagree Form” requesting approval from other involved Chairs. In this case that form would then be circulated to those Chairs who had previously been involved in hearing various versions of SB3095.  These Committee Chairs including Senator Baker (CPH), Senator Kidani (Education) and Senator Dela Cruz (WAM) – (in that order) would then be given the opportunity to concur with Senator Gabbards recommendation to “Agree” or to oppose it.  The final signature on the form will be that of the Senate President. Any of the Chairs, and/or the Senate President could thus block Senator Gabbards effort and inclination to “Agree” and thus thwart the effort to “Agree”.

Note: The above note is based on my experience and knowledge of “past practice” in the Senate.  I have no direct knowledge and can only speculate as to the actions of various Senators.

If, ultimately the Senate maintains the “Disagree” position then Conference Committee is normally the next step. I say normally, because there is no requirement for a Bill to go to Conference.  This process would typically begin by the Senate “naming conferees” which would like be the same 4 committee chairs or their designees who would then represent the Senate position in the Conference Committee.  Then it would be up to the House to also name its conferees.  There is no requirement that either the House or the Senate must name conferees.  For example if the House position is “take it or leave it”, and assuming there is nothing in the Bill that needs “fixing”, then the House could very well refuse to name conferees and thus refuse to go to Conference.

To my knowledge, SB3095hd1 is a “clean Bill” and needs no “fixing”.  Thus the only reason to take it to Conference would be to make it stronger or make it weaker.  From an advocates perspective, I believe making it weaker is unacceptable.  And, I believe from my discussions with House members that any attempt to make it stronger would “kill the Bill in the House”.  

 Next Steps:

Advocates must continue asking the Senate for approval of SB3095hd1 “as is” and “Agreement” to the House position, and thus avoiding Conference Committee.

Email and telephone calls that are polite, professional but persistent asking for approval of SB3095hd1 “as is” should be made asap to ALL Senators.

In order of priority:

1. The Senator that represents you and your district is always the most important. – All contact info is here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber=S

1. Kauai Residents should contact Senate President Ron Kouchi who as leader of the body, is without question the most influential individual Senator with the power to pass SB3095hd1, or not. senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

1. The Chairs who have the power to approve or nix the move to “Agree”.
   1. Senator Gabbard (who has already indicated his support): sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov
   2. Maui Senator Baker senbaker@capitol.hawaii.gov
   3. Senator Kidani senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
   4. Senator Dela Cruz  sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov

1. Members of the Senate Leadership Team:

*VP –  Senator Kidani senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov

*Majority Leader – Maui Senator English senenglish@capitol.hawaii.gov

*Majority Caucus – Leader Senator Galuteria sengaluteria@capitol.hawaii.gov

*Majority Floor Leader – Senator Espero (who has already indicated his support) senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov

*Majority Whip – Senator Kahele senkkahele@Capitol.hawaii.gov

*Assistant Majority Whip – Maui Senator Keith-Agaran senkeithagaran@capitol.hawaii.gov

Who should call and email?

Doctors, Nurses and other medical professionals.

Teachers, Mothers, Fathers and Grandparents concerned about children health.

Anyone living in areas impacted by pesticide drift.

Everyone that is concerned about this issue.

Time is of the essence: Please email and/or call TODAY and no later than the end of the day Friday April 14th.  Please help.  This is important.

Kauai residents should EMAIL Senate President Ron Kouchi at senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov TODAY (if at all possible prior to April 12) and request politely and professionally that he support SB3095hd1 without making any further changes to it. Please send a thoughtful and meaningful note sharing your concerns about the issue.

While many of us would like to see the buffer zones expanded, any attempts by the Senate to change (either strengthen or weaken) SB3095 HD1 may in essence be a “poison pill” and cause the Bill to die. This measure while weak in this area, remains very strong in other areas, specifically of which is the ban on chlorpyrifos. SB3095 HD1 must be passed “As Is”. Any Senators who desire to make it stronger and/or expand the buffer zones, can do so in 2019 without risking the vital elements that are now contained within the existing Bill SB3095 HD1.

What you can do to help:

Respectfully email and/or call TODAY AND BEFORE APRIL 12th, and ask your district Senator, to support ACCEPTING SB 3095 HD1 – AS IS.

If you live in a community impacted by heavy pesticide use share why this bill is important to your community.

What will SB 3095 HD1 do?

 1) Mandatory Disclosure: Requires the largest users of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’S) to disclose what they are using.

2) No Spray Zones Around Schools: Create 100’ no-spray zones around schools during school hours.

3) Ban Chlorpyrifos: A phased in ban on the use and sale of the dangerous neurotoxin insecticide chlorpyrifos.

Why is this important?

Mandatory Reporting:

Communities have been fighting for the basic right to know what pesticides they are exposed to for over a decade.

Currently some data is reported voluntarily, but this data is not specific enough to use as the basis for studying health and environmental impacts. Without mandatory disclosure there is no accurate and reliable data on the use of RUP’s.

Voluntary programs are unreliable because the data is not verified, and there is no penalty for non-compliance or providing inaccurate information.

No Spray Zones Around Schools:

There are at least 27 schools in Hawai‘i within a mile of commercial agricultural operations that apply large volumes of restricted-use pesticides.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) finds there to be a significantly increased health risk for children exposed to pesticides, and additional precautions must be taken to protect them from unintended exposure.

This year California enacted no-spray zones around schools

Ban on Chlorpyrifos:

Chlorpyrifos is a threat to communities, farmworkers, marine life, and particularly young and developing children.

Chlorpyrifos is a highly toxic brain-harming insecticide being used in high volumes in Hawai`i by a small number of farms. In Hawaii, 39 entities purchased a chlorpyrifos based RUP between 2015-2017.

Several peer-reviewed studies link chlorpyrifos to permanent brain damage in children.

The EPA was poised to ban use of chlorpyrifos on food crops prior to the Trump administration. Chlorpyrifos has already been banned for indoor use since 2001.

SB3095 SD1 HD1 – FAQ’S

Will this bill overburden small farmers with reporting requirements?

No: Based on a review of restricted use pesticide (RUP) sales from 2015-2017 this provision would only affect 46 operations out of the 3,500 operations that declare farming as their primary income.

Only 1.5% of farm operations in the Hawaii account for 99.5% of the RUP use in the State.

Are other communities enacting buffer zones?

Yes: In 2018 California enacted more stringent buffer zones prohibiting pesticide application during school hours. Because California has a similar acreage of agricultural operations and pesticide use to Hawaiʻi we should look to California for guidance.

Will a ban on chlorpyrifos prevent Hawaiʻi from meeting its goals to increase local food production?

No: Of the 3,500 farms mentioned above, only 39 entities purchased a chlorpyrifos based RUP between 2015-2017. Many of those farms are the same ones who made the list of the top 46 users of RUPs.

The three-year phase-out will give this small number of users of chlorpyrifos time to find alternative solutions. During this three years period, users can apply for exemptions.

Isn’t chlorpyrifos safe if you follow the label?

No: The EPA 2016 Risk Assessment confirmed that there are no safe uses for the pesticide. EPA found that:

All food exposures exceed safe levels, with children ages 1–2 exposed to levels of chlorpyrifos that are 140 times what EPA deems safe.

There is no safe level of chlorpyrifos in drinking water.

Pesticide drift reaches unsafe levels at 300 feet from the field’s edge.

Chlorpyrifos is found at unsafe levels in the air at schools, homes, and communities in agricultural areas.

All workers who mix and apply chlorpyrifos are exposed to unsafe levels of the pesticide even with maximum personal protective equipment and engineering controls.

Field workers are allowed to re-enter fields within 1–5 days after pesticide spraying, but unsafe exposures continue on average 18 days after applications. https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/updated-human-health-risk-analyses-chlorpyrifos

A complete list of all Senators (by District) with complete contact info is here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber=S

SB3095hd1 passed the House of Representatives unanimously today during its 3rd and final reading!

It is 100% on the Senate now to approve the House recommendations.

Read the Bill, check out the votes and testimony – it’s all here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3095&year=2018

In brief, SB3095hd1 deals with the regulation of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’s) and contains three primary components:

1) Requires the annual disclosure of RUP use by the very largest users.

2) Provides for modest “no-spray buffer zones” around schools, during school hours.

3) Implements a “phased” ban on the use of chlorpyrifos, a known neurotoxin.  The ban allows for “exemptions” for those operations who need additional time to adapt accordingly.

While the provisions are modest from an advocates perspective, I believe the school buffer zones and chlorpyrifos provisions provide tangible protections to the health and environment of our community, and the disclosure element will provide valuable data needed in order for citizens and government agencies to make informed decisions moving forward in the future.

This is a clean and straightforward Bill.  I believe the House has actually “threaded the needle” and balanced the needs of the various stakeholders appropriately (given the legislative history).  Yes, I wish it was stronger in various areas but SB3095hd1 represents a meaningful change in public policy and has tangible benefits to health and environmental protection.

The next step is to get the Senate to accept the House version “as is” and pass the Bill!

How can you help?

1. Show up if you can (and wear red) on April 9th from 12 until 2pm at the State Capitol in the Rotunda.  There we will rally in support and distribute materials for you to help further distribute to your senator.  PLEASE COME IF YOU CAN.  A STRONG SHOWING IS IMPORTANT.
2. Email this weekend YOUR SENATOR and request politely and professionally that they support SB3095hd1 without making any further changes to it.
3. When you email and call YOUR SENATOR and please make sure you let them know that you live in their District. We are not looking for “mass email messages” but rather thoughtful notes from people who live in the Senator’s district and who are familiar with and concerned about the issue.

A complete list with complete contact info is here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber=S

Thank you!

What does the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights held recently in Geneva Switzerland have to do with Kauai?

Earlier this month, I was honored to be invited and to speak at this event following the screening of “Poisoning Paradise” – Executive Produced by Pierce Brosnan and Produced and Directed by Keely Shane Brosnan and Teresa Tico.

The program described the film as follows: “In their meticulously researched documentary Poisoning Paradise, film-makers recount the transformation of Hawaii from agricultural land to testing grounds for the powerful agrochemical industry and the response of many communities who are trying to reclaim their land, their health and their right to live in a safe environment.”

The panel consisted of myself, Laurent Gaberell, an expert in agriculture and biodiversity affiliated with the Swiss organization Public Eye, Baskut Tuncak, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights implications of environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous products and wastes, and Hank Campbell of the American Council on Science and Health. The moderator was Maren Peters, a journalist and editor of the economic section for Swiss Public Radio.

While most of us working on the issue surrounding the health and environmental impacts of the agrochemical industry here in Hawaii are keenly aware of the local impacts to our communities, streams and coastal waters – it is easy to forget that this is an international issue impacting communities on every continent.

That was the takeaway. The issue of large corporations dominating the economic and governing infrastructure of communities and countries around the globe, and the fact that people in each and every one of these communities and countries are pushing back and winning in small ways and in big, was the underlying reality we all shared.

The human rights principle we were there to discuss:

“Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life, in an environment of a quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and he bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.” Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment (1972), Principle 1.

The audience of several hundred and the panelists were all clearly struck by the superimposition of a “paradise island in the pacific” with the experimental fields of corn, large quantities of restricted use pesticides being used, the obvious health and environmental impacts, the refusal of the industry to even disclose the pesticides they were using, and the money and political influence the international agrochemical companies wield in our community.

It is important to note that in Switzerland, GMO crops and foods are banned. Labeling of food is not an issue because the products are simply banned. There are no experimental fields of anything growing in Switzerland. Also banned in Switzerland are the pesticides atrazine and paraquat, which are both used in copious amounts near neighborhoods, schools, parks and other public areas in Hawaii. Atrazine is responsible for polluting international waterways in Europe, is one of the largest polluters of groundwater in the western world, and shows up in Hawaii waters on a regular basis. Paraquat has been banned in 38 different countries but continues to be used along with atrazine, extensively in Hawaii.

While in Switzerland I also met with members of the Swiss Parliament, the United Nations, and various groups representing academia, activism, and the international media.  Without exception, the fact that Syngenta, a Swiss based company is using chemicals in large quantities on Kauai (albeit now via Hartung Brothers) that are banned in their home country, elicited reactions of incredulousness, embarrassment and compunction.

Right or wrong in their thinking, what seems so outrageous to people everywhere who hear our story is that it is happening here in the jewel of the pacific, ostensibly in America, the richest and most powerful country in the world. And it is not lost upon them that the people that suffer most from the abuses of these companies, are the indigenous people who once governed the lands upon which these poisons are now being sprayed.

Below is a sampling of comments that have come in since I sent out an email asking:

1. Please tell me which new progressive candidate you would like most to see elected in 2018, and why.

2)  Please tell me what is the single most important issue you think a candidate should focus on, and what personal attribute or characteristic you most want to see in a candidate and elected leader.

The responses are below with submitters names and email addresses removed:

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Most important issue is getting a county manager, so that the mayor is free to create progressive plans for the island.

Most important characteristic for a candidate is competence.

Thanks for asking, Gary.

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Please endorse Randy Gonce for House District 48.  He is a true progressive and a positive force in Hawaii politics.

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I’m for Hanabusa for governor, for Joanne Yukimura, Derek Kawakami and Kipukai Kualii for Kauai Council. I’m most concerned that we move forward to ban as many pesticides as possible. I’m for raising the standards of education by paying more for quality teachers and by making all schools face a much more rigorous course of study so that our kids can go to Harvard and Yale too. I’m for placing limits on the number of tourists we get here, I’m for building not more hotels for tourists but instead building small tiny house communities on every island so that the needs of our homeless population are met. I’m for no guns, I read about one country that keeps everyone’s guns locked up at the local police stations, if people want to use their guns to hunt or target shoot they can sign them out. Sounds great to me. I’m for mandate recycling, to make it easy give all consumers colored bins that will be picked up as weekly garbage is. I’m for banning styrofoam and mandating paper products instead of plastic. I’m for throwing out the military on Kauai by cutting most of the Pacific Missile Base’s operations. That’s all I can think of right now. Thanks,

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Hello, Gary,

Great to know you are in the leadership team for the 2018 elections.  My time, energy, and

resources are already committed to Don Guzman who is running for Mayor, out of three

candidates, all who have a solid supporter base and history in the Maui County Council.

We’re having a very tight race this time … and our current mayor, who is now term limited,

will be running for Guzman’s council seat, in another interesting race just developing.  Your

Mayor Bernard was here on Maui last Sunday for the Sierra Club annual meeting, at which

time all candidates and elected officials in the audience were given a little time to talk, so I

was happy to be sitting directly in front of the stage to hear them.  Are you backing your

Mayor in the Lieutenant Governor’s race?

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The candidate that I most want to see elected is Elle Cochran,

running for Maui County Mayor.  Elle truly cares about Maui’s most important

issues, affordable housing & protecting our environment.

The Council candidates that I support are Kelly King, Tamara Paltin, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez,

Alika Atay, Gabe Johnson & Shane Sinenci.

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You ask about candidates for office I support:

Here are 3:

Jessica Wooley House District 48

A women of experience and integrity. A strong supporter of social and environmental causes.

Anthony Austin

Candidate for Congressional  House of Representatives District 2

Honest without doubt. has been active in DEM Affirmative Action and Environmental Caucus

He is a local businessman and consultant helping organize and manage startups. He is extremely well organized and focused. Fiscally conservative and socially progressive.

Mo Radke, House District 49

Local Businessman and Golf Pro.

Chair of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board and does an exceptional job.

Smart, honest and concerned about how Kanohe develops. quality jobs, affordable housing, homeless, environmental and social issues.

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I like you & like majority of kamainas are barely able to support themselves based on their income & rising costs of food, property taxes, utilities & everything else to sustain their lives.  Many as you are aware of are too sick or disabled to hold a job or working for wages so low they have to work 2 or more jobs.  Almost 25% of our population are retired & the numbers are growing.  That’s why when every candidate no matter how sincere or dedicated they may be ask for donations to fund a campaign, it just angers me to realize that the people will never be able to have the candidate they need or want elected into office.  They can’t afford it.  As long as we have a system that favors what money can buy, there will not be a level playing field for every candidate or potential candidate to be able to get in the game.  As it is, no matter the party, the leaders of the party are also corrupt.  The people are not allowed to know all the potential candidates who file an application.  They are pre-selected by the party.

I feel since the GOP believes government should be run like a business, perhaps every candidate should fill out a job application along with a personal financial credit history report to verify fiscal responsibility.  If a candidate can’t manage their own finances, how can the people entrust him or her to manage or make financial decisions for the rest of the country?  A health evaluation report by a 3rd party physician to verify mental, emotional stability & current physical health status.  A statement by the candidate giving full background description of self & qualifications for position applying for.  There should also be a vision statement of the goals he or she hope to achieve & positions on other issues.

These should be able to be posted freely online via email, fb, tweeter or what have you that is available today or printed in the local newspapers for those without modern technology.  Another way to get around costs is to post all the potential candidates job application on a public viewing bulletin board at any County, State or Federal buildings or Libraries or Schools.

They require it of any employee applying for a job.  The people should require no less.  Their title does not make them more powerful than anyone else.  It should not provide them entitlements beyond reasons.

The problem is we are still a very segregated Country.  They keep us segregated by States, Counties, religion, race & financial status.  As long as they retain these divisive situations to exist, they also retain their control over the masses, because it prevents a bonding to evolve.  That’s why we always have to answer these questions on forms, applications, etc.  Sure the reasons is they try to be fair & offer positions to a quota of each, but eliminating such divisive inquiries would make it more fair to those who have the most qualification for the job.

Point is I think with todays technology there are ways to get the message out there in a more affordable way than before.  As long as public media & the internet is not censored.  That would be the hammer that hits the nail on the head & end our civil rights for good.  That & taking our right to own a weapon to protect our physical selves.

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Thank you Gary for your email.

I do not wish to nominate any new candidate right now because as an incumbent I need to be able to work with whoever is elected and it would be difficult to get my bills through if I back someone who loses because the winner will remember what I have done.

As far as character:  I think we need to find someone who is willing to buck the trend.  Being in the Hawaii legislature, I have found that it is easy to be pro-environment and in fact, we have policies already in place towards energy sustainability.

Although it is still a good idea to be vigilant and ensure that we do not back-track from those goals, I think it is more difficult for a candidate to embrace penal reform.  It is a knee-jerk reaction to punish everyone who doesn’t agree with our goals by making them a criminal and that includes making the sale of oxybenzone a crime because it won’t be the president of CVS who will be arrested, it will be the Avon lady; or tying up a dog when you go to work because it will more likely be a disgruntled neighbor turning in another neighbor rather than a puppy mill owner.  It is far more potent to exact heavy fines proportional to income on abusers rather than to burden an already over-taxed judiciary and jails with petty crimes where the offender will learn to be a worse criminal.  The community correctional centers like OCCC which house misdemeanants and pretrial detainees are the most overcrowded so it’s the petty crimes that we create that is creating the overcrowding.  1 reason why I introduced the decriminalization of drug paraphernalia which passed the first year I introduced it and it was signed by the governor into law in 2017 – I felt that was the most progressive bill in 2017 because it bucked the trend and made Hawaii the only state to decriminalized drug paraphernalia (It was a Class C felony which gave the prosecutors an unfair advantage over otherwise petty crimes)

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Good luck finding ELECTABLE candidates.

Here’s my take.

In Hawaii, politicians (and the State and County employees they help get their jobs)

virtually all cater to special interests.

I’m not talking about just the usual crowd which includes the likes of A & B, Grove Farm, Sygenta, et.al, even Big Save. The biggest special interest group of all is ORGANIZED LABOR. Here I mean unions like Longshoremen, Teamsters, Electrical workers, etc.

And the most powerful of all  ……………  HGEA

These guys back candidates who will play ball with them – Union leaders look out for their own interests.

HSTA wants to improve pay, benefits and working conditions for it’s members while paying lip service to

improving education for our keiki. More pay and benefits for HSTA members (and the bloated staff of DOE)

has not and will not result in better educated children.

Sadly, even HAPA is sucking up to HSTA, — example the comment in the HAPA email dated Feb. 19.

“In solidarity with our teachers at the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA ), we share their request to support legislation seeking to address our chronically underfunded schools”

Why should the HSTA Board be deserving of kudos because they “voted to support state legislation requiring

mandatory disclosure & notification, and buffer zones around schools.”  ALL responsible citizens should favor

such legislation.

It will take a paradigm shift to get better government at the State and County level. Voter turnout is pathetically

low on Kauai. Round up the usual suspects, and it’s easy to get the ten thousand or so votes needed to take and maintain political power on Kauai.

I am quite disturbed to by the fact that half the ballots cast in the last election were mailed in. How many of those were filled out by the voter’s friendly foreman at work or their shop steward ?

I love Kauai – I can’t think of another place I’d rather live. When we moved here a couple of decades ago –

the quality of local government was NOT one of the attractions.

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Aloha Gary,

In response to your PHI letter, I’ll answer you in strictly local terms;

The candidate I most would like to see elected now to our council is Luke Evslin.

The issue I feel we most need to address now is limiting further tourism development, and only supporting development of truly affordable housing for local residents (not homes that cost $400,000.)

I live in Kapahi, and Kapa’a right now is well beyond carrying capacity for water, sewer/septic, and roads.  The 2 or 3 new hotel/condo things waiting to be built cannot happen- it is completely crazy to think its possible to shoehorn any more people and cars in this area, and that is true for the entire island as well.  We are pau and the tourism people need to face that before we become an overdeveolped third rate Maui that no tourists are interested in.

As always, my number one interest in any candidate is how well they support protecting our natural environment from the myriad assaults it suffers from daily.

thank you for all you do, I feel you’re doing a fantastic job without being constrained by being an elected official!

Mahalo nui,

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Aloha Gary…. It’s like the TGI said in a recent opinion.. We have many people on the island who have resumes of experience in business management skills and yet because of the popularity contest they won’t run and waste their time applying. If we could change the process by hiring the people we need I think they would look at the situation a lot differently. How would we change to hiring the skilled people for the job instead of electing people for the job? Thanks for your time

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Dear Gary,

My advice is to watch “Trumping Democracy” Its an eye opener.

(Its free on Amazon prime.)

Best regards,

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Aloha Gary… On kauai the “popularity contest” election process takes hold and has forever. Times are changing the county is no longer the way it was and the only change you will make when it comes to the best people is you need to hire them not elect them. Look at the idiots on the council. They are the product of popularity contest candidates. Look at the embarrassing pounding that JoAnn receives daily.The worst of the worst. If we don’t change the way we put people on the council it will remain a frustrating situation and continue to show the lack of quality for the lives for all those who live here. It is the main reason for my most recent letter. The reality is we need well educated masters of business management for our council if we want to stop kicking cans and move this island forward for all of us.  You hire pro’s for the job not friends and family.Thank you have a great day.

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I would actually like to see two strong progressive women elected together in 2018  – Tiare Lawrence and Amy Perruso. Both are experienced political leaders with the ability and desire to create a people’s movement. They have different areas of policy expertise, but neither has problematic political instincts in any policy area. I personally favor Dr. Amy Perruso, not just because she has been conducting a solid campaign thus far, but also because hers is the kind of academic, professional and political background, in these troubling times, that will most benefit the legislature.

In my view, the most critical issue facing the people of Hawaii is political corruption, among other things, the widening gap between the people’s needs and the legislature’s ability to act to meet those needs.

The most important attribute we need in progressive candidates is a deep commitment to public service.

Mahalo for asking great questions,

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Iʻd love to make every politician, elected or candidate, be offered the opportunity to sign a public pledge to never henceforth take any money from the NRA.  Iʻd like to see any firearm that is not used traditionally to hunt be classified in the same class as nuclear bombs and tanks — weapons of war —  and be made just as unavailable to private ownership as tanks and missiles.

Mahalo Gary for this opportunity.

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I’ll vote based on there opinions on GMOs.    Get rid of them

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Thank you for being willing to serve!

I hope you consider these:

Most important issue for Democrats nationwide is to find somewhat MODERATE -electable candidates. It seems our “progressives” have become somewhat  radicalized, intractable and divisive and  typically malihini with a limited appreciation of what’s pono ..at least here on Maui.

That being said I’d like to propose the following priorities.

1. Tourism: focus on QUALITY of visitor experience and  on high end tourism. We don’t need to try to accommodate more to earn more $$$ or provide more jobs. (Let Mexico and Florida attract mid market). Our infrastructure is threatened as is the very environment that attracts people to Hawaii. Let’s not “kill the goose…”

2. Related: Address those who are mentally ill who live in our streets and beaches by GREATLY expanding mental health services. 1/3 + of homeless population have brain disease and their increasing  presence is negatively impacting visitor industry especially in City and County of Honolulu.  Since Susan Chun-Oakland left the legislature their has been no champion for this cause.

3. We owe the our people a home! Break the barriers to affordable housing for Hawaii’s citizens and also encourage the return of long term RENTAL apartments…state wide. The condo conversions in the 70’s and 80’s squeezed many out. This includes limiting B&B and vacation rentals.

Mahalo nui loa,

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Mahalo for Ms. Saint-Marie’s piece on the war makers.  As I see it the only thing that can the system is a national strike.  The kids from Florida are making a difference in this way.  Dems and progressive’s need to pay attention on how their elected officials vote and if the vote is for their lobbyists interests and not the common than local and national businesses need to be boycotted.

Here’s another native american perspective on rich man’s wars:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOZ00A1aos

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0dcG8oLhTw

John Trudell always inspires me.

Good luck with your political aspirations.  Here’s what you are up against according to Jesse Ventura:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7uLA2p2IZE

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Aloha Gary,  I will review the PHI website to determine its correspondence with my value set; however, I will respond to your e-mail right now.

The #1 task for this legislature is to pass a “Death With Dignity” law.

Too many of us have had to witness the suffering of our grandparents and parents who only wished to say farewell to kin and friends and then pass peacefully without further suffering and erosion of family assets.  I am now 73 years of age and while still very healthy, if/when I become terminally ill, I do not want to suffer; be a burden to my family or society; or exhaust financial resources in vain attempts to prolong my life.

Please assure me that you and your organization will support this bill!

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Aloha,

Integrity is my highest priority for a candidate. Also someone who has the ability to cooperate with others and ideally not alienate those with a different perspective.

Preservation and respect of the ‘Aina, na po’e Hawai’i and strengthening the use of The Hawaiian language are also high on my priority list.

Thank you for including me in you list. Sadly I am short on funds as I am retired an am considered very low income.

A hui hou,

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The single most important attribute is integrity coupled with humility. The most important issue for me is attention to public education with an emphasis on early education. I haven’t heard of any true progressive candidates but you seem to have a clue. Please inform us.

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We already blew it.

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Aloha,

Cicero in mind – what I want to see happening, is: showing Monsanto the door! Or, less polite: kick them out of HI.

Mahalo –

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Aloha Gary,

Thank you, friend. Buffy Sainte-Marie for any office she wants!

Ditto for former U.S. Representative candidate Kathryn Xian.

And former Republican, Hawaii State Representative Beth Fukumoto.

FYI: UH-Mānoa has enthusiastic new grass roots voter registration.

Dozens of instructors invite Civic Engagement volunteers to their classrooms.

For more info contact: james.koshiba@gmail.com or UH Matsunaga Institute.

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If you’re not already working with Luke Evslin, he’s a great candidate for Kauai council.  He’s thoughtful, smart, engaged in the community, and just an all-around great person.  I really hope we can get him elected!

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Gary, the candidate that I would most like to see elected in 2018 is Kaniela Saito Ing.  I support the issues that concern him, from Medicare for all, to GMO labelling and pesticides, to getting corporate money out of politics.  I understand that he does not take corporate contributions.

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Aloha, Gary. I don’t know if or where this fits, and I don’t even know if he is interested in running for council, but I thought Adam Asquith was spectacular at our last water hui meeting in Kapaa re: the diversions on Waialiali. He told the reps. from CWRM in a very direct and professional way, not to come to Kauai, unless they were coming to help.

It was really very powerful, and allowed no wiggle room. I would love to hear him be direct with certain members of the County Council.

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Closing note to readers: I did yes, respond to each and every person that sent in a suggestion or comment.

The 2018 election season is here.

Across the state, many strong, values based, credible and highly electable new progressive candidates have already began their campaigns,pounding the streets knocking on doors, putting up signs and speaking with voters.

As you know, the election of even just a handful of solid, high integrity, bold progressive leaders to the State House, Senate or city/county councils would be a game changer.  

Small numbers matter.

Working in alignment with like-minded individuals and organizations on every island the Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) is fully committed to making 2018 a revolutionary year in Hawaii politics. 

As the Executive Director for PHI, I am asking today for your advice, your input and if possible your active help and financial support.

Please tell me which new progressive candidate you would like most to see elected in 2018, and why.  If you don’t know, that is ok.

Please tell me what is the single most important issue you think a candidate should focus on, and what personal attribute or characteristic you most want to see in a candidate and elected leader.

Remember however the words of Cicero when you formulate your response: “Brevity is a great charm of elequence.” 😉

Please also sign up to help with our PHI grass-roots “on the ground” candidate support system: https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/join/

Financial support is needed as well.  While exact strategies and the degree of support offered to each endorsed candidate will vary, the cost of a single mailing can cost from $3,000 to $5,000 each. In addition, we have basic administrative infrastructure which though minimal, still must be funded.  As the Executive Director, I now draw a modest monthly stipend of $1,000 and we have a very part-time staff support person who works approximately 10 hours per week. While my time dedicated to making positive change happen in Hawaii is of course, 24/7, my stipend will remain capped for the foreseeable future.  Our plans however do include a gradual increase in supporting administrative staff time, including if possible eventually part-time representation on every island.

Whether it’s $27, $270, $2,700 or more, your help is really, really needed, especially at this particular point in time as we launch our political action support of the many worthy candidates.  Contributions may be made online or by mail at:  https://ponohawaiiinitiative.org/donate/

Contributions made prior to March 10th are especially helpful and allow us to launch support immediately for our endorsed candidates who will be announced in mid March.

2018 is the year to begin charting a new course for Hawaiʻi, a course that puts people and the environment above corporate and political greed and obstinacy.

Please join us and help if you can.  Your time, experience, energy and yes your financial support as well are greatly needed, especially at this particular point in time.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser   http://www.garyhooser.com

P.S.  Please listen to this strong new release The War Racket by our friend and Kauai resident Buffy Saint-Marie, and SHARE with your friends and networks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzG_4e8yGew

Note1: We are now in the first stage of our candidate review and endorsement process.  Any candidate on any island running for the State Senate, State House or for county/city council election who is interested in receiving an endorsement and consequently the support that might accompany that endorsement is urged to request a “candidate questionnaire” asap by emailing info@ponohawaiiinitiative.org  The PHI Board is presently reviewing the candidate responses, and will be scheduling interviews then announcing endorsements in the very near future.

Note2: Contributions to PHI are not tax deductible.

Note3: PHI will be acting as a “non-coordinating committee” and will be supporting candidates, and working with other similar entities, but will not be coordinating that support with those candidates.

Note4:  Approximately 20 of these new candidates have gone through HAPA’s Kuleana Academy political leadership and campaign training program. Though they share a basic core progressive value structure, neither the Kuleana Academy nor HAPA is part of the Pono Hawaii Initiative.  http://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy

The Kuleana Academy is a nonpartisan training and education program and does not actually support specific candidates, nor does it target specific races or incumbents.  FWIW – The vast majority of the Kuleana Academy graduates (and now candidates), were unknown to me prior to their participation in the program.  HAPA is a 501c3 non profit that operates the Kuleana Academy and is supported through private donations that are tax deductible. http://www.hapahi.org/donate/

Imua!

Much has been said about the need to compromise, about the need to “meet in the middle” and that there should not be “litmus test issues”.

I beg to differ.

Yes, it would indeed be nice if we lived in a world where everyone put the greater good of the community and the planet first, but unfortunately that is not the case.  In the world of policy and politics, people mostly fall into one of two categories.  Either they conduct themselves in a “survival of the fittest and every man for himself” mindset, or work from a perspective that “we are all in this together, and we are our brother’s keeper” value base.

While there are shades of grey that cloud the boundaries and overlap that occurs between these two perspectives, these two positions seem to represent the primary values base upon which most people approach the table.

Meeting a profit centered corporation who is causing harm to people and the environment “half-way” when representing the public trust is difficult and sometimes unconscionable.  How much harm to people and the environment is acceptable, and what price must the corporation pay for the right to cause the harm?

How many jobs does it take to offset one child’s birth defect, or reoccurring asthma among a neighborhood community for that matter?  How many jobs does it take to offset the pollution of a coastal waterway caused by the industry that creates those jobs?

We need elected officials willing to say NO and who recognize that compromise is not always the best strategy.  Yes, compromise is often a necessary part of reaching solutions between competing interests, but this should not be the default position of those charged with protecting the public interest.

Corporations and others in positions of power and wealth are constantly at the public policy and government entitlement table pushing to gain an advantage, and increase their profits. This is how the world works when it comes to the intersection of government and free enterprise.

We need elected officials whose default position is a willingness to push back against the power and influence, rather than simply roll over under the guise of compromise.

There are many issues and values that for me anyway do in fact represent litmus test issues when it comes to evaluating those in government leadership positions.  Supporting international corporate interests that cause harm to health and the environment on a global scale is one such litmus test, regardless of how many jobs they claim.  Supporting large landowners in circumventing the public process in order to fast track their own land development interests is another deal breaker for me.  The litmus test list for me is long actually and includes those politicians unwilling to disavow the policies and positions of the NRA and those who do not support equal rights and equal treatment for all people.

In each of the above examples, the interest groups that benefit from government actions have invested heavily in the political process.  In some cases the elected officials responsible for regulating an industry are employed by companies within that same industry.  In a small community, the impact of corporate donations to local charities, schools and sports teams wields significant political influence as well.  Direct campaign contributions are of course also an important part of the financial influence mix.

Anyone who believes that there is a level playing field and that our elected leaders should be sitting at the table and attempting to meet these corporations and wealthy power players half-way, has clearly never endured that experience.

For starters, those holding the reins of power and money set the parameters to determine what “half-way” really means.  They have legions of marketing people whose job it is to “frame the narrative” and thus manage the discussion.  The question from industry to government is never framed as a yes or no, but rather the yes is assumed and it is only about “How much can we get?”

And as an elected official, who will be joining you at the table?  Try to visualize this for a moment. Sitting next to you will be an elected colleague employed by the industry (expected to set aside his bias in favor of the public interest), and across from you will be another representative of the industry (who officially represents the industry but professes love of the community as well).  Advising you will be government agency people (planners, attorneys etc)  who one day will likely seek to be employed by these same industry interests.  Advising the industry will be former government agency people who now have that job the existing agency person will one day be seeking.  Truth.

Those serving in public office are elected to represent and protect the interests of the people, and not the interests of the corporations and our own little oligarchies here in Hawaii.  In an election year especially, they need to be reminded of that.