GaryHooser's Blog

By Richard Bodien – independent scholar, poet, and painter living in Hāwī, Hawaiʻi

Hawai‘i for Sale—But Not to Hawaiians
For many, Hawai‘i represents paradise—pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a culture built on aloha. But for corporations and the military-industrial complex, Hawai‘i represents something else entirely: a goldmine to be exploited.

Over the past century, Hawai‘i has transformed from a self-sufficient island kingdom into a corporate playground where profits come first, and local communities come last. The military, multinational corporations, and big tourism have quietly consolidated economic power, pushing out small businesses, pricing locals out of their homes, and turning what was once a thriving Indigenous economy into a service industry built to cater to outsiders.

While Native Hawaiians and longtime residents struggle to survive in their own homeland, corporations and the U.S. military tighten their grip, ensuring that Hawai‘i remains a paradise for the wealthy and a battleground for profit.

So how did we get here? And more importantly—how do we take Hawai‘i back?

Corporate Takeover: From Salvation to Vacations
The exploitation of Hawai‘i’s economy did not happen overnight. It began in the 1800s, when sugar and pineapple barons—many of them descendants of Christian missionaries—seized Native Hawaiian land and converted it into private plantations.

Hawaiian communal land was broken apart through the Great Mahele (1848), allowing corporations to buy massive plots.
Sugar and pineapple dominated the economy, turning local workers into low-wage laborers.
The U.S. illegally overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, with business elites leading the charge.

Fast forward to today, and the methods have changed—but the game remains the same. Now, instead of sugar barons, we have hotel chains, hedge funds, defense contractors, and real estate speculators dictating the rules of Hawai‘i’s economy.

Small Businesses Die
The modern Hawaiian economy is not built for locals—it’s built for corporations. Tourism Giants Dominate the Market. Over 80% of Hawai‘i’s GDP is tied to tourism, but local businesses see little of that wealth. International hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton control beachfront real estate, pushing out local hotels and family-run inns. Corporate developers drive up property values, making it nearly impossible for local businesses to afford rent.

Hawaiians are forced to serve the tourist industry, not participate in it. Small business owners who have operated for generations are slowly disappearing, replaced by luxury resorts, corporate-owned restaurants, and chain retailers that funnel profits out of Hawai‘i and into mainland bank accounts.

Real Estate Takes Over
Investment firms and billionaires buy up homes and convert them into Airbnbs, reducing housing availability for locals. Gentrification, fueled by real estate speculation, forces Native Hawaiian families to leave. Developers lobby against rent control and affordable housing policies, ensuring that real estate remains profitable for investors, not for residents.

With average home prices now averaging over $1,000,000, working-class Hawaiians are being systematically priced out of their own homeland. Meanwhile, corporations and wealthy elites buy, sell, and profit from the land as if it were a commodity, not a cultural inheritance.

The Military’s Economic Dominance
While corporations control much of Hawai‘i’s economy, the U.S. military remains the single largest landholder and economic force in the islands. With nearly 25% of O‘ahu alone under military control, the Pentagon exerts quiet but overwhelming influence over local policies, land use, and labor markets.

The military is Hawai‘i’s second-largest employer, providing over 60,000 jobs—but at the cost of economic dependency. Military contractors, not local businesses, receive the bulk of defense-related spending. Land that could be used for affordable housing or sustainable development remains locked under military control.

And then there’s environmental destruction. The U.S. military’s presence in Hawai‘i has come at a devastating cost. The Red Hill fuel leak contaminated O‘ahu’s water supply, poisoning local families.

Live-fire training exercises have scarred landscapes like Pōhakuloa and Kaho‘olawe, rendering them uninhabitable. Toxic waste from military installations threatens ecosystems, yet accountability remains elusive.

Instead of investing in local industry, education, or sustainability, Hawai‘i has been positioned as America’s “strategic outpost” in the Pacific, with little regard for the well-being of its people.

The Human Cost
What does all this mean for the people who actually live in Hawai’i? Hawai‘i is now one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., yet wages remain low. Hawaiians are expected to serve the wealthy, not build wealth themselves. The very people who built and nurtured these lands are being pushed out in favor of tourism, military interests, and wealthy investors.

This isn’t just economic injustice—it’s colonialism.

Taking Back Hawai’i—Economic Sovereignty
Hawai‘i does not have to remain a corporate and military playground. Change is possible—but it requires shifting power back to the people.

Reclaiming Land and Housing
Implement strict regulations on foreign and corporate real estate ownership.

Expand Native Hawaiian land trusts to restore communal stewardship of land.

Crack down on Airbnb and luxury developments that cater to the wealthy at the expense of locals.

Breaking Tourism Dependency
Invest in sustainable, locally-driven industries such as regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.

Shift tourism profits back into local communities, rather than corporate pockets.

Impose higher taxes on multinational hotel chains and reinvest in public infrastructure.

Holding the Military Accountable
Demand land return from the U.S. military, especially for housing and conservation.

Require military environmental cleanup before further land use.

Diversify Hawai‘i’s economy so it is not dependent on defense spending.

Strengthening Small Businesses and Local Ownership
Provide subsidies and tax incentives for local businesses, not multinational chains.

Protect Hawaiian cultural and traditional industries from corporate exploitation.

Establish worker-owned cooperatives to create community wealth instead of corporate wealth.

Who Controls Hawai‘i’s Future?

For too long, corporations and the military have dictated Hawai‘i’s economy, deciding who gets to live here, who gets to own land, and who gets to profit. But their vision is clear: Hawai‘i as a high-end tourist resort, a military staging ground, and a billionaire’s playground—while everyday residents struggle to make ends meet.

But Hawai‘i should belong to its people, not to hotel chains, Wall Street investors, or the Pentagon. The question is, how long will we allow them to take from us before we take back control?

By Richard Bodien – independent scholar, poet, and painter living in Hāwī, Hawaiʻi. You can find his political writings at http://www.bodien.com/essays

Here’s a link to an accompanying essay. https://bodien.com/essays/f/hawai%CA%BBi%E2%80%99s-future-depends-on-small-business

And another: https://bodien.com/essays/f/why-i-love-bourgeois-capitalism-and-hate-corporate-capitalism

The below is an actual online conversation I had recently – edited for clarity and brevity.

Hello Gary,
I’m a long time resident and business owner.

I’m under the impression since America is seriously overdrawn and it’s not getting better. Mr. Trump and Musk are working on stopping misuse of our tax dollars and dropping programs that frankly aren’t helping America.

Our country has been going in the wrong direction for a long time financially. Making the needed course correction will create lots of discomfort for people and markets. It’s a mess we got ourselves into for sure.

Instead of fighting back and calling for heads to roll we as Americans should work together to root out corruption and misuse of taxpayers dollars.

Thanks Gary, have watched your career and know you care about Kauai and Hawaii in general.
**********************************
Thank you for the note and cordial, respectful tone. We are definitely on opposite ends of the spectrum on this one.

Yes, of course there’s waste fraud and abuse in government- as there is in any and all large organizations. But there are legal, moral, and ethical processes – that should be used to address these issues.

There’s Civil Service rules and regulations, there’s union agreements, there are basic employment laws, and of course there is Congress who established and funded these programs in the first place.

Doge/Musk have chosen to ignore them all.

Determining the value of a program or agency is not within the purview or authority of Musk, but of Congress.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to approach the worthy goal of increasing efficiency and getting rid of waste – and the Doge/Musk/Trump way…is not the way it works in a democracy.

To be absolutely clear, it’s not just the wrecking ball approach to cost cutting I’m in opposition to.

From the dangerous and contradictory manner in which the administration has handled the Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Gaza/Yemen/Jordan and related conflicts, to the trade war and tariffs, the dismantling of the Department of Education, the frivolous nature in which they’re treating Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and so many other critically important programs….It’s clear America is being ruled by a handful of men of privilege, not governed by the democracy outlined in our constitution.

University students and professors legally living in the U.S. are being arrested and jailed simply for expressing their political views.

Now they/we are rounding up people based on the color of their skin and content of their tattoos, shipping them off to some hell-hole in El Salvador – without trial, without due process, and without proof they have committed any crime whatsoever – and not allowed even one frigging phone call.

The Trump/Musk presidency is dangerous for America and for the world.
***********************************
Thanks Gary for your response.

One of my reasons for the way I feel comes from my worldview. I’m a conservative who’s a Christian with a deep seated desire to keep America free and love our constitution. I know this brings big issues between man’s ways and the Bible.

I don’t want to see freedoms and procedures trampled either. As you must know different administrations have tackled the growing budget problem.

No one has had the nerve or willingness to see it through. Yes it’s radical and most definitely out of the box.

I’ve been running a business for over 40 years and if I ran it like the government does I’d be out of work fast!

Seems we’re on opposite sides but I have hope for you, Ha Ha. I’m praying for a good outcome for us all but it’s going to take time till we see how all this flushes out. My best to you Gary, Aloha
**********************************
Mahalo and I’ll conclude here:

I’ve spent 20 years owning and operating small businesses here in the islands myself.

I think you’ll agree, in general most businesses are operated as dictatorships, not constitutional democracies.

That’s the crux of the problem with the argument coming from those who want to run our government like a business.

Our democracy is founded upon the principle of 3 separate but equal branches of government – administrative, legislative, and judicial. The framers of the constitution designed the governing process to balance the power and to keep out dictators.

Our democracy is also founded on the separation of church and state.

Christians, Jews, Hindu’s, Muslims, Buddhist, and atheist…all are equal under the law. The law also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age.

If you’re unable to accept and embrace these core principles embedded in our constitution…and unwilling to acknowledge the dictatorial governing methods of the Trump/Musk administration are wrong, illegal under our constitution, and harmful to people and the planet — then we will remain on opposite sides.

I cannot agree to disagree on this. The situation is too dire, the risk too great, and the harm to my family and friends is real and tangible.

Yes, I also will work hard and pray for a good outcome that includes a safe and fulfilling future for you and your family as well.

My hope is you and so many others, will come to understand the fundamental differences between our constitutional democracy and the dictatorship being forced upon us by the Trump/Musk regime.

Gary Hooser
garyhooser.com (https://www.garyhooser.com/)
8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
New readers – Subscribe at https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

Received an email recently saying, “I’ve a friend who’s considering running for the House, she’s articulate, smart, and community minded. I’m hoping you can meet and possibly support her.”

My first thought was absolutely yes. I’m always open to meeting and talking story with people interested in getting more involved.

My second thought was that big square building on Beretania Street in Honolulu is packed with “articulate, smart, and community minded” go-along-to-get-along corporatists, masquerading as centrists, who’re elected as Democrats. #justsayin

There’s no shortage of legislators, Democrat and Republican alike, who are “articulate, smart, and community minded” and who never, ever raise their hand to challenge – anyone or anything. Nor do many ever initiate serious bold initiatives that will move our community forward.

Where’s the call to action accelerating food, energy, and economic independence? Where are the voices in that big square building demanding the clean-up, restoration and return of the lands at Pohakuloa, Kahuku, Kawailoa-Poamoho, and Makua?

Why are legislators not voting for a roll-back of the ill-conceived tax cuts passed just one year ago? Why not prepare now for the elimination or reduction of Medicaid and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) that is surely coming?

I’m thinking we need more than just articulate, smart, and community minded. Much more.

We need forward-thinking fighters, not just politicians who say the right words.

We need articulate smart people serving in public office who toss and turn in their sleep worrying about that family living under the bridge. We need people sitting in those chairs who’re totally committed to protecting our water, forests, oceans, and shorelines.

Positive change will only happen when we collectively work together to make it so – by electing and supporting leaders who will lead.

If you have roots in the community, with some record of leadership and involvement, and if you’re driven to dedicate your time, energy, and focus, toward making our world a better place – I encourage you to consider running for election to public office.

Roots in the community mean Hawaiʻi is your home. We need everyones help but effective candidates must demonstrate a long-term unshakable commitment to the islands.

Having a record of leadership and involvement could come in many forms – student government, in PTSA, community sports, small business, or in nonprofit organizations doing good work in our community.

What are you doing now to help make our world a better place? Do you help clean the beach with Surfrider Foundation? Have you volunteered with the Food Bank, Zero Waste or Big Brothers/Sisters?

Have you worked on the campaigns of others, or submitted testimony to state or county legislative committees?

What keeps you awake at night? What do you care most deeply about?

The 2026 election cycle’s just around the corner. June 2, 2026 is the candidate filing deadline and the primary election is on August 08.

If you’re serious about going down this path, now’s the time to start building your campaigns’ base and infrastructure.

One program offering valuable training for aspiring candidates and others seeking to increase their political leadership skills and effectiveness – is the Kuleana Academy https://www.hapahi.org/k-a

Full disclosure: I’m the former Board President of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), a 501c3 nonprofit that created and manages the Kuleana Academy – However I’m no longer actively involved and play no role whatsoever in the program admissions process or management.

Also visit the Office of Elections: https://elections.hawaii.gov/candidates/candidate-filing/

If you feel the same urgency of the moment I do, and if you’re willing to stand up and fight for people and the planet from day 1 – I’d encourage you to go for it.

Gary Hooser
garyhooser.com
8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

It’s not like the Hawai’i Senate is a model of sunshine and good government, but the House of Representatives just keeps stepping in it.

Frankly, the arrogance of the House is embarrassingly unrestrained.

Case In Point – HB772 – Relating To Campaign Finance

HB772 is intended to stop the sham practice of legislators transferring their own campaign funds to other candidates, friends and colleagues (under the guise of purchasing two tickets to a campaign fundraiser).

Example: Candidate W files a required form announcing a fundraiser at a local bar or restaurant with a $250 – $1,000 ticket price. Legislators X, Y, and Z each buy two $1,000 tickets (using their own campaign funds) and voila…candidate W has just raised $6,000. The 4 of them toss back a few beers, perhaps a glass of wine, and pau – “fundraiser” is over.

According to data on file with the Campaign Spending Commission, the total amount transferred by all House campaign committees, from one candidates campaign account to another different candidates campaign account – using the “two ticket purchase scam” during the 2022 and 2024 election cycle was $427,187.

HB772 was “killed” single-handedly by Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita who refused to schedule it for a hearing.

The top incumbent Representative utilizing this fundraising device during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles was Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita. His campaign contributed $46,250 in “fundraising tickets” benefiting 22 of his candidate friends. Remember, 26 is the magic number in the House. With 26 votes you can be Finance Chair, Speaker, or whatever you like.

HB772 was referred to House Finance by Speaker Nadine Nakamura even though it has no impact on the state budget whatsoever – zero, zip, nada.

Speaker Nakamura chose not to refer HB413 and HB371 to Finance even though both involve regulating campaign contributions in other areas (lobbyists and contractors), and both also have zero budget impacts. Only HB772 was doomed to go to Finance whose Chair utilized the targeted provisions more than any other member in the entire House of Representatives.

Next in line among incumbent Representatives “buying fundraiser tickets” is Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama with $44,500 during this same period. Next is Majority Leader Sean Quinlan $19,900, Minority Caucus Leader Gene Ward $19,235, House Speaker Nadine Nakamura $19,150, and Majority Caucus Leader Christopher Todd $17,500 – all of whom are members of House Leadership.

The total amount given in the 2022 and 2024 election periods by the above 6 Representatives, in the form of “two tickets to your fundraiser” = $166,535

The top House beneficiary of the two ticket money transfer game in the 2024 election cycle was (now Representative) Michael Lee who raked in $19,563 from other House members and defeated the incumbent Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick.

So no, they ain’t gonna pass no stinking bill taking away their ability to help their friends and punish those Representatives who don’t toe the line.

And they ain’t gonna change the rules either.

But they could.

Stay with me please.

Existing House rules say in essence:

1 – The Speaker has “referral” authority over which committees a bill must pass through in order to become law.

2 – Committee Chairs control which bills to schedule.

3 – Bills may be referred to Finance whether or not there’s a budget impact. (HB772 has zero impact)

The below three straight-forward yet systemic rule changes would eliminate the inherent corruption of process now in place – exemplified by the killing of HB772.

1 – “Bill drafting agency staff” independently makes referral recommendations with final referral approved by a legislative referral committee – (model used in State Senate)

2 – All bills “heard and passed” by a committee, shall be scheduled, heard, and voted on, by the subsequent committee. (This prevents Chairs from killing these “active” bills behind closed doors, without a public discussion or vote.)

3 – Only bills with budget impacts may be referred to Finance. (“Pure policy” bills may not be referred to and thus possibly “killed” by Finance.)

Boom Kanani. That’s it.

If these three changes had been proposed and approved on January 17 when the House amended and approved its rules, HB772 ending the two ticket money transfer charade, would still be alive.

Unfortunately, the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures met only in secret so the public will never know if these important proposed rule changes were even considered.

Which is why 8 Hawai’i residents are now suing the House.

Gary Hooser
garyhooser.com
8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

President Trump has demonstrated through words and action, unequivocally – he will do whatever’s necessary to maintain control and power.

He publicly sneers, belittles, and mocks anyone and everyone who has the audacity to disagree with him or push back against his proposed agenda.

When confronted with genuine resistance he loudly threatens harm to the person, organization, or country. If the resistance persists, he then uses the full power and authority of his office AND the money of his oligarch patrons – to bring actual economic, political, and/or personal harm to those failing to comply.

“Do what I tell you, or I will hurt you.” Is the President’s message.

This is not hyperbole. Even those who support him will agree the above is an accurate description of President Donald Trump. “While I don’t like all his actions and statements, I like his policies and what he stands for.” – are common statements from MAGA supporters.

We cannot succumb to the fear and intimidation.

We must push back against changes in federal policy and actions that bring harm to our community, AND we must simultaneously take meaningful and aggressive steps toward food, energy, and economic self-sufficiency.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), Hawai’i ranks #2 in the United States for the highest defense spending as a share of state GDP, indicating increased vulnerability to significant DoD spending changes. (hawaii.gov)

We must wean our economy off its dependency on military spending.

We must oppose the current Trump energy policy that seeks to expand the use of fossil fuel and instead, increase state incentives for solar power while phasing out fossil fuel including liquified natural gas (LNG).

Ditto to food and agriculture. We must fast-track the “Farm to School” mandate, add “Farm to Families”, prisons, jails, hospitals, and hotels – AND implement strong incentives for local food producers.

Our goal must be to shrink, not expand the U.S. militaries foot-print in our islands – think Pohakuloa, Kahuku, Kawailoa-Poamoho, and Makua.

Education, medicare, medicaid, and social security are all on the table. Environmental protections and the upkeep of our public lands are also at risk.

The wrecking-ball the Trump/Musk regime is using against a wide variety of international aid programs is causing serious, tangible and irreversible harm to people on every single continent.
Appeasement is not an option.

Many benefit from the abundance of our islands who do not pay their fair share – absentee owners, foreign investors, and off-shore corporations to name just a few. To protect medicare and medicaid, we must counter federal tax cuts for the wealthy, with state and county tax increases impacting those same populations.

We don’t cut deals with thugs and bullies.

We don’t trade our ethics, morals, and integrity for money. We don’t look the other way, and we don’t keep our mouths shut because we’re afraid the bully will turn off the funding spigot.

Hawai’i must lead. Our Congressional delegation, our Governor, the legislature, County Councils, University of Hawai’i, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, our courts and law enforcement, and non-profit advocacy groups across the islands – all of us and each of us must step up and push back.

Hawai’i leaders at all levels must follow the example of Representative Jill Tokuda.

We must stand strong and wear our values on our sleeve, proudly for the whole world to see.

Please join me in calling Senator Mazie Hirono (202) 224-6361 and telling her “thank you” for voting NO on the Trump/GOP “stop-gap funding measure”. Please also call Representative Jill Tokuda (202) 225-4906 and tell her “mahalo” as well for standing up and speaking out strongly against the Trump/Musk/Vance triumvirate.

As to Senator Brian Schatz and Representative Ed Case – unfortunately they are on the wrong side of this discussion. Senator Schatz voted YES today, supporting the Trump/GOP measure, and Representative Case voted to support the censure of his fellow Congressman Al Green for speaking out loudly against President Trump during a joint session of Congress.

Mahalo,
Gary L. Hooser (https://www.garyhooser.com/)
8 years – Kaua`i County Council�
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Just a regular guy trying to do my part to make the world a better place –

Gary L. Hooser
https://garyhooser.blog

8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Policy and Politics – Hawaii and beyond, in real time – Stay informed. Get involved. Make a difference.
Subscribe https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com for regular email updates – I promise not to flood your inbox with meaningless pap. Truly…I promise. gh

Photo Note: Unfortunately I do not know who took this photograph of a lone surfer blocking the Hawai’i Superferry from entering Nawiliwili Harbor – December 2007.

Honolulu StarAdvertiser Column:
State government must lift cloak of opacity for public good
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/03/06/editorial/island-voices/column-state-government-must-lift-cloak-of-opacity-for-public-good/

By Robert H. Pahia, Sergio J. Alcubilla III and Laura Acasio
March 6, 2025 

The essence of democracy lies in self-governance. Article 1, Section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution states, “All political power of this State is inherent in the people and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people.”

With Acasio v. House of Representatives, we are reclaiming our civic agency and asserting the people of Hawaii’s role in shaping the policies that define our quality of life and that of future generations. We seek to hold our representatives accountable to the state Constitution, and reaffirm our belief in a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The state House of Representatives, a legislative body meant to be the people’s voice, increasingly operates as an impenetrable fortress. Article III of the Hawaii State Constitution explicitly states, “Every meeting of a committee in either house … held for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

Previously, House rules required the formation of a House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure to review House rules and propose amendments. These same rules also mandated that the committee hold public meetings when making decisions and provide public notice of those meetings. This is especially important because the Sunshine Law does not cover the Legislature.

When the House Advisory Committee was formed, we were hopeful. We believed it would provide a genuine opportunity for public participation, as required by the Constitution. We expected open discussion and debate on House rules, leading to transparent and thoughtful recommendations.

Before filing this lawsuit — and before the House changed its rules behind closed doors — we reached out to representatives by phone, email and in person, requesting to be informed and allowed to participate in the relevant committee meetings.

Regrettably, the committee made its decisions in secret, holding no public meetings as required by the Hawaii Constitution. There was no public notice, no transparency, and no opportunity for participation.

This problem extends beyond House rules. Legislation is routinely drafted and decided upon in isolated committees, shielded from public scrutiny. Critical issues are often settled behind closed doors, leaving engaged citizens and stakeholders shut out. This closed decision-making process weakens representative democracy and conflicts with the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

This lawsuit demands adherence to the will of the voters and challenges all lawmakers to recommit to their duty to engage the people of Hawaii in meaningful ways. It is a reminder that their power comes from the governed — not the other way around. We hope that this lawsuit compels our representatives to dismantle the barriers they have erected between themselves and the people they are sworn to serve.

Democracy is a dynamic activity, meant to be practiced in the sunlight. Holding our leaders accountable is an essential part of good governance, and we must never abstain from our duty as citizens to do so.

Robert H. Pahia, Sergio J. Alcubilla III and Laura Acasio are plaintiffs in the recently filed lawsuit, Acasio v. House of Representatives; this was also signed by fellow plaintiffs Ka’apuni Aiwohi, Tanya Aynessazian, Doug Cobeen, Karen Cobeen and Michaela Ikeuchi.

Just when you think it can’t get much worse, American diplomacy led by President Trump and Vice President Vance – implodes on national television.

Regardless of which side you’re on, most will agree what happened during last weeks meeting with Ukraine President Zelensky, has severely harmed America’s reputation as a leader in the free world.

Actually, it’s worse than that. Without question, the health, safety, and stability of our world is much more at risk today than it was just one week ago.

When leadership was needed the most, these guys whether intentionally or unintentionally, totally dropped the ball.

Berating and belittling an international friend and ally on a world stage, then shutting him down when he tries to defend himself – is not leadership.

President Donald Trump calling former President Joe Biden “stupid” on national television while sitting in the Oval Office are not the actions of a leader.

Telling the President of Ukraine who’s fighting desperately to defend his country, essentially to “Take my deal, give me your minerals, take a knee, kiss the ring, and say thank you, or I’ll leave you and your people to Russia and they can do with you as they like.” – is not leadership. It may demonstrate the presence of a powerful deal-making thug, but it’s not leadership.

President Trump’s recent speech before Congress, just added fuel to the fire. To say his presentation was full of half-truths and misstatements of fact, and that he was totally lacking in courtesy, empathy, modesty, or humility – would be gross understatements.

I received an email a few days ago with a short and to the point message, “I’ve been reading your stuff for a while. Can you help us on the national level? The manure pile that’s been building up has been flung into the windmill. Can you please direct me to the revolution?”

I’ve gotten more than a few of these notes recently – referring to “revolution” and/or expressing fear of a coming “civil war”.

As individuals living in a small community far from the global centers of power, what positive and tangible actions can we, and must we take?

I can only speak to what I personally am doing and encourage others who feel similarly, to do similarly.

First of all, take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Turn off the news. Throttle back the fear and anxiety. Take a dip in the ocean. Hug your kids. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in years.

Next, think about your own security and tighten up the loose ends. Think about “disaster preparedness” and get ready – flashlights, radio, batteries, water, etc – I’m serious. Hopefully I’m wrong and if so, at least you’re prepared for the next hurricane or tsunami.

Stay informed. Resist “doom scrolling” through the news, but stay informed.

Plant food. I’m personally cleaning my yard of overgrown greenery that feeds no-one, and replanting with stuff I can eat.

While my budget may not allow me to “leave the grid”, I’m looking into it.
If disruption comes, we must be ready first in our own homes.

But what else must we do?

For starters, we must actively boycott those businesses supporting this testosterone charged madness.

We must also continue contacting our members of Congress, as well as friends and relatives across the continent offering encouragement and support.

In addition, today I’m signing up for news/action alerts and sending in a little bit of money to Indivisible Hawaiʻi https://indivisiblehawaii.org

The Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network has eleven chapters, spanning four islands, mobilizing thousands of residents.

AND we must continue to monitor and push our local government to support truly affordable housing, protect those minority communities now under attack, increase energy independence, and block efforts to dismantle environmental protections.

What is lacking most of all is leadership. We must step up our own personal efforts to lead in our own towns and communities, and we must seek out and encourage others at the state and national levels to do the same.

But let’s not fool ourselves, this is not just about electing a new President in 2028 who will somehow lead us to the promised land.

It’s about each and every one of us stepping up and taking ownership of our democracy – TODAY.

Remember, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – “True change will not be brought by corporations, but rather through a change in one’s own mind and actions.” National Civil Rights Museum

Gary L. Hooser
https://garyhooser.blog

8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i

Each of us looks at the world through our own unique lens, formed by our own unique life experiences.

Some of us grew up surrounded by poverty and hardship, while others enjoyed lives of wealth and privilege. We are brown, black, red, yellow, white, and many shades in between. We are men, women, transgendered, and like our colors – many shades in between. Some of us are young and some very old. There are many who’ve obtained high levels of formal education, and many more whose education comes via the streets, the forests, and the oceans. We speak different languages, we have different talents, different abilities, different disabilities, different interests, and different cultures and religions.

We’re all in this together and we all deserve a seat at the table.

Whether it’s a government institution, public corporation, non profit, or school – the active and conscious practice of diversity, equity and inclusiveness – results in a stronger, better, more ethical, and more effective organization.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness (DEI) is more than just a whipping boy “woke phrase” that President Trump and Musk love to hate on, and who toss it out like a slab of red meat to their true believers every chance they get.

Everyone deserves a seat at the table, everyone deserves to be treated equally, and our diversity strengthens us – this is the core of DEI.

We’re all related, interconnected and interdependent.

We all share a common responsibility to help each other, and to protect the planet we all call home.

At least this is the world I believe in.

And this my friends is where the line in the sand has been drawn.

We can agree to disagree on how best to deal with government waste, fraud, and abuse. We can even agree to disagree on tariffs, vaccines, and immigration policy.

But we cannot agree to disagree on the inherent evil of bigotry, and the fundamental values inherent in the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

My own immediate family of which I can trace direct lineage include individuals who were both born in America and others who immigrated there from other lands. My blood relatives are all of modest economic means, and include all colors, sexual identities, ages, as well as different abilities and disabilities.

My extended community ohana of people I love, respect, and know well – are the same. Just regular people representing the diversity of our planet.

Without question, our lives here in Hawai’i are richer and better because of the diversity that surrounds us. Yes, we can and must do better here as well, but we are blessed and privileged in many ways.

I understand but cannot forgive nor accept the bigotry and hate coming from the Trump/Musk world view.

They each were born into a white world of extreme wealth. Their view of the world is shaped by experiences totally different from those of common everyday people who struggle daily to just feed their families and pay the rent.

It’s not unusual that they surround themselves with other white men of wealth.

It’s what most of us do. We hang around with people like ourselves. The social-economics of life tend to support this trend. People who live in our neighborhood, tend to look like us. Even our place of employment too often reflects the inherent bias of the boss, and he or she will likely favor employing people most like them.

Thus the importance of DEI policy. Unless we consciously and actively seek out, support, and practice diversity, equality, and inclusion – it’s often too slow to happen.

And of course the sooner it happens, the sooner our world becomes a better place – for all of us.

Gary Hooser
garylhooser.com

Sometimes, people in positions of leadership must step back so others may have the space to step forward.

This is why I’m stepping down from The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) Board, an organization I helped create over a decade ago. It’s been truly an honor to serve as the volunteer Board President of H.A.P.A. and I’m immensely proud of what the organization has become. I’m also 100% committed to supporting its ongoing mission during the coming decade and beyond.

But it’s time to move on and let others take the H.A.P.A. helm.

I’ve been thinking and talking about this move, and discussing it, on and off, with the Board for the past year. So while it may appear sudden – it was not unplanned.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has played a role in bringing H.A.P.A. to where it is today. We have an awesome and talented 9 member staff each who is totally committed to making our world a better place.

The backbone of the organization, H.A.P.A.’s Board of Directors, collectively possess the life experiences, track records of success, and the interpersonal leadership skills – that are invaluable assets most organizations only dream of.

Fortunately, the talent of board and staff is backed up by dedicated community and institutional support as well. Whether the contributions are individuals online and monthly at $10 -$20, or from local or national philanthropic trusts and foundations – the support continues to grow as H.A.P.A.’s work has grown.

To each and every one of you, board, staff, and funders – I offer you my deepest thanks and appreciation for your trust, support, and help over the years. Please know I am still here, still 100% in support, and available anytime to talk or should you need my mana’o.

As to my plans for the future – I’ll continue to walk my 6 miles every single day, my grandchildren will no doubt see a little bit more of “Pop Pop”, and yes I will for sure continue making “good trouble”.

But truly – my plan is to double-down on efforts to support the new leadership we so desperately need in our government both locally and nationally – especially at this particular point in time in our history.

Identifying, encouraging, supporting, and holding accountable new civic leadership, while pulling back the curtain and calling out those leaders who are failing us.

Increasingly, these two things will be my focus and mission.

Lot’s to do. Time to get moving on it.

A Hui Hou

Gary Hooser

If it looks like I’m “picking on the State House”, it’s because the House keeps messing up – egregiously, in your face kine messing up.

The latest fiasco involves the Chair of House Finance, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, the sole sponsor of HB1369 seeking to eliminate renewable energy and related tax credits.

As if the Trump/Musk administrations’ denial of climate change and assault on renewable energy is not enough, instead of increasing tax credits to compensate for the reduced Federal support – Rep. Yamashita is proposing to reduce support even more. This is bad for families, bad for a local green industry, and bad for the climate.

HB1369, was “referred” only to House Finance. Rep. Yamashita is the bill’s only sponsor and is also Chair of House Finance.

Of course there are 15 other Representatives who also sit on House Finance, but the key word here is “sit”. If history is any indication, we can expect most if not all of those 15 to “go along to get along” as they are fearful of the power wielded by the Finance Chair.

They’re afraid if they raise their hands to question the Chair, they’ll be “punished”.

They’re fearful that much needed funding for sidewalks, parks, highways, or schools in their district will suddenly be “lined out of the budget” as punishment for speaking out.

Such is the toxic culture that permeates the big square building on Beretania Street.

At minimum HB1369 should have also been referred to the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, (EEP) Chaired by Representative Nicole Lowen. EEP would have reviewed the “subject matter” impact of the proposed tax changes. Are the proposed changes good or bad for the environment and for the renewable energy sector?

The Finance Committee looks at “budget impacts” and subject matter committees look at “subject matter impacts”. HB1369 will have no subject matter impact review because it was referred only to House Finance.

HB1369 also amends the existing solar hot water heater mandate in a manner that has nothing to do with the budget.

Why did HB1369 receive only a single referral when a reasonable review of the bill shows it has potentially far reaching impacts on issues relating to energy and the environment?

House Rules grant Speaker Nadine Nakamura absolute power to refer bills. Rule. 2.1 (14) – “It shall be the duty of the Speaker to..refer all bills to committees…The Speaker’s decision shall be the final disposition of the matter.”

The Speakers decision to refer HB1369 only to House Finance could have been “appealed” by the Chair of EEP, however since it’s all done in secret, we’ll never know if that happened. In any case, “The Speaker’s decision shall be the final disposition of the matter.”

The Speaker has total power over which committee “hears” the bill, and the Committee Chair controls the outcome of that hearing.

This begs the question – Why do we need the other 49 House members?

Yes, I’m fully aware sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. I’m also aware what’s happening now in the House is not funny at all.

HB1369 will be heard in committee Wednesday Feb. 19th at 2:30pm. To submit testimony go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov – Log-in (top right corner) go to “My Legislature” – Click “Submit Testimony” (left side of page) – enter HB1369 – follow instructions.

Regardless of the timing, if you support preserving tax credits that support the use of renewable energy in Hawaii, be it solar, wind or biofuels – it’s critically important to submit testimony AND call your own district Representative and ask them to vote NO on HB1369.

Note: HB1369 also proposes tax changes to motion picture, digital media, agriculture, air transportation, ship building- and more.

HB1369 must be stopped in its tracks or at the very minimum re-referred and undergo thorough joint/committee review.

Gary L. Hooser
https://garyhooser.blog

8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i
Just a regular guy trying to do my part to make the world a better place –