Hawaii State Senator Gary L. Hooser

• A Birthday Celebration Invitation - Fundraiser For LG Campaign

  Aloha Friends,
  
  Hope you are doing well and that the coming holiday season treats you with kindness and respect. Myself and the Hooser Ohana are good. Life is not without its challenges but we are well and fortunate in many respects.
  
  Our State is at a critical juncture. [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2009, 11:33am EST
  

• On Civil Unions—

  I have come to believe that much of the hand-wringing and sometimes hysterical rhetoric about civil unions is a bit of a red herring in that it distracts us from what should be our focus whenever we make laws: access to justice for all.
  
  As Americans we pride ourselves [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 4:30am EST
  

• Healthcare Reform: The Time For Action Is Now

  Health care is a critical issue on our nation’s agenda and Hawai‘i is poised to be a leader in providing sound solutions.
  
  A recent New York Times article touted Hawai‘i’s healthcare system as a “lesson for lawmakers.” Workers in our state, who work more than 20 hours a week, [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 11:00am EST
  

• Friends of Gary Hooser Email Newsletter sent out October 23, 2009

  Past Sierra Club Directors Endorse Hooser
  Two former directors of the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club, Jeff Mikulina (1998-2008) and David Kimo Frankel (1996-1998) as well as respected environmental professor/attorney Denise Antolini, and numerous other leaders in the environmental community have endorsed Senator Gary Hooser for Lt. Governor in [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 3:14am EDT
  

• LG Poll Results, Campaign Update – Your Help Is Needed Today

  Our campaign for Lieutenant Governor is right on track. In retrospect, the decision to announce early was a very good one. During the past 8 months we have been able to organize a great team in every county, host a series of successful events on three islands, develop campaign materials, [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 10:38am EDT
  

• A Take on the Hurricane Fund from the Senator from Hurricane Island - Why We Need a Special Session

  Losing 17 days of classroom instruction in our public schools is unacceptable.
  
  While today’s budget crisis is temporary, the negative impacts of cutting 17 days of classroom instruction this year will last forever. No one will disagree that as a direct result of this action student achievement will suffer, [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 1:29am EDT
  

• Campaign Spending - Fully Funded Public Option Is Critical

  In 1966, a well-known California political figure, Jesse M. Unruh, coined the phrase “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” Today in Hawai‘i, the primary measure of a candidate is too often the question “yes, but can he/she raise the money?”
  
  The opening paragraphs of the bi-partisan Common Cause [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 3:03am EDT
  

• Civil Unions - A Righteous And Legal Point of View

  David Shapiro’s recent column entitled “Civil unions issue remains political divider” [bit.ly] suggests that Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, Councilmember Gary Okino and assorted other right wing conservatives are in the process of fermenting a political holy war of sorts.
  
  The plan it seems is that Aiona, Okino [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 4:02am EDT
  

• The Big Fallacy About Layoffs

  The economic winds are blowing hard against the bow of our state and stirring up a fierce and apparently relentless storm. The answer is to paddle together, not simply toss people out of the canoe.
  
  Yes, we have to live within our means and yes, government services [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 9:14am EDT
  

• 9/11 — Then and Now

  According to the 9/11 Commission, 2,981 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. This tragic and horrific event can arguably be said to represent the most significant attack against the United States in history.
  
  Each of us can remember where we were at the moment those planes slammed into [...]
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  Posted: September 15, 2009, 10:15am EDT
  

• Agriculture: Certainty in Policy Will Further Growth

  The most important thing government can do to support business is to provide a degree of certainty with regards to government regulation.
  
  Yanking the rug out from under farmers and businesses around the state, with little or no notice only perpetuates Hawaii’s reputation for not being “business friendly.” [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 6:52pm EDT
  

• Email from a nobody.....

  My response to an email received this morning from a concerned citizen:
  
  Great letter Carol. And you are not a "nobody"...you are everybody and your email, letters and telephone calls are important. You are all the people who elected President Obama...and all the people who are needed to support [...]
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  Posted: August 23, 2009, 3:29am EDT
  

• August - Lieutenant Governor Campaign E-Newsletter

  If you would like to be on the Friends of Gary Hooser Campaign E-Newsletter list - submit your name and contact information at [www.garyhooser.com]
  
  Aloha,
  
  On Public Policy And The Future - By Senator Gary Hooser
  *Getting out of the rut - it is past time [...]
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  Posted: August 11, 2009, 2:48am EDT
  

• Time to Re-Focus

  Time to refocus, time to move on
  
  This past Sunday, Nobel-prize winning economist, Paul Krugman on This Week with George Stephanopoulos cautiously affirmed what Newsweek has just announced on its front cover: “The Recession is Over.” For all those people still struggling to make ends meet in the [...]
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  Posted: July 31, 2009, 4:15am EDT
  

• Energy Independence – The Democratization of Power

  In his book “Hot, Flat and Crowded,” Thomas L. Friedman explains the dangerous convergence of economic, environmental and security interests that makes the goal of energy independence the most critical issue facing our nation.
  
  As an island state nearly totally dependent on imported oil, the urgency for Hawai‘i is [...]
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  Posted: July 14, 2009, 3:50am EDT
  

• Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Wants Assignment to Lead Hawaii to Energy Independence

  HONOLULU, HI – State Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser kicked-off his statewide campaign for 2010 Lieutenant Governor before a packed crowd at a fundraising rally held on Tuesday, June 9th at the DAV Hall - Ke‘ehi Lagoon on O‘ahu. The candidate told friends, family and supporters that he has his [...]
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  Posted: June 11, 2009, 11:13am EDT
  

• On leadership, collaboration and communication - or the lack thereof

  The most recent effort by Lenny Klompus to make Governor Lingle look good and her critics look bad took the form of a hit piece on me in the The Garden Island newspaper (5/23/09)[www.kauaiworld.com] If nothing else, Mr. Klompus is to be commended for consistency: he is so thoroughly [...]
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  Posted: May 26, 2009, 12:37pm EDT
  

• Beyond Sustainability

  It is time we expand our goals and our vision beyond sustainability.
  
  Dramatic change on the national stage has ushered in a new era in American civic and political life and our community must act quickly to capitalize on the opportunity and momentum that is now before us. We [...]
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  Posted: April 30, 2009, 5:07pm EDT
  

• Useful "fill in the blank" letter to lobby legislature on budget Bills, cuts and tax increases

  In case anyone needs help in drafting a letter to the House or Senate regarding the cuts and tax increases currently pending before the legislature - below is a template for all to use. Follows the format of hundreds of letters/emails/phone calls that are coming in daily.
  
  Dear Senator [...]
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  Posted: April 24, 2009, 2:50pm EDT
  

• 3/25/09 Civil Union HB444HD1 Floor Remarks supporting the pull from committee

  Madame President, I rise in support of the motion to recall HB444HD1 from the Committee on Judiciary.
  
  Madame President, colleagues I rise today and humbly ask that you join me today in a vote to recall HB444HD1, a Bill that “Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of [...]
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  Posted: March 25, 2009, 1:11pm EDT
  

• The op-ed response the Honolulu Advertiser chose not to publish

  The below op-ed was submitted to the Honolulu Advertiser in response to an editorial they published opposing the passage of HB444 and instead advocating for a new public vote on the issue. They have chosen not to publish the response that I submitted and thus I have posted it here:
  [...]
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  Posted: March 04, 2009, 1:50am EST
  

• Letter in response to those opposed to HB444 - Civil Unions

  Aloha,
  
  Thank you for taking the time to email me your thoughts and concerns regarding the important issue of civil unions and HB444.
  
  It is unfortunate that in this situation there appears to be a conflict between the fundamental values of civil rights and equal treatment under [...]
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  Posted: February 18, 2009, 8:42am EST
  

• Quotations: Inspiration in face of adversity

  In 2009 Year Of The Ox, Be Persistent.
  Implement Your Plans And Do Not Compromise Your Ideals.
  Find Your Expression In A Creative Endeavor.
  And Enjoy Stability In Love And Family.
  
  ******************
  
  The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and [...]
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  Posted: February 18, 2009, 1:37am EST
  

• Regarding Public Worker "take away's" - Letter to public employees

  Below is a copy of a letter sent out to individuals who had inquired about my position on various Bill's proposed in the House that would have impacted public worker benefits.
  
  *********************************************************************
  
  Hello Susan,
  
  Thank you for the note and questions. I understand that you and [...]
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  Posted: February 16, 2009, 4:37am EST
  

• Law Regarding Vacancies in State Senate Seat

  There has been much discussion regarding what happens when I resign has a Hawaii State Senator and file papers to run for the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2010. Below is the answer.
  
  
  HAWAII REVISED STATUTES
  
  §17-3 State senator. (a) Whenever any vacancy in the membership [...]
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  Posted: February 08, 2009, 9:11am EST
  

• Just a few of the safety-net proposals submitted for consideration this year

  For those who are interested, the following are a few of the Safety net Bills that I have proposed for consideration during the present 2009 legislative session. With a economy on the decline, it is especially important that government leaders pay extra attention to making sure our social safety net [...]
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  Posted: February 05, 2009, 2:32am EST
  

• 2010 announcement- Lieutenant Governor

  Note: The below message was earlier emailed to friends and associates on my broadcast email list. If you did not receive this email and would like to be included in future email communications, please go to "Sign up for email news" at [www.garyhooser.com] gh
  
  Aloha Friends,
  
  I [...]
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  Posted: February 01, 2009, 1:53am EST
  

• Edward Sissorhands Revisited - Nine Options For Consideration

  Our state government’s financial conundrum cannot be resolved by simply cutting budgets. It is simply not possible to chop over a billion dollars from our state budget without causing irreparable harm. There will be real, tangible and very negative human consequences if the only tool used to resolve the crisis [...]
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  Posted: January 01, 2009, 7:54am EST
  

• Holiday message, future plans and The Hooser Story

  Note: The below message was recently sent out via email to all who are on my "Hooser Email List".
  
  If you did not get this email you are not on the list.
  
  To add your name to the email list and to receive future email messages, political [...]
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  Posted: December 24, 2008, 3:17am EST
  

• The Budget Conundrum and Edward Sizzorhands

  The pleas for help come in almost daily. By telephone, via email and from people on the street, the cries for relief from the governor’s budget slashing come in to my office – from schools, libraries, hospitals, mental health services, natural resource protection – no department and no state service [...]
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  Posted: December 05, 2008, 3:31am EST
  

• There, but for the grace of God go I

  Why be thankful?
  
  The economy is seemingly coming down around us. Budgets are tight, perhaps tighter than they have ever been. People are losing their jobs, others losing their health-care and still others are losing their homes.
  
  But today is a day for putting our personal situations [...]
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  Posted: November 27, 2008, 4:30am EST
  

• A Roman Holiday

  Yes…the Hooser’s have just returned from a fabulous 10 day trip to Italy. Our amazing daughter, Kelli-Rose, is participating in a “study abroad” program in Rome and we left Kauai on Monday November 10 and just returned last night, Friday November 21.
  
  Was wonderful to visit with my [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2008, 4:29am EST
  

• The HECO/Hawaii "transformational" agreement – may not be so transformational after-all?

  Below is a somewhat provocative review of the recently announced “energy agreement” between the State of Hawaii and HECO from Erik Kvam of Zero Emissions. While many (including myself) have hailed this agreement as “transformational”, Erik’s take on the “agreement” is more skeptical, raises important questions and well worth the [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2008, 2:33am EST
  

• Quick post election wrap-up

  Hooser, Gary - 18,987
  Georgi, JoAnne - 6,040
  
  The Hawaii State Senate announced its new organization today. The good news is that I remain Majority Leader.
  
  While a major shakeup was not expected...you just never know...until the reorganization has been completed and I am thankful to be able [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2008, 10:55am EST
  

• For the fully certified and totally obsessed - political junkie

  Food for more pre-election thought for all the political junkies out there with too much time on their hands…and who will be continually obsessed with the coming election until it is over:
  
  1) OUR GOVERNOR MAKES US PROUD: Governor Lingle continues to demonstrate how out of touch she is [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2008, 8:36am EST
  

• Vote Early – Vote Now !!!

  I voted on Friday October 24 and encourage everyone else to consider voting early as well. The flow of people at the Lihue polling station was steady but not overly so.
  
  The lines on November 4 are expected to be longer than normal given the “Obama effect”. Voting early [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2008, 6:59am EDT
  

• Hawaii Energy Proposal - Transformational

  The recent agreement reached between the State of Hawaii and HECO, the State’s primary energy provider has the potential to fundamentally transform the future of energy in our state.
  
  Unfortunately the local newspapers chose to focus only on the sexy, expensive and potentially controversial proposal to lay an undersea [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2008, 11:47am EDT
  

• A Kauai Girl Who Tells It Like It Is - a must read

  This you have to read:
  
  Is Lingle losing her local cred?
  
  By Lee Cataluna
  Advertiser Columnist
  
  Maybe Gov. Linda Lingle believes the line about what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Like we wouldn't hear about her saying Barack Obama isn't really from Hawai'i. Since [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2008, 2:44am EDT
  

• One of my very favorite quotations

  One of my very favorite quotations:
  
  This is the true joy in life--that being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2008, 6:18am EDT
  

• Honolulu Advertiser Endorses Hooser

  Waking up to the Honolulu Advertiser this morning was a particularly pleasant experience as it included an editorial announcing their endorsement of various neighbor island legislators -including yours truly.
  
  The complete editorial can be found here:
  [www.honoluluadvertiser.com]
  
  "The Advertiser endorses Hooser, who has earned his reputation as [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2008, 3:25am EDT
  

• Post Debate on Con Con ---

  For a review of last nights Con Con debate read the Honolulu Advertiser’s report [www.honoluluadvertiser.com]
  
  The more the issue is discussed the more it becomes even more obvious that “we don’t need it and can’t afford it”. The Case/Aiona team spoke of the opportunity to “have a conversation” [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2008, 4:53am EDT
  

• Hooser to Debate Monday October 13 "live" on KHON Channel #2 8pm

  Watch KHON Channel #2 tomorrow, Monday October 13 at 8pm for a "live" debate on the upcoming "Con- Con" vote. The "Con Con-Con" perspective will be presented by Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and myself on one team versus the "Pro Con-Con" team of former Congressman Ed Case and Lieutenant Governor [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2008, 3:53am EDT
  

• Post Primary Mahalo

  Aloha Friends,
  
  With the primary election now behind us, I would like to take a moment to say Mahalo. Mahalo for allowing me the honor and privilege of being able to serve as your State Senator and to be able to do the work of serving our community. [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2008, 5:55am EDT
  

• Klompus - " petty, partisan, vitriolic perspective"

  Lenny Klompus sure got worked up over my recent Lingle/Aiona Star-Bulletin piece [starbulletin.com]
  
  I must have struck a nerve.
  
  Klompus, the Governor’s “senior communications advisor” went on the offense in today’s Star-Bulletin [starbulletin.com] - throwing everything but the kitchen sink at me for having the [...]
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  Posted: September 14, 2008, 6:11am EDT
  

• forward to the future with Obama/Palin

  We must not let ourselves be fooled. This election is not about choosing between Obama and McCain, but rather it is about choosing between two competing futures, one represented by Barack Obama and the other by Sandra Palin. It is not back to the future but rather forward to the [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2008, 9:20am EDT
  

• Honolulu papers publish Lingle/Aiona - Out of Touch

  Both Honolulu major daily newspapers, while initially declining to publish the "Lingle/Aiona Out of Touch" piece, did in fact include it in their Sunday edition today.
  
  The Honolulu Star Bulletin printed the complete full 800 word version [starbulletin.com]
  
  The Honolulu Advertiser included a 250 word [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2008, 3:33am EDT
  

• Lingle/Aiona: Out of step and out of touch

  Lingle/Aiona: Out of step and out of touch
  
  While local and national conservatives alike praised Governor Lingle's recent speech before the Republican National Convention, for most in Hawaii it is just further evidence of how out of touch she really is.
  
  It is no wonder that Republicans in [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2008, 1:50pm EDT
  

• Saturday reflections: On Obama and the future

  Above all, this past week was an experience I will never forget.
  
  To have been there in Denver, at the Pepsi Center and then at the stadium on Thursday, to be totally immersed 24/7, surrounded on all sides by the people, the energy, and the over-all dynamics of this [...]
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  Posted: August 30, 2008, 5:49am EDT
  

• Day 8 - The Big Day - but running this morning

  I hate to do this folks but even getting up at 6am and flying through the morning does not allow me time to blog properly this morning. We had an extended breakfast meeting attended by several high ranking dignitaries and at least two bonafide movie star's.
  
  Have grabbed [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2008, 2:23am EDT
  

• Day 7 - Mahalo Hillary, Hello Bill - Aloha Joe! Another Day At the Democratic National Convention in

  The entry will be short this morning. The daily schedule here starts with a 7am breakfast briefing, then the issuance of "credentials" (those very coveted pieces of paper cards that allow you access into the Pepsi Center and an up-close and personal convention experience).
  
  Today, starting 30 minutes [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2008, 1:31am EDT