HOOSER: The policy and politics of gratitude
Being thankful and celebrating our own good fortune comes with an obligation to reach out to help others.
HOOSER: Hawai‘i — a blue state charade
Am wishing today, we were more like Minnesota.
HOOSER: Lawmaking 101 — tools of the trade
Rules and regulations, mandates, outright bans, plus financial incentives and disincentives. These are the primary tools used by lawmakers and administrators to accomplish public policy goals needed to preserve and protect “the commons” — our health, natural environment, social justice, and balanced economic interests.
HOOSER: Yes, in my backyard!
Yes, in my backyard! Putting affordable housing in my backyard is totally fine, and if government just gives me a little help — I’ll build it myself.
HOOSER: Policy, politics, ethics and avocados
Walking 5 miles a day provides valuable exercise of course, but it also gives me two hours of peaceful solitude and outdoor “thinking time.”
HOOSER: What can we do to stop the madness?
Innocent civilians: men, women, children, the very old, the very young, are being slaughtered daily. Whether it’s death by bullet, bomb or bayonet, people are being targeted and killed in their homes, sleeping in their beds, shopping in the market, or running through the fields. Their deaths are senseless, criminal, and unjustifiable — regardless of the flag that flies overhead.
HOOSER: 3 steps toward 6 important priorities
Please don’t tell me it’s a waste of time, nobody listens anyway, or that you’re busy. You can be part of the solution or part of the problem. I ask that you please, please, please — today be part of the solution.
HOOSER: Talking trash: two easy and important things you can do
Our one and only Kekaha landfill is approaching maximum capacity. Micro-plastics are being found in the guts of fish and other living things. The trash on the beach, at the side of the road, and floating in huge garbages patches in our oceans — has a direct and negative impact on the health of people and the planet.
HOOSER: Crooked politicians — a pox on them all
The stereotype that all politicians are crooks seems more true today than ever. We know this first-hand here in Hawai’i where several of our elected officials are now sitting in jail after being caught taking bribes and violating the public trust.
HOOSER: Housing emergency proclamation undergoes a reset
Mahalo Governor Green for listening to the community and taking prompt action to amend and improve the Emergency Housing Proclamation (EP).
HOOSER: Green’s housing proclamation needs a reset
The recent bullying of a state employee at a public meeting and threats against her family on social media is totally unacceptable. Given the passion, the spread of misinformation, and the tragedy unfolding in West Maui, the frustration and anger may be understandable, but the threats are 100 percent not OK.
HOOSER: Time for an emergency session is now
Heads up to the Governor and State Legislature: Maui must be our top and most urgent priority, but we also cannot sidestep other critical issues, challenges and needs.
HOOSER: Why have political parties?
There are four political parties active in Hawai‘i — Democratic, Republican, Green, and Aloha ‘Aina. What purpose do they serve? What could they accomplish if they decided to organize and mobilize?
HOOSER: How prepared is Kaua‘i for its next disaster?
How prepared are we? That’s the question Kaua‘i County needs to be asking itself.
HOOSER: Island of Maui on our mind
While our world locally marches forward in a seemingly normal manner, for friends and family on Maui that same world has been turned upside down.
HOOSER: So you want to get involved?
Would you like to get more involved in the local world of policy and politics, but wondering where to start?
HOOSER: Looking ahead to 2026 elections
The year 2024 will be big in national politics, but locally it may be a bit “ho hum.” There’s no governor’s race, no mayor’s race, our four state legislative seats seem locked up, and movement on the Kaua‘i County Council will likely be minimal.
HOOSER: Koloa Day at the planning commission
It was Tuesday July 11, 2023, and the room was packed. The issue at hand was a luxury residential development proposed for Kaua‘i’s southside. The majority were in opposition, their attendance driven by deep concerns for Kaua‘i’s future. Most of those in support were, directly or indirectly, paid to be there.
HOOSER: The rough and tumble of policy and politics
Pay attention to “self care” is the message I hear over and over from other “good troublemakers” in the community. The political environment can be toxic, and the work is never-ending. For a great majority of people on the planet, and for the planet itself, these are desperate times, and the needs are great.
HOOSER: Does your legislator care about what you think?
“I’m totally disgusted with government” is a message I get frequently from a whole lot of people.