HOOSER: Dealing with corruption is our collective kuleana
Do you know firsthand of any corruption involving bribery of public officials or government employees occurring here in our community? I sincerely hope not, but if you do here is the FBI tip line to report it: fbi.gov/tips.
HOOSER: One job should indeed be enough
It’s probably a good time to offer a hearty “thank you” for the introduction and passage of Senate Bill 2018 to Kaua‘i’s own, state Senate President Ron Kouchi, and state Sen. Brian Taniguchi (Manoa), chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts.
HOOSER: Testament to a statesman
During the past 20 years I have worked with and come to know many who have served in public office. Few rise to the level epitomized by the conduct and actions of the honorable Rep. Ezra Kanoho.
HOOSER: Politics 101: Who you gonna call?
The U.S. Congress is currently debating bills attempting to preserve and protect voting rights, setting universal federal standards that all 50 states must abide by.
HOOSER: Housing discrimination hurts everyone
The pandemic has left many people “accepting government assistance,” a place they never thought they’d be.
HOOSER: Qualifications for council candidates restrictive
To be a candidate for the Kaua‘i County Council you must be a resident and a “qualified voter” for two years preceding the election.
HOOSER: 12 policy goals for 2022
It goes without saying that if we don’t set goals, we are sure not to achieve them.
HOOSER: Sometimes leading means stepping back
The primary election results for the Kaua‘i prosecutor’s race show without a doubt who the winner of the general election will be. With the most-recent count showing Rebecca “Becky” Like at 8,184 votes and Shaylene Iseri at 3,645 votes, the ultimate outcome is clear.
HOOSER: 10 things to do in 2022
As we enter the final days of the year it’s good to remind ourselves of a few things (10 to be exact) that we can do to make our community a better place.
HOOSER: Understanding and reading between the lines
Recently, while reviewing online the Kaua‘i County Council Dec. 1 “Council Meeting Recap,” I came across this:
HOOSER: Making democracy work. We need you in 2022.
As 2021 draws to a close, I think not so much about the coming holidays but more about the work being done in Congress, by our County Council, and in the coming legislative session that opens on Jan. 19, followed oh-so-quickly by the primary election Aug. 13.
HOOSER: Bill No. 2491, 8 years later
The story of Bill No. 2491, about how the people of Kaua‘i went to battle against the largest chemical companies in the world, is too long, too complex and too intense to tell in 600 words. If you’re interested, consider watching the documentary film “Poisoning Paradise,” free on Amazon Prime.
HOOSER: Republicans and Conservative Dems join hands to block BBB
Because of a handful of conservative Democrats and 100% of the Republicans in Congress, 62 million Medicare recipients will not be receiving help with their dental and vision needs this coming year.
HOOSER: Legislative accountability problems and solutions
Having a government that works for the people, and that operates in a manner that is transparent and accountable is a goal that cuts across ideological lines.
HOOSER: The truth about vote-trading
Recently, I wrote a column in which I suggested that President Joe Biden should “Give them (those who are blocking the Build Back Better legislation) a freeway, an airport, a rail system or maybe a football stadium. Name an aircraft carrier, battleship or destroyer after them. Just cut the deal.”
HOOSER: Time to cut a deal; lessons from L’Amour
Louis L’Amour’s novel “Sitka” should be required reading by all who serve in elective office.
HOOSER: Answer to national craziness is to think global, act local
On Oct. 11, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning any entity in Texas, including private businesses, from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees or customers.
HOOSER: Hoping for a quick return to normalcy
COVID numbers once again are on the decline! Hopefully, sometime soon, we can return to normalcy, gather again in groups with friends and family, eat out more frequently, and perhaps even testify in person before our government officials.
HOOSER: ‘Just any ole blue won’t do,’ litmus tests or not
With the 2022 primary election less than one year away, candidates from around the state are starting to step forward.
HOOSER: The myth of Democrats controlling politics, government
Hawai‘i is a blue state dominated by Democrats and the Democratic Party. Conventional wisdom though this may be, it’s only half true. And even the half that’s true is not really true. Dwell on that for a moment.