Hawaii State Senator Gary L. Hooser

Energy Independence – The Democratization of Power

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:50:47 GMT

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 magnified ten-fold. As a place with an abundance of natural energy resources including solar, wind, geo thermal, wave, and ocean thermal the opportunity is magnified equally so.

Energy independence represents an immediate, clear and unambiguous pathway to a prosperous, vibrant and diversified economy. Retaining any significant percentage of the $6 billion or more presently exported annually for the importation of oil would have a massive and immediate economic multiplier effect. The creation of new “Green Collar” jobs in both the development and implementation of renewable energy strategies represents real opportunity, but this must be dramatically accelerated.

Hawai‘i can be the world leader in the development of renewable energy.

The environmental benefits of energy independence are obvious. The risk of rising sea levels should be incentive enough for us to lead the way in reducing green house gas emissions.

Given the fragile state of our economy at the moment, any incident whether natural or man-made that might keep the oil tankers from getting here, would send our economy into a tailspin and has the potential to send our community into the dark ages, literally.

While much has been accomplished in small incremental steps over the past few years, it is time for bold action.

One such bold step was taken recently when the legislature passed into law a “first in the nation” initiative requiring a solar hot water heater or other energy efficient system be installed in all new homes starting in 2010. As the original introducer of this Bill, I know first hand the challenge involved in taking bold steps and applaud my colleagues and especially Kaua‘i’s own Representative Hermina Morita for making this a reality.

Another bold step, also supported by myself and written in large part by Rep Morita is HB1271 now sitting under threat of veto, at the desk of the governor. It is imperative that this measure which will generate millions of dollars in targeted support for food and energy security initiatives be signed into law. Hopefully the governor relents and approves, but if not the legislature should over-ride the veto.

Ultimately what is needed in our state is an accelerated plan in support of “democratized power production.” Every roof top of every home and business should and can become its own independent power producer. Distributed generation favoring small power producers, supported by a smart grid is the model our State should be aggressively pursuing.

Unfortunately, the monolithic public utility model of the past continues to dominate and consequently inhibit the expansion of small independent power producers. For a variety of reasons, our electric public utilities statewide are resistant to change and have a clear bias toward supporting “big power” producers and at the expense of smaller producers. Existing utilities must embrace and encourage the small producer and facilitate the proliferation of true distributed generation by focusing and accelerating the development of “smart grid” technology and by expanding rather than limiting the benefits of net metering, allowing individuals to sell their excess power back to the grid at reasonable rates.

Counties, who control the zoning and permitting process, must also recognize the urgency and the benefits that come with accelerating the process that allows individual homes, farms and business to be energy self-sufficient.

The technology is available now. The public is clamoring for action. We have a White House that supports this kind of change. It is time to seize the moment. IMUA!

Hawaii Senator Gary Hooser
Majority Leader
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Watch "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:13:38 GMT

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 eye on one assignment over all others:

“In a state with abundant sunshine, steady trade winds and the potential for wave, ocean and geo-thermal energy, we should clearly be the world’s leader in the development, testing, use, and export of renewable energy technology,” said Hooser. “If elected, this will be the first job I request of the new Governor. I will ask him or her to let me help lead the way in making Hawai‘i energy self-sufficient.”

Hooser also touched upon other issues about which he feels most strongly, stressing his belief in equality for all, his support of universal access to healthcare and education, his belief that drug addiction is primarily a public health issue and the urgent need to build environmental awareness and energy independence.

Acknowledging that his opponents may very well voice similar positions he made the case for his candidacy: “Besides the experience, business, family, living through with the community the impact of two hurricanes on Kauai, council and state legislative experience; the progressive values and policy positions, I am different because I have been tested. I have proven my resolve. I have proven that I am who I say I am and I have proven that I will fight and stand for what is right and just,” he said.

He reminded supporters of the comprehensive list of ways in which he had already acted upon Hawai‘i’s most critical issues, citing his recent efforts in regards to civil unions, his active support of nurses, hotel workers and teachers, and the authoring and successful passing of the nation’s first solar mandate bill.

“I am here tonight to say to you that I believe sincerely, that with new leadership, new energy and a new commitment to the future, we can achieve the Hawai‘i and the future that we all want and deserve. And I am here tonight to ask you to join me in making these dreams a reality,” Hooser said in his remarks.

The first of its kind in Hawai‘i, Senator Gary Hooser’s campaign for 2010 Lieutenant Governor is a carbon neutral campaign. A longtime advocate of sustainability and the environment in the Senate, Hooser has committed to offset all C02 generated by his campaign by purchasing carbon credits from local companies doing reforestation and clean energy development. “These efforts are my way of affirming my long-standing commitment to doing all that I can to protect the environment and foster a greener economy,” Hooser said.

The Friends of Gary Hooser will be hosting several meet and greet/fundraising events on Kaua‘i, Maui and Big Island over the next three months. For more information, please visit www.garyhooser.com.

On leadership, collaboration and communication - or the lack thereof

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:37:51 GMT

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)http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/05/23/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/doc4a17b49c974ed865392649.txt If nothing else, Mr. Klompus is to be commended for consistency: he is so thoroughly in step with the tone and modus operandi of other Republican voices like Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney.

If Mr. Klompus really wants to know what my platform is or what I have accomplished in the legislature, he should simply visit http://www.garyhooser.com Or, he could ask any of the good people around our state who are actively involved in public policy development and advocacy in the areas of education, energy, environment, health and human services, agriculture and/or water/land issues. They will tell him that not only am I a staunch and effective advocate, but that I have been the primary sponsor of numerous pieces of original legislation in each of these areas. These same hard-working people engaged in constructive efforts on multiple fronts critical to Hawaii’s future might also remind him that I was the primary sponsor of a recently passed “first in the nation” law requiring the installation of energy-efficient hot water systems on all new residential construction.

It is apparently my critique of the Governor’s style, which got Mr. Klompus going on his tirade. His language does her and her high office no service.

Unlike the Governor, I learned long ago that to be effective one must be inclusive and one must learn to give credit to others.

“My” accomplishments would not have been possible without the help and participation of many others. The ideas came mostly from members of the community and the success of the legislation came about because of support from my colleagues in the House and Senate. My style is to bring in partners, build a collaborative effort, do the hard work and achieve the desired goal first, then host the press conference afterwards to celebrate and give credit where it is due. The Governor’s style is to first host the press conference to celebrate her idea and initiative, then attempt to push her plan/program through the process, and should the initiative falter, blame those who were not part of her cheer-leading team from the start.

I truly believe our state has the potential to dramatically increase its energy and food independence which would have immediate dramatic and positive economic development impacts. With more qualified teachers in the classroom and a reduced central state bureaucracy we can significantly improve public education. I also believe that no student should be denied a college education because of his or her inability to afford the tuition.

Protecting and nurturing our natural environment, increasing our energy and food independence and improving and expanding opportunities in education will result in a strong, vibrant and diversified economy. This is my platform, and it is not rocket science. The ideas and program models are there and the underlying principles have been tested and proven.

Success is achievable but it will take leadership, a new and genuinely collaborative way of conducting business and an unwavering commitment to core principles. Nationally and locally, the Republican rant, unmoored from reality, is getting old. Mr. Klompus may not have noticed, but there is a new President in the White House, one whose commitment to civility in discourse and making words matter, is worth emulating. If Mr. Klompus is serious about his career in communications and about serving the office of Governor with the dignity it deserves, he should take notes.

Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com
Watch "The Hooser Story" online video

Gary Hooser is the Majority Leader of the Senate. He is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

Beyond Sustainability

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:07:00 GMT

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 have been challenged to change how we act at home and abroad on many fronts. Nowhere perhaps is there a greater need to inject change than in how we think about the idea of sustainability.

Bandied about till its meaning has been worn threadbare, taken over by corporate interests and high-jacked by pop culture, sustainability is a term that today demands us to move forward and beyond the cliché. At this time of enormous drain on our resources and challenges to our political will to protect and manage those resources properly, we would do well to step back from the doomsday scenario of a planet in peril and remind ourselves of the scope of what we do not know about the planet and its vast mysteries yet to be revealed. Rather than repeat the mistakes of the past and continue on a path of simply plundering what we discover, we should use this moment at this critical time to remember what our elders knew and what we have largely forgotten. We need to learn once again how to listen better, how to focus on what is good for the community, not just for the individual, and how to treat the earth with the reverence our ancestors once did.

Restoring the idea of sustainability to a platform that not only requires environmental stewardship but rewards that stewardship with economic prosperity are only two critical components. To truly move beyond sustainability means to also embrace social justice and civic involvement — two thoughts that are perhaps President Obama’s biggest gift of leadership to the nation and to the world. Hawaii, with its rich Native Hawaiian culture, close knit community and the diversity of the people who call it home, has the opportunity to build on the national platform he has provided: to demonstrate that we can get beyond limited notions of sustainability.

Our children deserve more than a static no growth scenario envisioned by some in search of a so-called sustainable future. Prosperity and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. We must do more than merely protect our environment and actually enrich and re-grow those areas that have been damaged and neglected. We must not only create a thriving agricultural industry in order to feed ourselves but take it to the next step and create niche export markets that can help our farmers to prosper and grow. Energy independence is a goal we must achieve but we need to even now think beyond that limitation to expanding the export of newly developed renewable energy technology.

Small farms, small energy producers, small but numerous and diverse groups of committed individuals: that’s where the strength of our community lies. Gone are the days of big single crop plantations and large monolithic energy producers. At this moment when we have been badly let down by once respected models of corporate and institutional behavior, we need to lift ourselves up by reinventing new ways to do what we did before. We need to find better, smarter ways to grow our own food, harness the diverse sources of energy we are blessed with, and provide our children a quality education.

The truth is if we focus on the environment, food production, energy independence and education, the economy will take care of itself. When we take care of these four cornerstones of value, our economy will boom and we will command the attention of businesses from around the world. A robust economy translates into good paying jobs and an increased over-all quality of life for all Hawaii residents.

This year, the 2009 legislature has been driven by the need to balance our state budget while dealing with a recession the effects of which have been felt state-wide. In the midst of this struggle have emerged several pieces of legislation that can truly help our state move “beyond sustainability.” HB1464 takes a huge step towards ending Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuel by banning the construction of new power generation plants that use fossil fuels. There are important electric vehicle incentives contained in SB1202, and with a very modest increase in the “barrel fee” on imported crude oil, Hawaii could take a huge leap forward toward achieving energy and food self sufficiency.

I remain optimistic that if the legislature and the community can work together toward toward a common vision and purpose, these important forward-thinking public policy initiatives can help move us significantly beyond tired notions and clichés of yesterday to a bright and prosperous future that is truly beyond sustainability.

Gary Hooser
Hawaii State Senator
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor 2010
Watch the online video "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:50:07 GMT

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 Hooser,

My business/family/organization/union/department (choose one) understand the serious nature of the State's economic situation however we must object to the (fill in blank) budget reduction or tax increase (choose one or both).

This budget reduction or tax increase (choose one or both) will have severe and negative impacts on our business/family/organization/union/department (choose one). These negative impacts include long lasting damage to the economy/environment/health/human services (choose one or more) and the future cost of repairing this damage caused by these budget cuts or tax increases (choose one or both) will far exceed the savings generated by the budget reduction or tax increase (choose one or both).

Please know that we fully understand what a difficult job you must have in balancing the State's budget during these challenging times and ask however that you seek other departments/businesses/organizations/programs (choose one) that can better withstand the budget cuts or tax increases (choose one or both) than us.

Sincerely,

Taxpayer, Constituent, Business Owner, Department Head, Organization Board Member, Other

Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:11:07 GMT

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 spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.”

I am asking for your help and support, not as the Majority Leader but as an individual Senator, as the primary sponsor of the Senate version of this Bill – and as someone who believes strongly that it is my duty and obligation, that it is our duty and our obligation – to treat people equally, and to provide and protect the equal rights of all people.

That is I am are here today – to request of each of you …to request your support in pulling HB444HD1 to the floor of this Senate…to allow a full and open debate…and ultimately a full and open vote…on answering this important question: Should we “Extend the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union?”

For me the answer is yes without question we should. For you the answer may be different…but at the minimum the question deserves to come to this floor for a public discussion and a public vote. – rather than to sit bottled up in committee hamstrung by a 3/3 tie vote.

This is an important issue about the fundamental rights of people and deserves much more than to simply wither away and die an ignoble and anonymous death…stuck undecided and unresolved in committee because of a tie vote.

This issue and the people that have brought this issue forward, the people who have worked so hard to get it to where it is today deserve to have it discussed and voted on by the full Senate…and I am here today to ask that you join with me and allow this to happen.

HB444HD1 lies is stuck in committee because of a tie vote after traveling for over two years through the process. A similar effort to pass civil unions legislation died in the House two years ago after the House Judiciary failed to take a vote on it.

Advocates were told at the time…be patient, take the next year off --- build a broad-based community coalition – include labor, religious groups and others from around the community in your effort – get this passed in the House and we are pretty confident the votes in the Senate will be there for you.

So guess what…that is what they did.

They were patient; they took a year and gathered a broad-based community coalition together. The chorus of voices in support is diverse and strong. Just a few days ago members of that coalition issued a statement asking this body to recall the Bill from Committee and take a vote in the full Senate.

(READ HIGHLIGHTED NOTES AND NAMES FROM OPEN LETTER)

HB444HD1 passed in the House with a 33 to 17 vote…only one vote shy of a supermajority. Even members of the minority party and previously thought conservative Democrats voted in support.
18 members of the Senate then indicated they were in support…one more than the super majority needed to over-ride a veto and the measure was scheduled for a committee hearing.

Knowing the possibility of a tie vote was strong, members were polled on the possibility of a recall vote and at the end of that day 13 said they would support a pull.

Shortly thereafter, the marathon public hearing was held, the vote was taken…and the results were 3 for and 3 against. The Chair of the Committee voted YES in support of the Bill, and the Vice Chair also voted YES in support of the Bill.

Though a majority of Democrats supported passage – two Democrats joined with the Republican minority member to successfully blocking HB444HD1 in committee.

In the end, HB444HD will live or die not because of what happened in committee but through our action or inaction as a group - which is why this motion is being made here today. Which is why I am asking you to join me in allowing this very important measure be brought to the floor for a full and open discussion on its merits, and for a full vote of the Senate.

Why wouldn’t we be willing to recall this Bill from committee for a full discussion and floor vote?

If there are 18 Senators who support the Bill, if there are 18 Senators who support Extending the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union - Why is there hesitation now?

This language by the way is the official description of HB444HD and though the word “marriage” seems to make a whole lot of people nervous…this is not a new description and not new language. It has been there from the very beginning.

The stated concerns appear to revolve around 4 points:

Recalling the Bill from committee sets a bad precedent and somehow violates the internal committee process and structure of the Senate.

HB444HD1 is likely to be vetoed by the Governor and so why should we expose ourselves politically when she will veto and the likelihood of being able to over-ride the veto is slim…and so why even bother with taking this further?

HB444HD1 is likely to be challenged in court and we could wind up like Connecticut with same sex marriage being legalized.

Instead of passing HB444HD1, we should focus on amending the Bill, deleting references to marriage and granting some additional rights but not all the rights.

In the interest of time, I will not go into great detail refuting each and every one of these concerns however I will touch briefly on each.

The ability to recall the Bill from Committee is a constitutional right that is rarely used but is there for exactly these types of situations. It was created for situations in which Bills are kept “bottled up” in committee. Bills have been recalled in for a variety of measures over the years including: (Read list of dates and measures)

A review of the votes and reasons given will show clearly the recalls were made based on the Bill being stuck in committee and members feeling strongly that the full Senate needed to debate and vote on the substance of the issue.

A further review of the history also clearly shows that in each case of a recall, there was no subsequent breakdown of the committee process, there was no rush or flurry of attempts to recall other Bills. A review of the history also shows that many members here today, who I believe are not in the support of today’s recall motion, have in the past voted to recall other measures.

Worrying about whether or not the Governor will veto the measure or not, worrying about whether we have the votes to override or whether the House has the votes to over-ride – and failing to act as a result of that worry – to me is a fruitless and self defeating exercise.

If we truly feel that granting full and equal rights to same sex couples is the right thing to do, then we should simply call this measure to the floor and do it and let the Governor do what she must do. At the end of the day we must each look ourselves in the mirror, and judge ourselves for the actions we take. The decision we make today should be based on what we believe is right and just and not on what we speculate the governor may or may not do.

Recent concerns raised that HB444HD1 is “too close to the Connecticut law” and the courts may as a result legalize same sex marriage are unfounded. Though it may very well be likely that this law would be challenged in court – Hawaii Attorney and Professor of Constitutional law, Jon Van Dyke has stated clearly and in writing that the likelihood of this occurring is remote and in fact has used the word “impossible” In addition, Retired Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Steven Levinson has also written “I concur completely with Professor Van Dyke’s analysis”. I have another letter here from ACLU attorney Lois Perrin that says “there is no legal basis for any argument that HB444 as is currently written, will be used as the basis for a law suit for same-sex marriage under the Hawaii State Constitution”…

(I would like to request also that their entire statements be entered into the record as part of my remarks)

Last but not least…is the objection that we should amend the Bill, somehow remove the word marriage from the language, reduce the amount of rights we are granting and pass back over to the House an amended version that the Governor is not likely to veto. This option, though one that I do not personally support at this time…this option remains a possibility.

I would like to thank the Senator from Ewa Beach and the Senator from Downtown…who have each worked very hard trying to craft such an amendment that might be acceptable to the advocates and to the Senate Majority. I applaud your efforts and encourage you to support today’s vote and then offer your amendments to the full Senate on Friday. Should a majority of members vote in support of those amendments, I will join you in that vote of support for the final amended Bill.

In conclusion…

This is a tough issue.

We have pressure from all sides.

There are plenty of reasons we can come up with to postpone or vote no on this.

The main reason to vote yes, the main reason that I personally have not been able to avoid, is one of principle and of obligation.

The principle of course is that - all people are created equal and that all people deserve to be treated fairly, equally and with respect and dignity.

The principle that knowing that this is the right thing to do, the principle that the people affected by this legislation deserve better and deserve our vote in support.

I am voting in support of this measure today and am asking you to join me, because we owe it to those people. These are our friends, our neighbors, and our family members.

We owe them a full and open discussion of the issue and a full vote on the Floor of this Chamber.

I am here today – request your support in recalling HB444HD1 to the floor of this Senate.

But more than that I am asking that each of you simply vote your conscience.

Vote the issue, vote the principle, vote for what you know and believe to be right in your heart.

Thank you Madame President, colleagues.

******************************************
Hawaii State Senator Gary L. Hooser
808-586-6030 for official business
http://www.garyhooser.com for other than official business

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

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:50:02 GMT

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:

The rights of minorities deserve our constant protection

One of the duties of our elected officials is to stand as the voice of minorities in ensuring that all of our citizens are treated equally. The very fact that our society relies upon our state and federal constitutions in defining the rights of our citizens demonstrates that we must be more concerned with fundamental policies and core values than with the momentary stance of the majority. The rights of minorities cannot be defined merely by the sanction of the majority; they should instead reflect the ideals of our nation and our state in ensuring equality for all.

There are few among us who do not represent a group that once suffered discrimination at the hands of a well-intentioned majority. Our history is littered with examples of what happens when rights are defined solely by the majority view. Majorities once argued for the propriety of segregated schools and universities, the internment of Japanese-Americans, the exclusion of Chinese immigrants, and the denial of women’s right to vote. In each instance, the majority that withheld rights from the minority believed they were acting from the purest of motives: preserving established ways of life, protecting the weaker sex, economic stability and national security. Today we look upon those practices as social oddities and historical embarrassments.

Time and again in our history, we have seen the support and protection of the rights of minorities come as the result of action by lawmakers who found sufficient support in our nation’s laws and constitution to overcome the weight of public opinion. It fell to the United States Supreme Court to end segregation in marriage and public education. Presidents ended slavery in America and segregation at the University of Mississippi. The end of Jim Crow and the preservation of voting rights came as the result of legislative action. These were true leaders who stood up to entrenched attitudes and improved the lives of millions by moving our national practices into line with our national ideals.

The Honolulu Advertiser’s recent editorial, “Public needs another vote on civil unions issue” (February 24, 2009) reveals a remarkably narrow and, frankly, dangerous view of how our society protects the rights of minorities.

The editorial starts with a fair and accurate statement: “Despite the reciprocal benefits statute on the books, heterosexual and same-sex couples do not have equal rights, and civil unions represent a reasonable means to bring equality to all.” Anyone who has carefully considered the question would come to the conclusion that the reciprocal benefits statute, while offering some rights to same-sex couples, offers only a weak approximation of equality.

However, the editorial then goes wrong in two vital aspects. First, it implies that HB444, which offers same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into civil unions that convey all the rights and benefits of marriage, represents too much equality. Second, it offers as the only acceptable solution asking voters to decide on the question of civil unions and equal benefits.

We as a state and a society cannot in good conscience limit the rights of a minority without good reason. If we were to follow the Advertiser’s reasoning and cut off the rights of same-sex couples at something short of full recognition of their relationships, where would that line be? We cannot call for equal rights in one breath and for the curtailment of those rights in the next.

The Advertiser editorial concludes with the admonition, “Such an important and emotionally charged decision should not be imposed by the few….”

Legislative action that reflects our historical, constitutional and cultural respect for the rights of all citizens is not imposed by the few; it is the product of the work of the many throughout history who have made a commitment to preserving our most treasured beliefs.

Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

###

Letter in response to those opposed to HB444 - Civil Unions

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:42:04 GMT

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 the law, and the value and principal surrounding the sanctification of relationships between couples.

The Constitution of the United States requires both equal treatment under the law and the separation of Church and State.

I believe that the responsibility of government is to ensure equal treatment of all people and that in fact a civil union is at its core simply a contract between two people that is authorized by the law. I also believe that the sanctification of marriage should be a choice reserved to the Church and that government should not be involved in this area.

Though we may not share the same perspective on this, I am hopeful that you believe as I do that good people, people of high integrity and strong moral character, can look at the same set of facts and circumstances, read the same bible and pray to the same God - and yet can come to different conclusions.

Sincerely,

Gary L. Hooser
State Senator
****************************
To Testify on HB 444 HD1, Civil Unions:

Submit testimony asap by the end of the day Monday Feb. 23 if possible with a cover indicating:
• Your name, with position/title and organization (if applicable)
• The measure number (HB 444 HD1)
• Date and time of the hearing (Feb. 24 at 9 a.m.)
• The committee name: Senate Judiciary and Gov't Operations Committee.

Testimony can be submitted in one of the following ways:
• E-mail: Less than 5 pages in length, e-mail to JGOTestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov
• Web: Less than 4MB in size at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony
• In Person: One copy to Committee Clerk, Room 219, in the State Capitol
• Fax: Less than 5 pages in length, transmit to Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 (Oahu) or 1-800-586-6659 (Neighbor Islands) at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.

It is important to put your position on the issue for or against, in the subject line or at the top of the page. Because of the volume of testimony it is important that the position be very clear immediately.

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." – President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 2009

Quotations: Inspiration in face of adversity

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:37:21 GMT

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 convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

******************

Managers are people who do things right,
Leaders are people who do the right thing.
Warren Bennis, "on becoming a leader" 2003

Senator Gary L. Hooser
Watch "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:37:11 GMT

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 many others are alarmed at the content of the Bills being put forth in the House.

I do not support taking away benefits from employees that have a contractual right to those benefits that were bargained in good faith. In my opinion any discussion regarding these items should be held at the bargaining table and not via the Bills that have been proposed. I do not support the arbitrary taking away of benefits that have been negotiated and are included in a collective bargaining contract.

The discussions I am having with my colleagues in the Senate lead me to believe that should these measures pass out of the House - they will be dead on arrival in the Senate. However - those who are familiar with the legislative process understand that anything can happen and during these extremely tough economic times - some would argue that we should keep all options open until the very end. I do not support this line of thinking as it unnecessarily spreads fear and apprehension among those people who might be personally impacted by the loss.

I am hopeful that the above clarifies sufficiently my thoughts and position on this very important issue.

Best Regards, gh

Gary L. Hooser
Senate Majority Leader
Hawai'i State Senate
Seventh Senatorial District - Islands of Kaua'i & Ni'ihau
Office: (808) 586-6030 Toll Free: 274-3141, ext. 66030
Fax: (808) 586-6031 Email: senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov

Law Regarding Vacancies in State Senate Seat

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:11:45 GMT

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 of the state senate occurs, the term of which ends at the next succeeding general election:

(1) The governor shall make an appointment within sixty calendar days following the first day of vacancy to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term by selecting a person from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent. The appointee shall be at the time of appointment, and for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party. The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent. The political party shall submit the list of prospective appointees to the governor within thirty calendar days following the first day of vacancy; and

(2) If the prior incumbent was not a member of any political party, the governor shall, within sixty calendar days following the first day of vacancy, appoint a person who is at the time of appointment a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent and who is not, and has not been for at least six months prior to the appointment, a member of any political party.

(b) In the case of a vacancy, the term of which does not end at the next succeeding general election:

(1) If it occurs not later than on the tenth day prior to the close of filing for the next succeeding primary election, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term at the next succeeding general election. The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation designating the election for filling the vacancy. All candidates for the unexpired term shall be nominated and elected in accordance with this title. Pending the election, the governor shall make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy, and the person so appointed shall serve until the election of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy. The governor shall make the appointment from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent. The appointee shall be, at the time of the appointment, and shall have been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party. The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent. If the prior incumbent was not a member of any political party, the governor shall appoint a person who is at the time of appointment a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent and is not and has not been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of any political party;

(2) If it occurs later than on the tenth day prior to the close of filing for the next succeeding primary election but not later than on the sixtieth day prior to the next succeeding primary election, or if there are no qualified candidates for any party or nonpartisan candidates qualified for the primary election ballot, nominations for the unexpired term may be filed not later than 4:30 p.m. on the fiftieth day prior to the next succeeding primary election. The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation designating the election for filling the vacancy. Pending the election the governor shall make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy and the person appointed shall serve until the election of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy. The governor shall make the appointment from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent. The appointee shall be, at the time of the appointment, and shall have been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party. The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent. If the prior incumbent was not a member of any political party, the governor shall appoint a person who is at the time of appointment a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent and is not and has not been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of any political party;

(3) If it occurs after the sixtieth day prior to the next succeeding primary but not later than on the fiftieth day prior to the next succeeding general election, or if there are no qualified candidates for any party or nonpartisan candidates in the primary, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term at the next succeeding general election. The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation designating the election for filling the vacancy. Party candidates for the unexpired senate term shall be nominated by the county committees of the parties not later than 4:30 p.m. on the fortieth day prior to the general election; nonpartisan candidates may file nomination papers for the unexpired term not later than 4:30 p.m. on the fortieth day prior to the general election with the nonpartisan candidate who is to be nominated to be decided by lot, under the supervision of the chief election officer. The candidates for the unexpired term shall be elected in accordance with this title. Pending the election, the governor shall make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy, and the person appointed shall serve until the election of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy. The governor shall make the appointment from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent. The appointee shall be, at the time of the appointment, and shall have been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party. The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent. If the prior incumbent was not a member of any political party, the governor shall appoint a person who is at the time of appointment a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent and is not and has not been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of any political party;

Watch "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com

(4) If it occurs after the fiftieth day prior to the next succeeding general election or if no candidates are nominated, the governor shall make an appointment to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term by selecting a person from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent. The appointee shall be, at the time of the appointment, and shall have been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party. The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent. If the prior incumbent was not a member of any political party, the governor shall appoint a person who is at the time of appointment a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent and is not and has not been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of any political party. [L 1970, c 26, pt of §2; am L 1973, c 217, §7(c); am L 1980, c 247, §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 35, §2; am L 1992, c 276, §1; am L 2007, c 57, §3]

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

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:32:59 GMT

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 stays intact and available to help those most in need.

Please participate in the process by submitting testimony on these and other measures of importance to our State. Visit http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov to monitor and sign up to receive hearing notices via email. Or, if you have questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to call my office at 808-586-6030 - if I am not available, Carl Miura in my office or any staff member is more than willing to help.

Safety Net:
SB1668 - Eases the eligibility requirements for benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Note: While this proposal may at first sound bland, it is one of the most important initiatives moving through the legislative process and has the potential of bringing in over $45 million of federal money into our state, into the pockets of those most in need, and then into the cash registers of grocery stores around the state. Today's Honolulu Advertiser published this article today http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090205/NEWS01/902050375/1001 and promoted the initiative on their editorial pages also http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090205/OPINION01/902050308/1105

SB456 - Prohibits discrimination in real property transactions based on lawful source of income. Note: This proposals stems from a widespread practice of landlords advertising their vacant rentals with a NO HUD clause. While landlords should be able to choose their tenant, HUD recipients should not be banned from even applying simply because they are receiving government assistance.

SB1623 - Requires mortgagors and mortgagors to explore options to avoid foreclosure, including modification or restructuring of loans. Requires notice of foreclosure be given to a tenant of the foreclosed property with the option to keep the rental agreement in full force or vacate the premises in 60 days.

2010 announcement- Lieutenant Governor

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:53:03 GMT

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 http://www.garyhooser.com gh

Aloha Friends,

I am excited to let you know that I will be announcing shortly my intention to run for the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

While I truly love the work that I do as Kaua`i's Senator and the present Senate Majority Leader, the opportunity to serve an even stronger role in leading Hawai`i toward a positive and sustainable future has caused me to come to this decision. The election of our new President Barack Obama has further inspired me to have the courage to strive for a broader platform from which I can do more for the people of Hawai`i.

Charting a successful course to overcome the difficulties that beset our state and nation will require a leadership team with experience and skill. I believe that the sum total of my life's experience has prepared me to be an integral part of that team and to be an effective advocate for those issues and values we hold dear. To find out more about why me, why now and why the Lieutenant Governor, please take a moment to visit http://www.garyhooser.com

As Hawai`i’s next Lieutenant Governor I will help steer our state toward reaching the common values that all of us share: quality education, energy and food independence, justice and equality for all people, and a core appreciation for rural values and environmental protection - all of which are vital to maintaining a sustainable, robust economy and providing good jobs for our communities.

To succeed I need your support. Your endorsement of my decision—and your continuing support during the upcoming campaign—will be critical to achieving success. This campaign will be a grassroots effort of like-minded people from all walks of life, from all across our state. My goal is to form a campaign committee within each county, each supported by an initial core group of at least 100 volunteers.

In the spirit of the grassroots nature of our campaign, our fundraising focus will be based on securing contributions of $100 or even less, with the initial goal of having 1,000 people donate $100 apiece during the first 45 days of the campaign.

If you would like to volunteer in the campaign, and/or make a financial contribution, it is much needed and greatly appreciated. (If not, please know that I fully understand and realize that not everyone will have the time, the resources, or the inclination to become involved.)

In addition to viewing the online video “The Hooser Story,” http://www.garyhooser.com is where you can make a contribution, sign up as a volunteer, or simply read my blog postings, which further explain my goals and vision for the future. As always, I welcome your calls directly to my cell phone: 808-652-4279.

The years ahead will require thoughtful, value-based decision-making if our State is to achieve and maintain the greatness we all deserve. I believe in my heart that with a common vision and an unwavering commitment to resolving the challenges of the present while embracing the opportunities of the future, the tremendous potential of our community can be achieved. Thank you in advance for joining with me in this endeavor.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

garylhooser@hotmail.com is the primary address to use for all purposes (personal, Loomis-ISC, and Campaign) except for official Senate communications.

* Official Senate contact: senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov 808-586-6030
* Cell phone direct: 808-652-4279
* V.P. Loomis-ISC: Communications/Marketing http://www.loomis-isc.com
* Watch online video "The Hooser Story" http://www.garyhooser.com
* Hooser Blog and Friends of Gary Hooser http://www.garyhooser.com

Edward Sissorhands Revisited - Nine Options For Consideration

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:54:30 GMT

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 is the budget ax.

This is not just about having to wait in line another 10 minutes for your camping permit. We are talking about taking away assistance from those people who have the greatest needs – care and services for the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled, the frail and elderly on fixed incomes, and the many others who live daily in fear and desperation knowing not where their next meal might come from nor when next they might be able to visit their doctor.

Besides putting at great risk the very weakest and most vulnerable in our community, the proposed budget cuts to our schools put into jeopardy the very future of our children.

Such is the nature of a conundrum, a dilemma with no solution.

Conventional political wisdom says that the cutting of so-called “warm bodies” and the raising of taxes are not options – but the nature and severity of the present situation says otherwise and all options should be on the table.

In fact, warm bodies have already been cut. Just ask the people who work at a myriad of non-profits whose contracts with the state have been severely curtailed or eliminated. The governor has ordered budgets cut across the board and those who are weakest have suffered the consequences. Yes, warm bodies have been cut. It is just that these warm bodies do not happen to have union representation that will fight for them, and thus they are the first to go.

Programs supporting the very young, the mentally ill, the poor, the politically powerless and those low paid but highly dedicated employees of the nonprofits who help them are but the first of many casualties.

I believe there are better answers and a better strategy. Clearly the answer lies not in continuous across the board budget cutting, but rather in a long term comprehensive plan and strategy. Below are nine points that need to be considered as part of the solution.

One: First and foremost, we need fine and precise surgical cuts, not simply across the board hackery. All services are not equal. The frail and the elderly together with education must be given the highest priorities.

Two: A detailed and public department by department review with the goal of re-thinking and re-engineering how we currently deliver government services must begin immediately. Our current budget problem can be blamed on outside forces but the solution is systemic. There is no better time to do this than now. We need to identify opportunities to eliminate duplication, consolidate when possible and streamline the delivery of core government services.

Three: Rather than cutting support for non-profits that deliver vital human services to the most fragile in our community, we must leverage and support the work that they do. Non-profits offer tremendous bang for the buck. Community based, often supported by numerous volunteers and private donations, private non-profits are able to operate on the tightest of budgets and react quickly to changing situations. Public and non-profit partnerships must be expanded and not diminished during the budget balancing process.

Four: All state tax credits should be placed under a sunset schedule that extends no more than two years, with a super-majority vote needed to extend them further. This would force prompt economic activity from those who hope to utilize the credits before they expire, and require a close re-analysis prior to re-authorization or extension.

Five: Long overdue and much needed infrastructure projects must be aggressively funded and permitting accelerated by properly staffing key areas. The federal government has sent clear signals of future support for increased capital improvement spending, but the State must have worthy projects “ready to go”.

Six: Revenue neutral tax reform that eliminates the general excise tax on health care and fresh food sold at the grocer must be implemented. This would reduce the regressive nature of the g.e. tax and support local agriculture. Special funds must also be severely reduced and the general fund utilized as the primary repository of all public monies.

Seven: Every fee, every fine, and every fund must be evaluated and re-evaluated and in circumstances where appropriate, a fee for services option must be implemented.

Eight: Revisit/rethink the 6 year financial plan balanced budget requirement and the Council of Revenues structure. The immediate and drastic actions required as a result of a short period of severely poor economic news, do not allow for a responsible approach to long term budget planning.

Nine: The State must consider borrowing money for short-term operating needs to allow the long term systemic changes to be implemented. Most of the above cannot be accomplished during a 60 day legislative session. To balance the budget based only on cuts, is unrealistic and irresponsible. The state budget is ultimately a moral document and a statement of values of who we are as a people. We must take the time needed to do justice to the importance of this task and avoid if at all possible the irreparable harm that may come through acting in haste.

The above thoughts and proposals are not intended to represent the majority view point in the Senate. Most of these ideas also are neither new, nor original and have previously been proposed and debated in various incarnations by colleagues in the Senate and House. While some may consider the proposals overly aggressive, and perhaps politically unrealistic, I am hopeful that they will spur an expanded conversation as we search for a collective solution to our mutual conundrum.

Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

Holiday message, future plans and The Hooser Story

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:17:34 GMT

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 commentary and campaign updates - visit http://www.garyhooser.com click on Sign Up For Email News and enter your email and contact information.

********************************************************************************

On this, the day before Christmas - I wanted to say Aloha and Merry Christmas from the entire Hooser Ohana! We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. The message of love, giving and “peace on earth, good will toward all people” are values that people of all faiths support.

Claudette and I are doing well and are blessed in many ways. Claudette spends her days experimenting with various holiday recipes, endlessly pampering our white shepherd Roxy and shuttling back and forth to Lihue airport in her dual roles serving UAL and the USDA. On occasion in our spare time, late in the afternoon we walk a breathtaking five mile stretch of Kaua`i’s gorgeous Kapa`a/Kealia coastline.

Our son Dylan continues to lead scuba diving tours here on Kauai and daughter Kelli-Rose is home for the holiday - returning only a few days ago after studying abroad in Rome as part of her Santa Clara University program. Claudette’s parents, Bill and Molly Blakeley, who live with us here in Wailua Homesteads, are also doing remarkably well. Grandpa fights frequently with the television and cares for the cats, while Grandma holds court over the kitchen, the laundry room and our aging canine “min-pin,” Pua.

I have dedicated myself during the past months to preparation for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on January 21. My work as a senator is an all consuming task (and labor of love) for me. The next session will be particularly demanding as we grapple with the realities of the current economic situation.

You can learn more about our family, what motivated me to enter politics and the circumstances behind my core values, by viewing “The Hooser Story” at http://www.garyhooser.com The part of how Claudette and I first met is sure to bring a smile to your face, as it still does to mine.

Many have asked recently about what my future plans might be with regard to seeking higher office. While the 2008 election is over, the reality is that in a modern political environment the campaign never really ends.

At the present time my intention is to continue my dedication to serving as the Senate Majority Leader and the State Senator representing Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. There is no doubt however, that a time will come when there may be an opportunity to increase the level and capacity of my service to our state. There is important work to be done at all levels. Ultimately I will make my decision based on how I can best serve the needs of Hawai`i’s people.

In order to continue to be strong and effective in my work, I welcome and need your continued help and support. Forwarding this message to your friends and family and encouraging them to visit http://www.garyhooser.com and watch “The Hooser Story” would help tremendously.

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support. Remember, I am always interested in hearing from you by telephone or email – for any reason whatsoever.

Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season.

Sincerely,
Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator
http://www.garyhooser.com

The Budget Conundrum and Edward Scissorhands

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:31:21 GMT

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 has been spared.

As an individual legislator, my particular and personal conundrum is perplexing at best. There is little I can personally and individually do at this time, yet people want answers and they want help. The response “there is nothing I can do” is inadequate and unacceptable. So I listen, express my personal concern and frustration, and promise my best effort in support of their funding needs during the upcoming legislative session. When possible, I try also to educate them on the basic realities of the situation and process.

#1) The current round of budget cuts are being mandated by the Governor who does not need legislative approval in order to restrict funding.

#2) The legislative session begins January 21, and the budget we approve will be effective starting July1, 2009. The budget must be balanced and based on a 6 year financial plan utilizing the Council on Revenues economic projections - which show a continued decline in economic growth.

#3) The governor may further restrict funding regardless of the budget approved by the legislature. (see #1)

Each department within State government also faces a conundrum. As the governor mandates one round of cuts after another, department heads are given instructions to cut without negatively impacting services. Top administrators tell the public that though the cuts are deep and dramatic, services will not be significantly impacted. The primary talking point being, “our staff is committed to doing what is necessary to maintain services even with this severe reduction in resources”.

The truth is that if the proposed cuts continue at their present projected pace, services will seriously be impacted in all areas of state government. This is not just about having to wait in line another 10 minutes for your camping permit. We are talking about taking away assistance from those people who have the greatest needs – care and services for the developmentally disabled, for the frail and elderly on fixed incomes, and for many others who live daily in fear and desperation knowing not where their next meal might come from nor when next they might be able to visit their doctor.

Besides putting at great risk the very weakest and most vulnerable in our community, the proposed budget cuts to our schools and universities put also into jeopardy the very future of our children. We are being asked to reduce the opportunity available to our most valuable assets and being told that the harm will be minimal. An actual reduction in the number of public school instructional days is one proposal on the table. How this can be proposed without acknowledging the resultant reduction in learning is beyond me.

The governor, like the department heads and legislators, faces her own budget conundrum. After all, when the economy was good and the budget flush with the now disappeared surplus, it was the governor who pushed to the head of the parade to preen and crow with pride at the great job she had done. Now, faced with the perplexing problem of no one to blame except perhaps the nefarious “global conditions”, it is the governor who has ordered the meat cleaver taken to the school budgets.

What else can she do? She has signed on long ago to the “no new tax pledge”, so raising additional revenue is out of the question. She has decried the transferring of “special funds” and beat up relentlessly on the legislature for using this tactic to balance past budgets. And she has dissed the next President of the United States.

Thus it is the governor who finds herself now in a box, pursuing the only solution put before her – which is actually no solution at all. For it is not possible to simply cut nearly a billion dollars from the state budget without getting blood all over the floor, and all over your hands.

Even Edward Scissorhands himself could not find the wherewithal to simply cut away a billion dollars from our state budget.

Such is the nature of a conundrum, a dilemma with no solution. And this one is going to be messy. Messy and painful for all involved – both for the cutters and for the cuttees.

I believe there are better answers and a better strategy. Clearly the solutions lie not in continuous across the board budget cutting - deeper and deeper until you strike bone or hit an artery.

We need fine and precise surgical cuts, not simply across the board hackery. All services are not equal. The frail and the elderly together with education must be given the highest priorities. Cuts in education should be focused on the central administrative level and be implemented only when proven they do not negatively impact student achievement.

While there was much talk about increasing efficiencies during the “new beginning” phase of the current administration, in actuality little has been done over the past 6 years. Though it is long overdue and will take time to implement, a detailed and public department by department review with the goal of re-thinking and re-engineering how we currently deliver government services must begin immediately. Our current budget problem can be blamed on outside forces but much of the challenge is systemic in nature and must be addressed. There is no better time to do this than now. We need to identify opportunities to eliminate duplication and waste, and we need to streamline and consolidate the delivery of core services.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax credits must be closely scrutinized, some eliminated, others placed under a moratorium and still others tightly focused on things like renewable energy and tangible high technology projects that will create and grow our future economy. Tourism must be aggressively supported but we must not lose sight of the long term importance of economic diversification. The sustained and unwavering support of education and high technology are key elements to achieving that long term vision.

Long overdue and much needed infrastructure projects must be aggressively funded and permitting accelerated by properly staffing key areas. The federal government has sent clear signals of future support for increased capital improvement spending, but the State must have worthy projects “ready to go”.

Each and every special fund must also be closely evaluated and if necessary funding shifted to priority areas. The governor and others have ripped into the legislature in past years for so-called “raiding” of special funds, but the extreme urgency of today’s economic situation leaves no choice but to revisit the practice and keep this option open.

The specter of a possible tax increase is heavily charged in such negative and fearful baggage that it is unlikely a public discussion on the matter will even occur. Behind the scenes though you can be assured that every fee, every fine, and every fund will be evaluated and re-evaluated and in circumstances where additional funds can be raised, without the T word being used, serious consideration will be given to the option of an increase.

Yes. I think the word conundrum describes it quite well.

*Note – the above are my personal and individual thoughts only and are not intended to represent the position of the Senate Majority. There is currently a process underway to formulate a formal Majority position on the budget, the economy and other priority subject matter concerns for the upcoming 2009 legislative session.

Gary L. Hooser
State Senator District #7
Watch "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com

There, but for the grace of God go I

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:30:10 GMT

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 into context. As I write, people are bleeding and dying in India, in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Others in hidden corners of the globe are homeless, cold and sick. Countless of lost souls wander the streets of our world, not knowing what the next day will bring and some abandoned at birth not even knowing from where they have come.

A good time I think to remember the proverb, “There, but for the grace of God go I”.

Yes, each of us face personal challenges in our daily lives be it our health, our families or our pocketbooks - but the reality is that the people reading this post are rich in many ways, far beyond the expectation and even imagination of the vast majority of the rest of the world.

So, in perspective most will agree we are lucky, and by most standards very fortunate with much to be thankful for.

Some will credit their good fortune in life to God; other’s to hard work and self determination and still others to merely good luck.

But in any case, it is indeed a good time to be thankful. A good time also to say it out loud.

Personally I am thankful for a mother and father who raised me right, who put up with the grief that I caused them as a young man but who always loved and believed in me.

I am thankful to my wife Claudette, my son Dylan and my daughter Kelli-Rose for supporting my desire to serve in elective office. A choice I made some 14 years ago that creates many additional challenges for each of them and impacts their lives in many ways – both positive and negative.

There are so many to thank and so much to be thankful for – people, some whom I barely have known who have stepped up over the years to help, people who have given money, time and energy so that I can serve today as a Hawaii State Senator. Friends who have stood by me over the years, through thick and thin, friends who stand with me today, my colleagues in the Senate, people I have met and worked with over the years, people who have stopped me on the streets, in the supermarket or at the airport to offer a word of encouragement and support. The list is long.

To all, from the bottom of my heart I say thank you. And yes, Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Gary L. Hooser
State Senator District #7
Sign up for the Hooser email newsletter at http://www.garyhooser.com

A Roman Holiday

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:29:45 GMT

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 daughter, meet her new friends in Rome and even sit in on one of her World Religion classes. The subject of discussion on the day we were there was “same sex preference” and was taught by a U.S. born Catholic priest. Needless to say there was a lively discussion pitting the history and teachings of the church against the very liberal thoughts of a majority of the students in attendance.

A big Mahalo to Claudette’s employer United Airlines for flying us all that way and back in comfort and at a price we could not pass up.

Two weeks without a cell phone. Two weeks with only the occasional trip to a local internet café for an email fix.

Honestly, it took me at least a week to stop reaching for my cell/pda.

Italy was great. The word ubiquitous comes to mind.

Graffiti was everywhere. At first it felt like an ugly intrusion and then it morphed into simply part of the urban culture that is modern Rome. Graffiti at the train station, graffiti on the trains, the busses and the trams. Graffiti painted on the lower walls of medieval buildings, on bridges, on signs, trashcans and on fountains.

Cigarette smoke was also everywhere. Everyone it seemed smoked cigarettes. Everyone except perhaps for the American tourists. Everyone smoked and everyone wore black. Black jeans, black turtleneck sweaters, black leather jackets and black leather boots.

History, culture and art – were everywhere. We stayed at the modest but cozy Hotel Domus Tiberina http://www.hoteldomustiberina.it , tucked away on narrow cobble-stoned streets of the Trastevere Quarter. We walked daily and visited the Pantheon, the Coliseum, the Basilica of Saint Peter, the Spanish steps and much much more.

We stayed two nights in the heart of medieval Sienna at a former palace built in 1262 at the Canon d’Oro http://www.cannondoro.com and toured the vineyards of Tuscany. The next day was a train ride to Florence where we walked the streets once shared by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael

We walked and then we walked some more. When we tired of walking we would eat, drink Italian espresso and ride the trams, the busses and the trains. In the evening we would sample great local Italian foods - from paper thin Roman style pizza, to pasta carbonara, to stuffed olives, to tiramisu, to gelato…and yes often we would indulge in good and inexpensive Italian wines – which also were everywhere.

But now we are back home and it is raining.

Monday, my cell phone gets turned back on and I am back at work at the Capitol – recharged and re-engaged.

Ciao

Gary L. Hooser
State Senator District #7
Sign up for the Hooser email newsletter at http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:33:30 GMT

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 read to those who are seriously engaged in the issue.

The below email came in response to my request to Erik for feedback on the agreement in the form of a “brief overview”.

The "brief overview" is somewhat long...but well worth the read if you are serious about future energy policy in the state of Hawaii. gh

From: Erik Kvam [ekvam@zeroemissions.us]
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 4:35 PM
To: Sen. Gary Hooser
Subject: RE: Hawaii Renewable Electricity Legislative Proposals
Hi Gary

I would enjoy very much the opportunity to talk over with you the recent HECO/State agreement, after your return

I have studied the agreement in detail. Here’s my “brief” overview:

First, the “agreement” is not a binding legal contract. It is in essence a political accord outlining a large number of policy proposals that the parties to the accord will jointly place before the Public Utilities Commission for approval. With the exception of the proposal for a publicly-funded and publicly-owned high-voltage undersea electric transmission cable connecting Molokai and/or Lanai with Oahu, the accord makes almost no mention of policy proposals requiring legislative action. It appears that the parties went through the entire list of electricity-related policy proposals contained in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, and selected and came to agreement on most of the proposals that could be implemented by regulatory action via the PUC. Given the PUC’s record of consistently approving agreements between the utilities and the Consumer Advocate, it may be predicted that most or all of the policy proposals in the accord will be approved by the PUC in the form submitted by the parties to the accord. Significantly, KIUC is not a party to the accord.

Second, on the generation/supply side of electricity, the accord would perpetuate the utilities’ present control over the size, speed and cost-to-the-public of renewable electricity development in Hawaii. The accord is not “transformative” in this regard.

With respect to large-scale utility-distributed renewable electricity (RE) generation (wind farms, utility-scale PV, concentrating solar power, biomass, i.e, the big kinds of RE generation needed to achieve ambitious renewable energy targets of 40% or 70%), the accord makes no changes at all to the current “competitive bidding” regime that allows the utilities to select (1) small-scale RE that utilities control over large-scale RE that independent competitors control, (2) slow RE development that the utilities control over fast RE development that independents control, and (3) high cost-to-the-public RE that the utilities control over low cost-to-the-public RE that independents control. Under the accord, the utilities promise to “accelerate” contracting for power purchases from many proposed independent RE projects, but the utilities’ promise in the accord is purely political and not legally binding on the utilities. The utilities’ promise does not give independent RE project developers any greater bargaining power vis-à-vis the utilities, and does not oblige the utilities to purchase electricity from independent RE producers as the utilities would be obliged to do under a feed-in tariff. The proposal for a feed-in tariff contained in the accord appears to be limited to RE producers 100 kW or less in size. There is nothing in the accord showing the parties’ intent to implement a German-style feed-in-tariff for large-scale utility-distributed generation.

The proposal to build a high-voltage undersea electric transmission cable connecting Molokai and/or Lanai with Oahu will require special attention by the legislature. Under the accord, the high costs (as much as $1 billion or more) and high-risks (earthquake, engineering failure, environmental) of such a cable would be borne entirely by the public. In deciding whether such a cable makes economic sense, the costs and risks of such a cable should be factored into the delivered cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from wind farms on Molokai or Lanai and delivered to Oahu by the cable, and that delivered cost should be compared to the delivered cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity from wind farms located on Oahu. It does not appear that the parties to the accord have made any such comparison.

With respect to small-scale RE self-generation, the accord has some positive features, but leaves intact the utilities’ control over the size, speed and cost-to-the-public of small-scale RE development in Hawaii. With respect to net metering, the accord proposes reduction of some disincentives such as the aggregate island-wide capacity limit for net metered generation, but leaves intact the limit that allows net metering only for RE systems less than 100 kW in size. The accord goes on to propose elimination of net metering once “advanced meters” are in place so that electricity fed back to the grid by a customer-generator can be valued at a combined feed-in-tariff/time-of-use rate. I would have thought that legislative action would be needed for elimination of net metering, but the parties to the accord may believe that the existing net metering statute gives the PUC authority to “modify” net metering out of existence.

The accord proposes “feed-in tariffs” under which the utility would purchase renewably-generated electricity at rates set by the PUC that would be fixed over a period of years. It appears that these feed-in tariffs would apply only to RE producers that are 100 kW or less in size, and would not apply to large-scale utility-distributed RE generation from wind farms or large-scale solar power systems. For RE producers less than 100 kW that are not eligible for net metering, it appears that the feed-in tariff rate would replace the Schedule Q rate “de-linked” from the price of fossil fuel (but capped by the avoided cost rate) that a producer is currently obliged to negotiate with the utility. For RE producers less than 100 kW that are eligible for net metering, the accord proposes replacing the net metered “retail” rate with a combined feed-in tariff/time-of-use rate when advanced meters are installed.

The accord also proposes a utility-run “PV Host Program” under which the utility would lease rooftops, finance the construction of PV systems on the leased rooftops, and either take delivery of the solar electricity (compensating the rooftop owner with cash) or sell the solar electricity to the rooftop owner at some discounted rate. While such a program might create economic opportunities for PV system contractors, it could also be used by the utility to block independent solar power development and suppress competition. Similar programs by Southern California Edison and Duke Energy in North Carolina have been criticized by independent solar power producers for these reasons. In Hawaii’s recent past, the utilities attempted to suppress competition in the market for combined heat and power (CHP) co-generation by entering into an agreement giving exclusive rights to a single CHP systems integrator. Something similar could easily occur with a HECO-run PV Host Program. I am investigating whether there exist any models for utility-run photovoltaic power programs that offer independent developers fair and equal opportunities to compete, and hope to draft a bill for such a program.

Third, on the demand/energy efficiency side of electricity, my impression is that the accord’s proposals – especially those for “decoupling” utility profits from sales, and for energy efficiency, demand response, smart grid and time-of-use advanced metering – are salutary. These demand-side proposals might be fairly characterized as “transformative” of the demand-side of the utilities’ business model. I think that the “Greening Transportation” portion of the accord also contains some sensible proposals.

Fourth, the accord contains a few proposals that are just plain bad ideas. The worst is the proposal under Energy Cost Adjustment Clause giving the utilities the authority to enter into hedges and futures contracts, subject to PUC supervision. I personally have zero confidence in the utilities’ or the PUC’s ability to accurately assess the risks and costs and avoid getting fleeced on these kinds of transactions. Another bad idea is replacing the complex utility-determined Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process with an even more complex, even more utility-determined process called Clean Energy Scenario Planning (CESP). Some of the ideas included in the CESP proposal may be worthwhile, but I don’t see any reason why they could not be incorporated within the existing IRP process. Under “Federal Law and Rules,” the parties suggest lobbying the Congress for exemption of Hawaii from PURPA. The reason they want to do that is because there is a good chance that the Competitive Bidding framework (used by the utilities to control the speed, size and cost-to-the-public of large-scale utility-distributed RE generation) would be found illegal under PURPA if subjected to a court challenge.

Aloha,

Erik Kvam
Zero Emissions

Note: I asked Erik for permission to post the above email on this blog and below is his response: gh

Yes, you may forward the review and post it on your blog, identifying me as the author. I would appreciate some kind of disclaimer stating that the opinions expressed are solely my own, and requesting that any fact errors be pointed out to me at ekvam@zeroemissions.us.

Things are happening quickly. The PUC already has opened dockets to investigate feed-in tariffs and decoupling of utility profits from sales…

Look forward to talking with you on your return

Best regards,

Erik Kvam
Zero Emissions

Sign up for the Hooser email newsletter at http://www.garyhooser.com
State Senator Gary L. Hooser

Quick post election wrap-up

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:55:49 GMT

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 to remain in this position.

An initial line up of committee assignments can be found at http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081106/BREAKING01/81106079

At some point in the not too distant future I would like to do a proper post reflecting on the new Obama era...but for now this quick update will have to suffice.

For the fully certified and totally obsessed - political junkie

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:36:10 GMT

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 with Hawaii residents: From Salon.com - read how our Governor is making us proud in Pennsylvania

“The rally got its cocky swagger back with Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, who managed to work the crowd into an anti-Obama lather…” http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/11/02/mccain/

2) DON’T VOTE: For all of your friends who are either oh so cynical, oh so busy, or oh so stupid and will not be voting this year:

Good reasons why you should not vote (well worth watching): http://politicalirony.com/2008/10/29/dont-vote-part-2/

3) A PROGRESSIVE’S VIEW ON CON CON: Finally for all my progressive friends who long for the “grand experiment in democracy” that will be forthcoming…if only we could have a Constitutional Convention. Why you should vote NO on Con Con as written by Bart Dame of Progressive Democrats of Hawaii: http://pd-hawaii.com/blog/2008/10/28/i-recommend-a-no-vote-on-concon/#comments

Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator
http://www.garyhooser.com

Vote Early – Vote Now !!!

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:59:41 GMT

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 means I avoid any potential hassles or delays on November 4th, and instead can spend all day either driving around visiting the campaign headquarters of various local candidates – or ensconced at my home in front of the television with remote control in hand. Most likely it will be a combination of the two. The problem with staying home is that there are always chores to do, grass to cut, garages to clean, email to answer etc –all of which tend to impede quality political channel surfing.

My hope is that there will be a record turn-out of voters for the general election and as such I am encouraging all of my friends and neighbors to vote early and to actively pass the word on to their friends and neighbors to do the same.

I am asking of course for the people of District #7 to support my re-election and allow me the honor and privilege of continuing in service as the State Senator representing Kauai’ and Ni’ihau. I am also enthusiastically supporting the election of Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States and advocating for a NO vote on the Con Con question. Other than that I am pretty much staying out of the debate and discussion as to other races and constitutional/charter questions.

Because the vast majority of the candidates running in local “non partisan” races are in fact Democrats (with the exception of Republican Ron Agor), because I have my own campaign to consider, and because I have friends and other’s whom I have great respect for who are also competing for these seats - I have chosen not to offer any official endorsements to any candidate other than Senator Barack Obama. I did however cast a vote this past Friday toward the election of Lani Kawahara to the Kauai County Council and am supporting her election. I have known Lani for years, she has worked with me at the capitol as a legislative aide and on Kauai as my part-time community representative. I think she would do an excellent job on the Kauai County Council.

When politics gets mean and dumb, you can cheer yourself up by walking into a public library, one of the nobler expressions of democracy. Read Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/deskofgk/2007/07/03.shtml

Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator
http://www.garyhooser.com

Hawaii Energy Proposal - Transformational

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:47:26 GMT

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 cable between Maui County and the City and County of Honolulu.

The Honolulu Advertiser http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081021/NEWS01/810210358/1001

The Honolulu Star Bulletin http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20081021_Isles_power_up_clean-energy_agreement.html

Totally missing from the stories covered in local media were the provisions on decoupling and feed-in tariff. Also missing from the local news was the lifting of net metering caps, the raising of the Portfolio Standards, the removal of “efficiency savings” from the Portfolio Standard definitions, the restriction against the development of new fossil fuel generators, and numerous other innovative and forward thinking proposals.

This agreement represents the culmination of years of groundwork that has been set into place by the legislature and the recent efforts and very productive collaboration between the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the U.S. Department of Energy.

A summary of the agreement:
1) Agreement to an additional 1,000 MW of renewable energy resources on Oahu
2) Renewable Portfolio Standards will be increased to 25% by 2020 and 40% by 2030.
3) Energy savings from energy efficiency shall not count toward the RPS goals after 2014
4) Commit to expeditiously integrate up to 400 MW of wind into the Oahu system
5) The State, in coordination with developers, contractors, and the utility will be responsible for siting and permitting an undersea cable system – and seek federal funding assistance. Additional taxpayer and or rate payer funding may also be needed.
6) The electric utility should no longer be compensated under a model which inherently encourages increased electricity usage. Decoupling that delinks revenues from profits from electricity sales will be implemented.
7) All parties agree that feed-in tariffs which establish a set of standardized, published power purchase rates will be established.
8) There will be no system-wide cap on net energy metering. Instead there will be a limit on a per-circuit basis to no more than 15% of demand.
9) Aggressive support of alternative fuel vehicles
10)“Life line” rates shall be established to provide a rate cap for low and fixed income users
11) 2,500 additional solar hot water installations on a “pay as you save” program.
12) Photovoltaic Host Program
13) Advanced metering infrastructure

The complete agreement with detail and dates/benchmarks can be downloaded read here http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/dca/HCEI/HECI%20Agreement.pdf

Though I have not delved into the intricate detail – it appears that this agreement is truly ground-breaking and all parties who have played a role in its development should be highly commended. There is of course much work still yet to be done – but this is a huge step in the right direction.

Of course the question remains -- When will Kauai be included?

Gary L. Hooser
State Senator
http://www.garyhooser.com

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

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:44:33 GMT

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 when does the governor's office issue and revoke local status and kama'aina cred? Obama was born here and graduated from high school here. Lingle did neither. Does she really want to open up that debate? READ THE REST - Trust me it is good. http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081017/COLUMNISTS02/810170338/1120/localnewsfront

State Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

One of my very favorite quotations

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:18:24 GMT

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 itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is a privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up before I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake.

Life is no brief candle to me. It's sort of a splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

George Bernard Shaw

Hawaii State Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com