Hawaii State Senator Gary L. Hooser

Aloha Friends,

Hope you are doing well and that the coming holiday season treats you with kindness and respect. Myself and the Hooser Ohana are good. Life is not without its challenges but we are well and fortunate in many respects.

Our State is at a critical juncture. This is a time when true leadership, new ideas and unwavering core values are needed more than ever before.

If you believe as I do, that it is imperative we create a path today toward educational excellence, that we become energy independent instead of sending billions of dollars overseas for oil and that a strong, robust and sustainable economy will result as we make progress toward both – then we need each other.

I was the first and strongest voice in the Senate to speak out on the “Furlough Friday” debacle. I proposed a solution which all parties have since agreed to in principle and are currently negotiating. My record of leadership and tangible achievement in the area of energy independence, in support of human services and environmental protection is likewise strong and irrefutable.

After being in business for nearly 20 years, serving four years on the Kauai County Council, eight years in the Hawaii State Senate, including four years as Majority Leader – I now seek to serve you, as Hawaii’s next Lieutenant Governor.

On January 19, 2010 I will turn 56. Hawaii has been my home for nearly 40 years. It’s where I have raised my family and built my career in business and in public service.

Please join me on this day from 6pm until 8pm at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii for a celebration on the eve of the opening of the 2010 legislative session.

Suggested individual contribution to the January 19th event is $56. Please consider support at the $560, $1,560 or $5,600 level.

Thank you in advance for your support. Contributions received prior to December 31st are especially appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser
State Senator, Majority Leader - Candidate – Hawaii Lieutenant Governor

P.S. If you have questions – visit http://www.garyhooser.com or call me direct at 808-652-4279. Contributions may be made online by credit card. Or, if you prefer by mail - to “Friends of Gary Hooser, P.O. 4094, Honolulu HI 96812

Health care is a critical issue on our nation’s agenda and Hawai‘i is poised to be a leader in providing sound solutions.

A recent New York Times article touted Hawai‘i’s healthcare system as a “lesson for lawmakers.” Workers in our state, who work more than 20 hours a week, have enjoyed health care benefits since 1974. A rarity in other states in the union, Congress is looking for ways to incorporate similar initiatives in the new national plans.

Compared to many parts of the country, Hawai‘i has a comfortable climate that promotes healthy living. We have the ability to eat nutritious produce that is grown locally and enjoy the health benefits of fresh-caught seafood. For many, the outdoors is our playground.

Our people enjoy the ocean, hiking on mountain trails and increasingly are taking up cycling and walking as our infrastructure for these activities improves and becomes more accessible. For these reasons and others, Hawai‘i’s Medicare costs are far below the national average. Culturally, our guiding principles reiterate shared responsibility. In the spirit of ohana, legislators, providers and citizens know of the need to work together to provide care for all.

Yet today, nearly 125,000 people in our islands are without health insurance. Amid the economic downturn, newly unemployed workers are watching their benefits dissolve. Employers are also struggling to afford the ever-rising cost of insurance while revenue declines. In recent years, an increasing number of part-time (less than 19 hours per week) employees have been utilized by businesses around our state to keep costs down and avoid health care insurance requirements.

With prices of medication rising faster than inflation, the incomes of seniors, the chronically ill, and the working poor, are suffering. Many of Hawai‘i's people face tough choices about their health, and may go without medication in order to pay for other basic needs. Additionally, our small hospitals on Kaua‘i and throughout the neighbor islands, are facing shrinking budgets and increasing deficits.

I have dealt with this first-hand. My wife’s parents who reside with us in Wailua Homesteads are a living testament to the benefit of our country’s existing “public option.” While not without its shortcomings, if not for Medicare there is no doubt that the challenges of growing old would have bankrupted our family years ago. I know the struggles personally of providing our increasingly ageing population with adequate care within the constraints of a working family’s limited budget.

All Americans have a right to expect affordable, quality healthcare. 
I am in support of a single-payer universal coverage system where no one is denied health care due to lack of income. Legislative action must prevent any cuts or changes that reduce the existing benefits of Medicare/Medicaid and must support efforts to increase reimbursements to health care providers. The health care insurance and pharmaceutical industries have profited from the sick and injured long enough. It is time again to put the customer first and ensure that everyone is provided affordable quality care.

Several initiatives intended to reform and improve our health care system are currently being debated at the federal level in Congress. I am hopeful that our federal leaders will pass a law that gradually expands Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits to more Americans. In addition, support for community-based health centers must also be increased. This is possible without taking away existing benefits from those who desire, and can afford a higher level of service.

Local and national leaders must take charge and adapt the healthcare system to the times.

The time for action is now.

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

Past Sierra Club Directors Endorse Hooser
Two former directors of the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club, Jeff Mikulina (1998-2008) and David Kimo Frankel (1996-1998) as well as respected environmental professor/attorney Denise Antolini, and numerous other leaders in the environmental community have endorsed Senator Gary Hooser for Lt. Governor in 2010

"As someone who has been active in advocating for Hawai'i's sustainability for over a decade, I'm supporting Gary Hooser for Lt. Governor," said Mikulina. "Gary has earned my support through his honest, thoughtful, and smart approach to leadership and policymaking. He's not afraid to make the tough political decisions that will benefit many--today and tomorrow."

David Kimo Frankel, recounting his years of lobbying for the Sierra Club had shown him that "there are not many people who can successfully navigate the system with integrity, intelligence and a progressive ideology. Gary Hooser is the kind of person we need at the statewide level here in Hawai`i," he said.
Losing 17 Days Of Classroom Instruction Is Unacceptable
"We need to convene a five day special session, utilize special funds for education, cancel the 17 days of furlough and send both parties back to the bargaining table." State Senator Gary Hooser - Honolulu Advertiser http://garyhooser.livejournal.com/34231.html

Who is Gary Hooser?
How did Hooser go from being a Waikiki pedicab driver, to being Majority Leader in the Hawaii Senate? Watch the 6 minute online video, "The Hooser Story". http://www.garyhooser.com

Your Help Is Needed Today
Our State is entering an era where leadership, new ideas and unwavering core values are needed more than ever before. If you value - energy independence, a robust diverse and sustainable economy, social justice, protection of the environment and a strong public education system - we need your help and support - TODAY. To be successful, our campaign must raise a minimum of $400,000. Our immediate goal is to reach 1,000 people each contributing $10, $100, or more by November 9th. Please go to http://www.garyhooser.com to join us and be part of the Hooser 1,000 if you can.

Action on Energy and the Environment
One of the most recent examples of Hooser's leadership is his authorship of the Solar Mandate Bill, requiring all new homes built in Hawai'i after January 1, 2010 to have a solar hot water heater or other highly efficient system installed.

Hooser's 2010 campaign for Lt. Governor is the first ever in Hawai`i to go carbon neutral to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight global climate change, by purchasing carbon credits from local companies doing reforestation and clean energy development in the islands.

Please join us:
http://www.facebook.com/supportgaryhooser
http://twitter.com/garyhooser/

Friends of Gary Hooser - P.O. Box 4094 - Honolulu Hawaii - 96812
Reach Senator Gary Hooser via senatorhooser@gmail.com or cell 808-652-4279

Losing 17 days of classroom instruction in our public schools is unacceptable.

While today’s budget crisis is temporary, the negative impacts of cutting 17 days of classroom instruction this year will last forever. No one will disagree that as a direct result of this action student achievement will suffer, test scores will fall and the future of an entire generation of young people will be impacted. The disruption to our families as they scramble with the added burden, further multiplies the adverse impacts.

When I speak to community groups around the state, I like to repeat a truism I have learned serving in the legislature; “When they tell you there is no money, what they are really saying is that it is not a priority.”

The future of our children must be our top priority. While we can complain about the quality and bemoan the historical low ratings of public education in Hawai‘i, losing 17 days of classroom instruction will reverse years of effort and plunge our state deeper into educational mediocrity.

It does not have to be this way. We can avoid teacher furloughs and keep our schools open by having the political will and foresight to use a portion of the $180,000,000 sitting now in the Hawai‘i Hurricane Relief Fund.

As someone whose life was shaken by Hurricane Iwa in 1982 and then losing my home and almost losing my business to Hurricane Iniki in 1992, I do not make this suggestion lightly. The physical damage wrought by a hurricane would be rebuilt, with or without the hurricane fund in place. Insurance companies have returned to Hawai‘i since their post-Iniki departure and federal disaster agencies are also ready to help.

With our budget in dire straits funding options are limited. Every state program has already been drastically cut and all public workers face pay cuts, furloughs and even layoffs. The additional funds needed to make our schools whole are too great to achieve by simply cutting state programs even more. Furthermore, our state constitution guarantees the rights of public workers to bargain collectively. Neither the legislature nor the Governor can dictate to teachers or other public workers specific contract provisions or wage cuts.

Although the hurricane fund can provide immediate relief, long-term answers must come in the 2010 legislative session. We must make the hard decisions with regards to streamlining and restructuring all government services, and face head-on the question regarding possible tax increases. If the public supports increasing taxes to support education, we must approach the topic cautiously with the clear goal of improving the status quo, not simply piling on more tax increases.

To be clear, we cannot continue to rely on tourists and high income residents to carry the brunt of the load. Possibilities include reforming the General Excise Tax (GET) by removing this regressive tax from supermarket food, medical services/supplies and rents under $1,000 – while earmarking a modest net increase for education. Other possibilities include what some are calling the “new sin taxes” - a “sugar tax” on soda, a “fat tax” on fast and/or processed food and a “carbon tax” on oil – all of which would serve the dual purposes of raising much needed funds while deterring inherently unhealthy behavior.

In the coming weeks there will be many meetings and briefings where the pros and cons of various ways to deal with this issue will be debated. These discussions are important, but we must speed the process in restoring our children’s access to education. If others have ideas that would resolve the issue in a realistic and bi-partisan manner, I would love to hear them.

The long-term remedies demand an extensive community discussion and thorough evaluation. The short-term solution however I believe is clear. We need to convene a five day special session, utilize hurricane funds for education, cancel the 17 days of furlough and send both parties back to the bargaining table.

Losing 17 days of classroom instruction is just unacceptable.

State Senator Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com
Twitter "garyhooser" Facebook http://www.facebook.com/supportgaryhooser
Written for the Honolulu Advertiser - October 5, 2009

In 1966, a well-known California political figure, Jesse M. Unruh, coined the phrase “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” Today in Hawai‘i, the primary measure of a candidate is too often the question “yes, but can he/she raise the money?”

The opening paragraphs of the bi-partisan Common Cause Agenda for Change says it best: The problem is not so much the amount we spend on political campaigns ... as it is who pays for them, what they get in return and how that distorts public policy and spending priorities. Keeping our elected officials dependent on the very same wealthy special interests they are supposed to regulate undermines public confidence in their government and its ability to tackle the tough issues that face the nation.

To ensure the survival of democracy, to re-inspire and re-engage those who have lost faith in government leaders, who’ve opted out of the system and who no longer even show up to vote on election day, the power of big money and big influence must be tempered through comprehensive campaign spending reform.

It is likely to cost $2 million to $3 million or more to get elected governor in Hawai‘i in the upcoming 2010 elections. The successful candidate for the office of lieutenant governor will spend at least $500,000 in the primary election alone.

While the majority of funds are spent on radio, TV and newspaper advertising, there are myriad other expenses such as office rental, yard signs, banners, mailings, brochures and inter-island travel.

Getting your message out to the public, building statewide name recognition, running a year-long effort focused on success at the polls on election day is just plain expensive.

There are only a few basic ways to raise money: go to Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu and ask 100 big dogs for the maximum $6,000, reach out to main street and try to find 6,000 regular people to contribute $100 each, ask Mom or Dad for a loan or dig into personal family wealth (if they have any).

For many good candidates, Bishop Street is a foreign town and accessing family assets is just not an option. These financial realities alone are formidable roadblocks to most who contemplate running for high office. To move higher requires convincing the moneyed elite that you are worthy. Or, one must be very good at organizing at the grassroots level and be able to build a veritable army of people willing to contribute at the $10 to $100 level.

Is this a bad thing? A rhetorical question for the candidate because this is the system we operate under. You have to be elected to serve and you have to raise the money to be elected. For the long-term public interest, it is a real question and the answer in my humble opinion is yes, it is a bad thing. Choosing our public leaders based on their ability to raise large amounts of money clearly does not serve the public interest.

A viable statewide public funding option is needed in Hawai‘i. A system whereby qualified candidates may access public funds to level the playing field against the favorite sons and daughters of established political and moneyed interests is essential to re-instill faith and confidence in the democratic process.

Until a fully funded public option is available in Hawai‘i, it is up to both the moneyed elite and the grassroots, and yes, Mom and Dad too, to carry the very heavy weight of paying the cost of the very core of our democracy — free and fair elections.

• Gary Hooser, a Democrat, represents the 7th District in the state Senate. This column was written exclusively for The Garden Island.

See: The Hooser Story at http://www.garyhooser.com
Follow Hooser on Twitter "garyhooser" or on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/supportgaryhooser

David Shapiro’s recent column entitled “Civil unions issue remains political divider” http://bit.ly/ePJTB suggests that Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, Councilmember Gary Okino and assorted other right wing conservatives are in the process of fermenting a political holy war of sorts.

The plan it seems is that Aiona, Okino and others will rally and incite their flocks to storm forth from the temple and rain down the wrath of God upon the heads and shoulders of politicians like myself who support equality for all people.

Okino is quoted as saying that he will “bring a righteous point of view” implying that God is somehow on his side, which by definition then would be on the side of those who preach sermons of denigration, demonization and inequality.

The God I know is one who teaches love, tolerance, justice and equality.

The quest for the equal treatment of same sex couples is simply that. Opposite sex couples who choose to live in a committed relationship and are joined in marriage receive a certain bundle of rights granted to them by government. HB444 merely says that same sex couples are entitled to the same bundle of rights, but rather via a civil union agreement and not a marriage.

It is not the purview of government to sanctify relationships. The sanctification of a marriage is something that belongs, in my opinion, within the domain of religious institutions. Government is responsible for the passing, implementation and enforcement of criminal and civil law while religion holds the rights to blessings, sanctification and matters relating to eternal life. Government and its elected leaders, should and must enforce the laws that we pass equally and justly without discrimination.

Every legislator has sworn an oath to support and uphold the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and of the United States of America. Equal protection under the law is a fundamental precept of both our state and our national constitution, a principle I support whole-heartedly.

The passage of HB444 is essential to the fulfillment of our constitutional duty as a legislative body. It is also what I, as an individual, believe is simply the right thing to do.

I love the work that I do as a Hawaii State Senator and hope to do more one day as Lieutenant Governor. People often ask “Why do you run, why do you serve?” The answer is simple, I serve in public office because I want to make Hawaii and our world a better place. The God that I pray and listen to in the quiet of the night, is a God who guides me also on the path to righteous decision making - but mine is a path of tolerance, of justice and of equality.

As a legislator I believe it is my duty to help make real here in Hawaii the hope expressed in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."

Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator, Majority Leader
2010 Candidate - Lieutenant Governor

* Watch online video The Hooser Story http://www.garyhooser.com
FACEBOOK http://facebook.com/supportgaryhooser
TWITTER garyhooser

The economic winds are blowing hard against the bow of our state and stirring up a fierce and apparently relentless storm. The answer is to paddle together, not simply toss people out of the canoe.

Yes, we have to live within our means and yes, government services must be delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible. However the governor’s proposal for across the board layoffs, if allowed to go forward, would have significant and far-reaching negative impacts greatly exceeding any cost savings that might occur as a result.

We need to balance our state budget with a long term perspective—in a thoughtful and deliberative manner, using all of the tools at our disposal. Early retirement, attrition, deferred payments, special funds and user fees are just a few of the tools at hand. Technology to modernize and streamline the delivery of services must also be utilized. To do the job properly, with the maximum benefits and least amount of cost and disruption takes time. It is the nature of long term planning.

The governor unfortunately believes the task must be accomplished immediately and therein lies the problem. Decisions made in a panic mode are by nature conducted without adequate information and without proper discussion, resulting in a plethora of unintended consequences. The current situation with regards to agricultural inspectors is but one example of this. In the case of the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, the proposed layoffs effectively cut millions of dollars in federal funds in order to achieve a $500,000 savings to the State budget.

Fear-based decision-making is just plain wrong.

The State Administration must take a deep breath, gather community leaders together from around the islands, then properly plan a strategy that will take our state forward in a measured and thoughtful manner. There must be a broad-based community discussion and a consensus built on what type of government we want and are willing to pay for.

Our community must decide what services we believe are essential and face up to the responsibility of paying for them. Is it acceptable to have our children attend 17 less days of school per year? Is it okay to leave our farmers stranded high and dry through layoffs of critical agricultural inspectors? Can we live without health inspectors checking our water and our food, or do we believe this is important and should be paid for? What about invasive species control? What about parks, airport and highway maintenance? Are libraries really important to us or should we simply shut them down? Would businesses rather pay the cost of higher unemployment rates or would they prefer a broader based tax increase shared by everyone?

The big fallacy about layoffs is that they create savings. In almost all situations they do not create savings, they merely shift and often actually increase costs.
Clearly there is a price to pay, one way or another. And clearly, simply throwing some of our friends and neighbors out of the canoe, is not the answer.

Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator, Majority Leader

* Official Senate contact: senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov 808-586-6030
* Watch online video "The Hooser Story" http://www.garyhooser.com
* Hooser Blog and Friends of Gary Hooser http://www.garyhooser.com
FACEBOOK http://facebook.com/supportgaryhooser
TWITTER garyhooser

My response to an email received this morning from a concerned citizen:

Great letter Carol. And you are not a "nobody"...you are everybody and your email, letters and telephone calls are important. You are all the people who elected President Obama...and all the people who are needed to support him and others who want to change our country and our world for the better. Thank you for taking action. Thank you for being involved and staying involved. gh

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Private
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:57 PM
To: Sen. Gary Hooser
Subject: President Obama's Health Care Plan

Aloha, Gary:

I’m just a ‘nobody’ but below is what I just emailed to President Obama. It’s FYI only.

Aloha President Obama:

I'm 65, a well educated (MBA) single white female, democrat living on Kauai. I know, in my heart of hearts, that you'll not see this message, but I write often just so I can feel inside that, as an American, I really care about our country and I believe in you so much that I literally cry when I hear all the disparaging remarks made about you. It appears to me that those who oppose you the most are the basically uneducated folks...and, of course, those stupid Republicans and I think they are crazy, too.

********************************
Above is first part of letter only...balance of message asks President Obama to educate the uneducated on the health care issue...and addresses other issues.
********************************************
Gary L. Hooser
Hawaii State Senator - Majority Leader
Candidate for Liuetenant Governor
Find out more and watch "The Hooser Story" at http://www.garyhooser.com
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

If you would like to be on the Friends of Gary Hooser Campaign E-Newsletter list - submit your name and contact information at http://www.garyhooser.com

Aloha,

On Public Policy And The Future - By Senator Gary Hooser
*Getting out of the rut - it is past time to refocus: It is far too easy to be consumed and literally dragged down by the negativity of the events currently engulfing our state. The uncertainty and the lack of clarity as to what lies on the horizon makes navigating these troubled waters all the more difficult. It is time to lift our heads, put our shoulders and our brains to the task and move past the siege mentality that currently hobbles both our state government and the private sector.
READ MORE (Hooser Blog http://www.garyhooser.com )

Energy and Environment Leaders Support Hooser

Jeff Mikulina - Statewide advocate on renewable energy and environmental issues
"As someone who has been active in advocating for Hawaii's sustainability for over a decade, I'm supporting Gary Hooser for Lt. Governor. Gary has earned my support through his honest, thoughtful, and smart approach to leadership and policymaking.

Gary makes bold decisions and sticks to his word. He's not afraid to make the tough political decisions that will benefit many--today and tomorrow. Gary is the type of leader that the next generation would choose if they could."

Kimo Frankel - long time advocate on environmental issues
"Kauai Senator Gary Hooser is principled, progressive, and productive---not your typical politician!

I've been burned in the past by many politicians. My years of lobbying for the Sierra Club, suing county officials and even working in government have shown me that there are not many people who can successfully navigate the system with integrity, intelligence and a progressive ideology. Gary Hooser is the kind of person we need at the statewide level here in Hawai`i."

The above statements of support are personal and individual in nature and do not represent the position of any organization whatsoever that the individuals may be affiliated with now or in the past.

*Watch “The Hooser Story” online video at www.garyhooser.com

*Follow us on Twitter (garyhooser) and become a friend on Facebook

FUNDRAISING
*Campaign spending reports are in: With the actual election still over one year away, the Friends of Gary Hooser campaign has raised over $47,000 with more than 330 people making individual donations!

*Our immediate campaign goal is to reach our first $100,000 with 1,000 individual donors contributing $25 to $100 each. You can help by mailing in your contribution today or donating online at http://www.garyhooser.com. Your help and support is much needed and greatly appreciated.

UPCOMING EVENTS
*MAUI: Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Velma Santos Wailuku Community Center - Ono Grinds, Live Entertainment $25 donation suggested donation - Contact Helen Nielsen oluolu@maui.net

* O'AHU: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 5:30 to 7:30 Pau Hana Event at the elegant and historical Pacific Club in downtown Honolulu. $150 suggested donation - Contact marialebron@ymail.com

Would you like to help by hosting a fundraiser or coffee hour? If so please contact Campaign Coordinator Maria Lebron at marialebron@ymail.com As always, your comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. Please email me anytime at senatorhooser@gmail.com

Note: Contribution checks should be made to Friends of Gary Hooser and mailed to the address below. PayPal and Credit Card contributions are also welcome and can be made at http://www.garyhooser.com. Corporate contributions and funds from foreign nationals will not be accepted.

Gary Hooser
State Senator - Majority Leader
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

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
This message is a personal, private and unofficial communication.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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 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

Waking up to the Honolulu Advertiser this morning was a particularly pleasant experience as it included an editorial announcing their endorsement of various neighbor island legislators -including yours truly.

The complete editorial can be found here:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081015/OPINION01/810150339/1105/opinionfront

"The Advertiser endorses Hooser, who has earned his reputation as an influential and effective legislator, rising to the position of majority leader. Hooser, who has been in his Senate seat since 2002, was in the minority in the Senate in calling for an environmental review of the Superferry, and garnered criticism from those who felt he was caving to the ferry's vocal opponents. The Neighbor Island lawmaker's arguments brought a better balance to the discussion.

Hooser also has been in the forefront of efforts to encourage renewable energy and he introduced the measure mandating solar water heating in new homes. Although the bill would have benefited from more clarity, Hooser must be credited with an effort to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. If re-elected, he hopes to make renewable energy a major focus next session. Hooser's hard work and service to his district have earned him another term."

Mahalo to the Honolulu Advertiser for the endorsement and for your faith and confidence.