HOOSER: A policy and politics epiphany: Think County Council
To create new law at the state level requires the support of 13 Senators and 26 Representatives — assuming the governor is supportive. The votes of 51 U.S. Senators, 218 Representatives, and support by...
View ArticleVOICES: Community effort after Lowell amazing
Community effort after Lowell amazing On Sept. 7, 2026, we experienced Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm. At 82 years old, I had never encountered a hurricane before, and the hours between 10 p.m....
View ArticleHOOSER: Post-Lowell – policy, politics and elections
It’s three weeks into our “post-Lowell” recovery. I’m forced to pivot, AND I have the luxury of being able to do so, as my home, property, and family sustained only minor physical damage. Many others,...
View ArticleVOICES: Remind the world our aloha is still here
I would first like to thank our essential workers, utility crews, first responders, National Guard, volunteers, and everyone else who has worked tirelessly to help Kaua‘i recover from Hurricane Lowell....
View ArticleHOOSER: Post-Hurricane Lowell meanderings
Ten days later, after the fear and fury of Hurricane Lowell, after waking up to the destruction, after cleaning up, helping neighbors do the same, and checking on friends and family — the primary...
View ArticleHOOSER: On PMRF lease renewal FEIS
Gotta laugh … or cry … or be angry and frustrated, at some of the language: “Hazardous materials and waste may be introduced from missiles that have landed in the GHA as a result of early flight...
View ArticleHOOSER: Who’s watching the henhouse? (AKA county government operations)
“We hand out subsidies, tax exemptions, no-bid contracts, loan guarantees, land concessions, and regulatory favors — and we ask for almost nothing back. No enforceable promises. No penalty when the...
View ArticleVOICES: Looking to raise community awareness after recent Vespa theft
Looking to raise community awareness after recent Vespa theft I’m writing as a Kaua‘i resident to share a recent experience and to remind our island community to stay especially watchful in the coming...
View ArticleHOOSER: The ‘Lala trauma’ … what’s next?
The “Lala stress” is killing me. And I don’t use those words lightly. Without having to measure it, I know without a doubt my blood pressure is elevated, the quality of my sleep has deteriorated, and...
View ArticleHOOSER: Aug. 8: What’s it all mean for Kaua‘i County residents?
To summarize and speculate a bit, the next mayor of Kaua‘i will be either Council Chair Mel Rapozo, who received 7,580 votes in the Primary, or former Kaua‘i Mayor now Councilmember Bernard Carvalho,...
View Article100 years later, we’re still fighting for the right to vote and equal pay
This month marks 61 years since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. Fifty-four years ago, Congress sent the Equal Rights Amendment to the states — now ratified by the...
View ArticleHOOSER: Corruption by any other name is still corruption
It’s crazy really. Four high level government officials have been indicted on charges involving bribery, the exchange of money in return for political favors. The Hawai‘i lieutenant governor, a former...
View ArticleHOOSER: Waste, recycling, and Kaua‘i politics
Today, Wednesday, July 29, at 8:30 a.m., the Kaua‘i County Council is taking up Resolution No. 2026-24, urging Mayor Kawakami and the county administration “to prioritize waste diversion, curbside...
View ArticleHOOSER: The power of 17: Inside political baseball
Most of us are disgusted and have lost all trust in our government. I for one am sick and tired of reading yet another story about still yet another corrupt Hawai‘i politician caught taking bribes and...
View ArticleNew rainwater catchment law could boost housing stock
The Hawaii Legislature passed a bill this year that now allows folks across the state to install rainwater catchment systems. HB1728, which took effect July 1, is a victory for anyone who is interested...
View ArticleHOOSER: It’s crunch time at the ballot box
Your Primary Election ballot is either “in the mail” headed to you, or has already been delivered to your home or P.O. Box. In 2024, across the islands, 568,273 registered voters actually received...
View ArticleHOOSER: Kauai Council, by the numbers
There are 26 candidates running for election to the seven-member Kauai County Council. On Aug. 8, the top 14 vote-getters will move forward to the General Election. Based on past elections, candidates...
View ArticleHOOSER: Evaluating the candidates
No candidate is perfect. In choosing who receives my support, I start with these questions: • Do the candidate’s values align with my own? • What about their prior jobs and life experience? • Can I...
View ArticleHOOSER: County auditors reveal major problems in every county except Kauai
It seems every day there’s breaking news about government corruption, waste, fraud, abuse, inefficiencies and incompetence. It seems every county except Kauai has made the headlines. A 5-minute...
View ArticleHOOSER: A Father’s Day message from the uncles
As a father, grandfather and uncle — I’d like to have a word with you all. “You ALL” means family, friends, hanai ohana, and all who are kindred spirits in this journey of life. While I certainly don’t...
View Article
