‘Red tape’ is a red herring when it comes to protecting our environment

Judging from a variety of not so very subtle signals coming out of the legislature, the 2012 legislative session will feature a full frontal assault on environmental protections.

Framed under the banner of eliminating “regulatory barriers” in order to stimulate economic development and create jobs, numerous bills to dismantle important environmental protections are forthcoming and will be pushed hard.

Lawmakers will be in an untenable position. Hearing rooms will be packed with construction workers wearing bright orange t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Jobs Now” and countered with like numbers of environmental supporters sporting equally bright green “Keep the Country, Country” t-shirts.

Behind the scenes, in the hallways, and in private meetings, large landowners and developers (who will not be wearing t-shirts) will push their agenda to increase profits by removing “regulatory barriers” and “red tape” – code words for environmental and public interest protections. But as we’ve seen throughout the country, while increased environmental degradation and increased profits are guaranteed, increased employment certainly is not.

Red tape is a red herring. Without question, the vast majority of projects that fall under Hawaii’s environmental review law, Chapters 341 and 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) go forward without delay or legal challenge. Yes, when someone attempts to circumvent the law or avoid doing what is obvious, pono, and in the public interest, the project may end up in court or even on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

My experience as the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control is that most do not really understand the law.

Chapter §341-1 states: “The legislature finds that the quality of the environment is as important to the welfare of the people of Hawaii as is the economy of the State.”

Chapter 343 simply requires reviewing certain proposed actions involving the public interest in order to disclose potential environmental impacts. These projects involve public funds, public lands, or sensitive/special areas. In other words, the law protects the public interest by ensuring wise use of our precious natural resources. Private projects on private lands that do not involve the public interest are not affected.

Critics of Chapter 343 will often speak of the very small “manini” projects that have no environmental impact whatsoever and yet are forced to go through an onerous, time-consuming and expensive environmental review process. This is flat out just not true.

Any project expected to have no or negligible environmental impacts can be exempted from the process in a simple, fast, and straightforward manner. This can be completed in one day and on a single sheet of paper. In fact, the vast majority of projects in Hawaii are exempted in just this way.

If the impacts are more than negligible but not likely to be significant, then an EA is needed. Significance can mean irrevocably committing a natural resource, curtailing the range of beneficial uses of the environment, or adversely affecting the economic welfare, social welfare, or cultural practices of the community and State. If impacts are expected to be significant, a full environmental impact statement (EIS) is required. Less than a dozen or so projects a year, at most, go on to a full EIS.

But for EAs and EISs, the law only requires the disclosure of impacts, suggested mitigations, and alternatives. It does not approve or deny a project, does not grant any permits, and does not require any permit conditions. It is an informational document that “discloses the environmental effects of a proposed action…on the economic welfare, social welfare, and cultural practices of the community and State…”

Our goal, our mission and our actions should be focused on the creation of good jobs and a strong economy that sustains, protects and honors our social, cultural, and environmental welfare. Anything less sells short the future of our children.

Gary Hooser – http://www.garyhooser.com

Published on January 22, 2012 in Honolulu Star-Advertiser

On Christmas Shopping, The Homeless And Tough Love

While out Christmas shopping with my wife on Sunday morning, we drove past a solitary homeless man sitting quietly in the shadows beneath the freeway along Nimitz.  I wondered who he was, what he was thinking, what his life must be like and why he just sat there in his own silence engulfed in the noise and exhaust of a seemingly endless stream of cars and traffic.

Seems like a world gone awry as I joined the throngs stuck in holiday traffic, shuffling from store to store seeking Christmas gift bargains, in line with so many others struggling to decide between a Kindle or a Nook, or choosing between Lancome or Chanel.   We covered much of the island that day and in the process drove by so many others in so many other lines – lines of makeshift tents on hard sidewalks because it is against the law to sleep 5 feet away on the soft grass in the park, lines waiting for a hot meal and a dry safe place to sleep, lines of crouched figures huddled in doorways to get out of the rain.

While I spent my weekend determined to assemble an array of suitable gifts for family members and close friends, I can only think today of that man under the freeway and of all the others we passed by that day.

Yes, I feel badly and sad at the situation faced by my fellow human beings and will attempt to assuage these feelings by making a donation to a worthy nonprofit and perhaps volunteer at the homeless shelter in which I have helped in the past.  But of course this is not enough.

The condition of the homeless in our community is a reflection of us and who we are.

While many good people with a high and noble intent are trying their best, our community response in dealing with the homeless issue is woefully inadequate.  While most of us with homes, jobs and families profess sadness and sympathy for the disadvantaged, those feelings easily pivot toward outrage and indignation.  Our genteel sensibilities are offended by the sight and smell of poverty, mental illness and addiction.  God forbid that our children or our visitors from the mainland should be exposed to such ugliness.

Our first reaction is to clear them from the parks.  We want to be able to throw Frisbee, barbeque our burgers and take our early morning and late afternoon jogs without the inconvenience, the unsightliness and the fear that sometimes comes with being in close proximity to the mentally ill and others who lack contemporary social skills and whose personal hygiene may be inadequate.

We have more or less successfully cleared our parks of the homeless and now are determined to sweep the remaining stragglers off our streets and into the shelters where they belong.  We have done our best to criminalize the poor and mentally ill by banning from public places first their shopping carts, then their tents and now virtually all of their personal belongings.

Push them into the shelters seems to be the mantra.  Do not feed the homeless.  Make them go to the shelters if they want to eat.  This is tough love.  Withhold the feedings, send police to dismantle their camps, take away and destroy their personal items and make them go into the shelters where they can be fed, monitored, cared for, and warehoused properly.

Put them away for their own good and so we don’t have to look at them anymore.

I am hoping that this is not the case and that there is more.  I am hoping that both the public and the private sector will step up to the plate and provide for dramatically increased mental health services.  I am hoping that government, landowners and developers will create and build affordable housing that is accessible to all and that our State, City and Federal government strengthens the social safety net while increasing employment and rebuilding core public infrastructure.

I am hopeful but not optimistic, so therefore I am angry.

 

On Obama’s Speech in Kansas – ” I really want to believe that he loves me, but he is losing me”

As written by my good friend Shannon Rudolph and posted on my FB page December 6 in response to the speech given by President Obama in Kansas. Shannon’s words echo those of many in the progressive community. They want to believe, but feel like Lucy has pulled the football away from Charlie Brown just one too many times….

From Shannon Rudolf : “I just watched part of the speech again, and SO wished the words coming out of his mouth were true. An old song by the Bellamy Bros. came to mind; “I’m a doctor, I’m a lawyer, I’m a movie star – I’m an astronaut and I own this bar, I’d lie to you for your love – and that’s the truth.” I wonder if the republican freak show debates are a set up because “they” already have who they want. The people surrounding him; the bankers, the nuclear industry, (who are starting up the 1st U.S. nuclear reactors in 34 years) GMO’s, etc. – is making me think of not voting for the first time in my life. The article asks: “”What can a president do today?” I’ll tell you, its VERY simple – do your damn job; its called democracy. Ask America what it wants AND DO IT. I want Obama to get mad and let the signing statements rip – use every bit of power at his disposal and create more, like Cheney did! Hell, I want to see him lead a million people march on congress in his own popemobile!!! If he can’t start showing some real fight, I think he should take some time off and let Michelle kick some ass. I really want to believe that he loves me, but he’s losing me. His speech today shows me he’s at least paying attention and is a little scared that he is losing the OWS demographic. Keep the pressure on; former mayor of Salt Lake City and former Utah ACLU president, Rocky Anderson, (running on the 3rd party “Justice Party”) is lookin’ pretty good.

Campaign – turn of events

Aloha Friends,
After months of work organizing, rebuilding the basic campaign infrastructure and reaching out around the State, it has become clear to me–and to those helping manage the Hooser For Hawaii exploratory effort– that my campaign for the 2nd Congressional seat should not move forward.

We were all aware the path to victory was to be extremely challenging, but we also believed strongly that winning was possible. Given the initially limited field of candidates and the demographics and ideological base of those candidates, it seemed like the dynamics of the race were developing in our favor. A scenario where we started out as the #2 underdog, garnered the lion’s share of the liberal and green vote–and then moved forward as the alternative to the perceived front runner–seemed like a reasonable path to victory.

However the dynamics of the race have changed. We have had a professional political polling company survey over 1,000 likely voters in the 2nd Congressional district. As a result of that study, we have reached a conclusion that it is highly likely that the potential field of now 6 candidates would effectively split the votes that might otherwise oppose former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann allowing him to walk into victory with a mere plurality of votes. He has already raised in excess of $300,000 and, given his history and alliance to major corporate interests, there is no question that his fundraising will far exceed the minimum of $1 million necessary to run a credible campaign for Congress.

While I believe that the capacity for human achievement is unlimited and that given the right circumstances and enough time we could prevail, the odds against winning this race and the price that would need to be paid, are far too great to justify moving forward.

Please know that I am not done, and I intend to remain fully active and engaged in statewide affairs. As the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, my work is meaningful and I will remain in the forefront on environmental issues. Public interest advocacy is where my heart is and there are many avenues and opportunities, both short and long term, in which this drive can be focused.

I want to thank all who have offered their help, support and encouragement in my effort to move forward and grow in service to our community. This decision is a very difficult one for me personally, as my nature is to simply say imua, and to plough forward with optimism and hope regardless of the naysayers. However, I have learned over the years that sometimes it is best to swallow one’s pride, and wait until the time is right.

All the best,

Gary Hooser

On Hooser, Hannemann and the 2nd Congressional race

Aloha Friends,

Many are asking: When will you make a final decision on entering the 2^nd Congressional District race?

The short answer is soon, most likely within the next 30 days.  I want very much to run and to serve but first we must finalize our basic organization ensuring we have a strong statewide team in place, our fundraising plan on track, and complete the due diligence necessary to support a winning campaign.

History is clear — it was not an excess of government but rather the lack of government oversight, and an excess of corporate greed that caused the great financial collapse of 2008.  It is well past time to take our government back from the corporate interests that now hold the reins of power in Washington DC.  

Government has failed to protect the people and government has repeatedly simply fallen into line behind the wishes and desires of those who have the money.  Our government allowed the big banks, investment houses and insurance companies reap billions of dollars in profits using highly speculative methods and then when their house of cards began to fall – government bailed them out.  In addition big oil continues to pollute, pharmaceutical companies continue to sell us more drugs even while blocking health care reform, and the Halliburtons of the world reap obscene profits off the death and destruction of our wars.

I have spent over 20 years owning and operating a small business and over 12 years serving in public office.  I understand the need for businesses to generate a profit and operate without unnecessary interference from government, but I also believe in government’s role in protecting the rights of everyday working people and our natural environment.  I am willing to ask the tough questions, increase government oversight when appropriate and hold big business accountable.

My prospective opponent in the Congressional race is of the opposite bent.  There is no question that Mufi Hannemann has been a close ally to corporate interests for his entire political career and benefitted from their generosity in return.   He is a friend and a strong advocate for those same corporate interests that have protected the wealth of the top 1% while ignoring the plight of the 99%.  Take a look at his fundraising records and you will find a veritable who’s who of powerful corporate insiders.

I would fight tirelessly on your behalf.  My goal is to not just reduce the impacts of budget cuts to vital health, human services and environmental protections but to seek ways to improve these benefits and protections.  If government is to provide incentives to business then it should go to support small business and local entrepreneurship.  I will not hesitate to cut corporate entitlements, wasteful tax credits and increase taxes on the top 1% if that is what it takes to accomplish this.

Mufi Hannemann will not go against the businesses and benefactors that have groomed and supported him for all these years.  Of this you can be sure.

So I face a choice, but you face one as well. You can help me do what is in my heart and soul which is to serve your interests in Congress, or you can choose the status quo and politics as usual.

Sincerely,

Gary L. Hooser

If you would like me to run and ultimately serve you in Congress – please join us at TeamHooser@gmail.com and/or make a financial contribution to help us get started at http:www.garyhooser.com

“Hooser For Hawaii” filed with Federal Elections Commission

Aloha Friends,
Mahalo to all who have extended their positive encouragement and generous contributions to the “Friends of Gary Hooser” campaign committee. Because of your faith and confidence, I am moving ahead with the next step and have filed with the Federal Elections Commission establishing the “Hooser For Hawaii” campaign committee. This allows us to move our exploratory campaign more aggressively toward the goal of entering the race for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2nd Congressional District. I have lived, worked and raised my family in this District for the past 30 years. I know first-hand the needs and unique nature of our mostly rural community.

We are forming committees on every island, doing the research needed to ensure we are positioned to win, and reaching out to community leaders and friends around the State. If you would like to meet and discuss issues, or have ideas you would like to share, please call or email me.

Our core message is simple; it is time to resurrect and revitalize the principle of a “government by the people, of the people and for the people”. In 2008 with the collapse of the financial markets, the veil was lifted and we see now first-hand the devastating impacts resulting from the politics and policies of greed.

The “Occupy Wall Street” movement that is building across our nation and in Hawaii is a reflection of the tremendous dissatisfaction and disenchantment with the status quo. Those joining the ranks of this movement should be applauded for willing to stand up and be counted, and to say “enough is enough”.

The high number of unemployed, the homeless, the foreclosures, the decreasing standard of living that working families everywhere are enduring is difficult to comprehend. And while steps must be taken to reverse this trend, Congress seems to continuously push us in the wrong direction. We must fight back against those who seek to further undermine the very foundations of the great society dreamed of by our parents and grandparents. We must restore the faith, confidence, and belief that if one works hard and plays by the rules then the American dream can truly be realized.

While I am hopeful that this new movement reflects a growing trend toward increased civic participation, I remain very concerned that too many others are simply giving up and disengaging. My message to them is “if we quit, they win”. I believe deeply that ordinary people can make a difference, that our system of democracy is a good one and that it is up to us to take ownership so that we can move toward a future of hope, opportunity and fairness that we deserve.

For this reason and many, many others I am compelled to move toward entering the campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2nd Congressional District. The path is long and the hill is steep, but not taking up the challenge is akin to surrender before the first step is taken.

We can and we must, prove the cynics wrong. I am willing to take on the challenge if you will join me.

Mahalo again for all the help and support you have already given. Imua!

Sincerely,
Gary L. Hooser
It is no secret that the perceived frontrunner in this race is a friend of big business, big development and big corporations, and he will benefit from the deep pockets of those interests. It is also no secret that his record on social issues and environmental protection is deplorable.

These same interests will work hard to prevent a truly progressive, pro-people and pro-environment candidate like Gary Hooser from winning a seat in Congress.

We can win, but we must work harder and smarter than the other side. And, we must continuously request the fundraising help needed to balance the money scales in this very important election.

Whether it is $10 or $1,000 we need your contribution today. If you are able to give, please do so today via regular mail payable to “Hooser For Hawaii, P.O. Box 1710, Hanalei Hawaii 96714

Volunteers are also needed on every island – to join the Hooser team email TeamHooser@gmail.com

Next Steps – A Statewide Exploratory Committee

Aloha Friends,
Mahalo to all for the tremendous support and encouragement you have offered over the past two weeks. Your contributions have taken us very close to achieving our first tier goal!

The next step is the formation of a local campaign committee on every island to help organize and take our exploratory effort to the next level. While raising money is very important and your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or more is much needed – what is equally, if not more important at this stage, is your time, expertise, and energy.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience via a response to this email if you would like to play an active role in organizing and building our campaign from a grassroots level. While much help will be needed along the way, we need people today on every island and in every community who are willing to take leadership roles and invest the time needed to build a strong state-wide organization.

In order to make a final commitment as a candidate, I must know that the commitment is also there from the community – both the financial commitment and the people power commitment. If you follow government or politics at all, then you know my history, my values and my track-record serving both at the County Council level on Kauai and for the past 8 years in the Hawaii State Senate. You know that I will fight hard for the values we share and that I know how to get things done.

The 2nd Congressional District in the United States Congress is a path I am seriously considering and it is time now to take this exploratory effort to the next level.

Donations and volunteer commitments can be made today at http://www.garyhooser.com

Please help if you can.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser

Contact: electgaryhooser@gmail.com
Contributions may be made via credit card online or sent via regular mail to: Friends of Gary Hooser, P.O. Box 4094 Honolulu, Hawaii 96812