Image above: Gary Hooser advocating beach access in Hawaii. From (http://galfromdownunder.blogspot.com/2008/02/aloha-but-not-in-my-backyard.html).
By Linda Pascatore on 27 September 2010 -
Kauai lost a truly great resource when Gary Hooser resigned his State Senate Seat to run for Lieutenant Governor. Gary was a true champion for sustainability, alternative energy, the environment, and for what is right for our island and the state.
We are hoping Gary will still play an important role in the future of Hawaii, and one way that could happen would be for Abercrombie (we assume he will be the next governor) to appoint him as the Chairperson of the BLNR (Board of Land and Natural Resources).
If you agree, it is time to start lobbying now for Gary! Below is a sample letter to Neil Abercrombie (kauai@neilabercrombie.com) that I sent, and another sent by Frank Hay:
Dear Mr Abercrombie, The people of Kauai lost a great representative when Gary Hooser resigned his State Senate seat to run for Lieutenant Governor. The Democratic Party lost it’s majority leader, who very effectively worked for all the people of our state. I hope that you will find a role for this outstanding leader in your new administration. I would like to suggest that Gary Hooser be appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Gary Hooser has been an outstanding advocate for the aina. He has been a consistent advocate for the environment. He has supported land and shoreline conservation, preservation of agricultural lands, and public access to our natural treasures for the people of Hawaii. He has an impeccable environmental record, and has been endorsed by the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations. Since you are a champion for the environment as well, I am sure you can appreciate Gary’s skills in this area. I congratulate you on your primary win, and have confidence that you will win the governor’s seat. Please consider Gary Hooser when you do. Sincerely Yours, Linda Pascatore
Dear Mr Abercrombie, The people of Kauai lost a great advocate when Gary Hooser resigned his State Senate seat to run for Lieutenant Governor. The Democratic Pary lost its majority leader, who very effectively worked for all the people of our state. I hope that you will find a role for this outstanding leader in your new administration. I would like to suggest that Gary Hooser be appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. I worked closely with Gary from 2000 to 2008 on the issue of the Koke'e recreation residence leases. The former DLNR chair, Peter Young, as well as the current chair, Laura Thielen, were both adamant in maximizing income to the State. They apparently believed that yet another public auction would serve Hawaii's interests. This was despite the precedent of losing almost half the community and at least seventeen historic cabins in three days of open auction in the summer of 1985 - the first such auction in then 75 years of Kokee history. I had not seen such a bitter confrontation since my service in combat in Viet-Nam. Gary listened to the community and found a better way - direct negotiations with existing leaseholders [HRS 171-44]. He sponsored a bill authorizing DLNR to carry out the provisions of existing law. The leasehold community was offered leases at what we believed were generally fair prices and remained intact. I congratulate you on your primary win, and have confidence that you will win the governor’s seat. Please consider Gary when you do. Me ke aloha, Frank O. Hay A proud Koke'e leaseholder and Hawaii resident since 1963
[Publisher's note: After his defeat in the primary we spoke with Gary on this issue and he was interested in the idea. He said it would be like taking the lemon of losing to Shatz and turning it into lemonade. So many of Hawaii's problems go back to the mishandling of our resources by the DLNR. On Kauai that includes PMR, GMO and Kokee land leases as well as Kalalau and Napali Trail land management (just to name a few). We hope that Malama Kauai, the Sierra Club, Surfriders organization and others will join in urging Neil Abercrombie in appointing Gary to lead the DLNR.]
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