After stepping down from his state Senate seat representing Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau for an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, Gary Hooser has remained connected with Hawai‘i’s political arena. “My main focus right now is helping and supporting Neil Abercrombie and
After stepping down from his state Senate seat representing Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau for an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, Gary Hooser has remained connected with Hawai‘i’s political arena.
“My main focus right now is helping and supporting Neil Abercrombie and Brian Schatz to be elected as governor and lieutenant governor,” Hooser said in an interview this week. “I think that is the most important thing for the state.”
The former District 7 senator said that despite rumors, he has not spoken with Abercrombie about a possible job as the head of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in case the Democratic candidate is elected governor Nov. 2.
“A lot of people think that I would be a good person to be in that position. So they’ve been advocating for me,” said Hooser. “But it’s far too premature to talk about any kind of job to anyone. What you’re hearing is basically rumors.”
Hooser, however, didn’t discard the opportunity if it should arise, saying he would love to sit down with Abercrombie and Schatz if they are elected and see where he might serve, whether it’s as DLNR chair or some other capacity.
“I have the experience in business, working at the County Council, and in the state Senate. I think it would be valuable,” said Hooser, adding that he is also considering a job in the private sector or with a nonprofit.
Before serving eight years in the Senate in Honolulu, Hooser served four years on Kaua‘i as a council member.
“I’m looking for options and opportunities to serve, whether it’s in the private sector, the public sector or a nonprofit,” he said.
As for right now, campaigning for Abercrombie and Schatz is taking the most time and energy in Hooser’s life, especially on Kaua‘i. He said he has been contacting his friends and supporters to encourage them to vote for Abercrombie.
Abercrombie and Schatz face Republican candidates James “Duke” Aiona and Lynn Finnegan in the general election.
The polls show a close race, but they also say that “Kaua‘i will make a difference,” said Hooser.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@kauaipubco.com.
