My public policy wish for the holidays
My wish for the holidays is that public policy advocates, individuals and organizations from across the state join together in requesting that the Hawaii state legislature, upon the opening of the 2020 legislative session — reconvene the conference committee for HB1191 SD2, and promptly pass a strong minimum wage bill.
Politics, choices and accountability — or not
The top of mind issue for those who follow policy and politics nationally is the pending impeachment of the president of the United States.
Lowering the cost of living, supporting agriculture — a twofer
Politicians and lawmakers often lay the blame for their perceived impotence on the nature of dealing with “complex issues and intractable challenges.”
A non-political Thanksgiving message
Believe it or not, a non-political Thanksgiving message is indeed possible and especially needed today and in these times.
Food/farm policy, Hawaii style
According to numerous reports Hawaii imports about 90% of its food and exports approximately $3 billion a year paying for it.
The County Council and the ‘Pareto Principle’
People often ask, what exactly do the seven Kauai councilmembers actually do? How many hours per week do they work? What do they get paid?
Turning marchers into voters, learning from the revolution of ‘54’
On March 28, 2019, over 2,500 Kauai residents marched on Rice Street. On Oahu, over 20,000 marched through Waikiki. Similarly, on Maui and in Hawaii County — thousands marched — for, justice and for Aloha ‘Aina.
On scenarios after a councilmember is arrested
Like almost everyone on Kauai, I was shocked when I saw the news pertaining to Councilmember Arthur Brun’s Tuesday arrest.
Tulsi, Kahele … and the candidate stampede to follow
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement that she would not be running for re-election caught Hawaii’s political world by surprise.
Legislators get raises — minimum wage workers get nothing
The Aloha United Way commissioned “ALICE REPORT: A STUDY OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP IN HAWAII” determined than in 2017, 11% of Hawaii residents were living in poverty while another 37% exist on its very edge, only one paycheck away from financial disaster.
Only policy wonks, affordable housing advocates should proceed
What are the most significant problems facing Kauai that county government has the power to address via changes in public policy?
With the stroke of a pen, the power of a majority
The power of a single legislator, whether on the council, at the state Legislature, or in the U.S. Congress, is limited to that of being one voice and one vote.
4 powers every legislator has, and one they don’t
What exactly does my legislator do? What power do they have and what exactly can they do, or not do?
When the electoral paradigm creates a political epiphany
Traditional campaign logic says that candidates should spend their limited resources talking to people who vote, rather than people who for whatever reason, do not.
Be there Friday — climate change is real
Please join me, and a whole lot of other people from across the planet — Friday, Sept. 20 (see details at bottom) - Help send a message to policymakers and government leaders everywhere and tell them:
Corporatists pose as Democrats, really Centrists
It’s not an exaggeration to say 2020 will be, and in fact, must be - a pivotal year of change.
Key questions every candidate must answer
So you are thinking about running for election to public office?
Self full-filling prophecy of political apathy
To all the complainers out there who moan and groan about politics and politicians, I say shut the front door or get involved and do something about it.
Time to say thanks to the governor
Gov. David Ige deserves our thanks and our respect for keeping a level head and a steady hand in dealing with the issues on Maunakea.
The mother’s milk of politics
Jesse Unruh, Speaker of the California Assembly from 1961 to 1968, is credited with coining the phrase, “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” … For better or worse, mostly worse I think — money is seen as the life force and energy behind politics and elections.