HOOSER: Tax the rich, cool the real estate market, build affordable housing
Multiple media outlets reported last week that in a bid to cool off a hot housing market, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government announced it will ban foreign investors from buying homes in Canada for two years. The Canadian government took a number of steps to tamp down speculation and demand amid record home prices including higher taxes.
VOICES: Utilize the Stand Against Racism Hawai‘i Challenge
I am writing this letter in support of the YWCA of Kaua‘i’s Stand against Racism Hawai‘i Challenge addressing the importance of exercising criticality about social constructs that impact our lived realities such as race and gender.
HOOSER: Essential election information – dry but not horribly so
Todays column is unabashedly targeting political junkies, candidates, and those very special people who are helping candidates.
HOOSER: On the dearth and birth of leadership, Kaua‘i style
You really, really, really need to watch this video, youtu.be/HFuKr4ST0w8.
HOOSER: Progressive property tax policy 101
County property-tax policy should support locally owned and operated businesses the same way it supports local homeowners who live in their homes or who rent at defined, affordable rates.
HOOSER: The New Political Reality: Virtual meetings in virtual backrooms
It’s times like this when I wish I had finished law school, or perhaps married a lawyer, or had my children grow up to be lawyers, or had a bunch of money and could just hire a bunch of lawyers.
HOOSER: It’s time to play housing hard-ball
We are in the middle of a housing emergency. I’m getting calls daily from panicked residents being forced out of their long-term rentals. An overheated housing market means an increasing number of landlords are selling out to wealthy investors from the continent.
HOOSER: Government Corruption: If you see something, say something.
Over the past 12 months, Hawai‘i government, at all levels, has been rocked by headline after headline, exposing the criminal activity of a wide range of public officials.
VOICES: Common questions about sentencing in criminal cases
During National Judicial Outreach Week, Hawai‘i state judges reach out to our communities to foster a better understanding of the work of the courts and the Rule of Law — the legal principle that every citizen is subject to the law, no one is above the law, and everyone is equal before the law.
HOOSER: Taking back our government, one seat at a time
Why bother being involved in government and politics when Hawai‘i’s lawmakers are crooks?
HOOSER: Dealing with corruption is our collective kuleana
Do you know firsthand of any corruption involving bribery of public officials or government employees occurring here in our community? I sincerely hope not, but if you do here is the FBI tip line to report it: fbi.gov/tips.
HOOSER: One job should indeed be enough
It’s probably a good time to offer a hearty “thank you” for the introduction and passage of Senate Bill 2018 to Kaua‘i’s own, state Senate President Ron Kouchi, and state Sen. Brian Taniguchi (Manoa), chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts.
HOOSER: Testament to a statesman
During the past 20 years I have worked with and come to know many who have served in public office. Few rise to the level epitomized by the conduct and actions of the honorable Rep. Ezra Kanoho.
HOOSER: Politics 101: Who you gonna call?
The U.S. Congress is currently debating bills attempting to preserve and protect voting rights, setting universal federal standards that all 50 states must abide by.
VOICES: Hawai‘i doctors endorse Kahele’s 10-point COVID plan
On Jan. 19, U.S. Congressman Kai Kahele (representing rural O‘ahu and the neighbor islands) delivered a powerful message to the people of Hawai‘i.
VOICES: How wetlands can keep us dry
Restoring wetlands in Hawai‘i can help reduce residential flooding from climate change.
HOOSER: Housing discrimination hurts everyone
The pandemic has left many people “accepting government assistance,” a place they never thought they’d be.
HOOSER: Qualifications for council candidates restrictive
To be a candidate for the Kaua‘i County Council you must be a resident and a “qualified voter” for two years preceding the election.
VOICES: Economic interest depend on a healthy planet
Economic interests cannot come at the expense of a livable planet. Indeed, our economic interests depend on a healthy planet. Take a look at the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which caused an immediate loss of an estimated 10,000 jobs and over $1 billion in revenue lost to the commercial fishing industry. Now, a decade later, the area has still not environmentally or economically recovered.
HOOSER: 12 policy goals for 2022
It goes without saying that if we don’t set goals, we are sure not to achieve them.