I’m hoping you read my earlier short blog piece – Looking for Change-Makers.
You’ll be happy to know I’ve found them: Kim Coco Iwamoto, Tina Nakada Grandinetti, Ikaika Hussey, and Laura Acasio.
I’ve been doing policy and politics work in Hawaiʻi for over 20 years and have seen many candidates come and go. Trust me on this – these 4 are the real deal and represent the kind of change-makers we need.
They win and all Hawaiʻi wins. So let’s help them. Regardless whether you “live in the district” or not, please join me in offering them each a campaign contribution, from $20 to $2,000.
Please spread the word to family and friends regardless of where they live – we all need to join together to help them.
Without any exaggeration whatsoever, electing Kim Coco Iwamoto to serve in the State House representing District 25 Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown will be a game-changer.
Her life experience shows without question her values, competency, and commitment to community.
* Former member of the Board of Education and Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board
* Former member of the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission
* Coordinated free legal clinics at homeless shelters and provided affordable housing opportunities to families qualified for housing assistance
* Volunteer with Nā Keiki Law Center, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, Legal Services Hawaiʻi
* Board member of numerous non-profit community-based organizations
* Legislative staff in Hawaiʻi State Senate
Kim Coco Iwamoto is not just qualified but she’s a fearless champion with an unwavering commitment to making our world a better place.
Please support the election of Kim Coco Iwamoto today with an online financial contribution. Small donors are welcome and greatly valued – whether it’s $20 or more please show your support in a tangible way today, by making a contribution!
Tina Nakada Grandinetti is the real deal. She’s running her very first political campaign for election to the State House of Representatives District 20 Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu.
Born and raised on Oahu, Tina is driven by a deep love for the lands, waters, and people of Hawaiʻi.
She believes in politics that put people before profit, and care for ʻāina as the heart and soul of our island community.
Tina earned her Bachelorʻs and Master’s Degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She earned her Ph.D. from RMIT University’s Center for Urban Research with her doctoral research focused on Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis.
Tina is currently a housing policy analyst at a national research and action institute.
Tina Nakada Grandinetti meets the definition of change-maker and then some. She is passionate in her advocacy to make our world a better place and has the education, knowledge, communication skills to back up her commitment. Please, please, please – throw your kokua also behind Tina Nakada Grandinetti by making an online contribution to her as well!
Ikaika Hussey is a rock solid anchor for working people and environmental protection.
No amount of pressure from the other side will cause Ikaika to move off his core values. I’ve known and worked shoulder to shoulder with him for well over 10 years, and the man is solid.
If we ever needed someone guarding our house (and we do) – Ikaika Hussey would be the person we want at the door. Ikaika is running for election to the State House District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama).
Ikaika Michael Lardizabal Hussey’s family tree bridges the archipelagos of Hawaii and the Philippines. In addition to his grounding in labor and environmental/aina based issues, Ikaika is focused on – Housing: Housing is a basic right. We need policies that ensure all people have access to safe, secure, affordable housing. Parks: Our parks should be vibrant gathering centers for citizens of all ages. Education: We can lead in education. We need to set new, higher expectations for what our education system can achieve.
Ikaika has proven many times over through his work and advocacy, that he’s a true change-maker. Let’s help Ikaika Hussey today with an online contribution so that he can bring his skills, ability, and commitment into the legislative arena where true systemic change is so badly needed.
Bringing back former State Senator Laura Acasio Senate District 1 Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo is a must!
Former Senator Acasio not only talks the talk but walks it as well, every single day of her life. She’s a champion on issues pertaining to environmental protection, social and economic justice, and she’s willing to call out and speak truth to power – and often when she is the only voice in the room willing to do just that.
As an educator with over 19 years of experience, Laura holds a deep commitment to quality education.
Laura believes:
* Public schools play a critical role in our democratic system and should serve as centers of community and collaborative learning.
* Economic development via a thriving, diversified local economy that includes support for our small-businesses, including food independence, diversified agriculture, and a circular economy.
* With the current climate emergency, we must address how our actions impact our environment and island community.
* Laura is committed to working across State and County governments to chart a path forward for the betterment of our working families.
I know from personal experience how one single individual can make a difference in the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Please give Laura Acasio whatever help you can via an online contribution today.
Ok, I get it. I’m asking you today, to give money today, to 4 different candidates who probably don’t even live in your district – today.
I totally understand that for every single person reading this email, your money can be invested in a variety of ways and some of you have more of it than others.
But I also understand that each person reading this email can give something. Whether it’s $5 x 4 candidates, $20 x 4 candidates or $2,000 x 4 candidates. Myself, I’m giving $100 to each of them.
Yes, there are plenty of other things I can do with $400 – but this is important. I would not be asking you today, if I didn’t truly believe each of these individuals represent the kind of change-makers we so badly need serving in our Hawaiʻi legislature.
Please, today, prior to the end of the week if you can – throw some help to these 4 and then ask your friends and networks to do the same. We need them, and they need us.
Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator, County Councilmember and many other things…presently a proud father, grandfather, tutu-man, and good-troublemaker.