2019/2020 legislative/electoral predictions, Beating the agrochemical companies,- Under The Guise Of Civility, Hawaii Housekeepers Deserve Parade
Message to Supporters from Gary Hooser
Aloha Friends, Dec 11, 2018 (excerpt)
It goes without saying that with regards to our work, energy, and focus - 2018 was a banner year for both policy and politics.
We took on the agrochemical companies and won, AND we supported and helped elect numerous high quality candidates to public office.
The big policy win of course, with HAPA taking a lead role was passage into law of SB3095, a “first in the nation” ban of the Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) chlorpyrifos that also required full disclosure by all RUP users, modest buffer zones around schools, and a pilot program studying pesticide drift around schools. Read more about how this was done and additional details here.
On the political side Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) endorsed 32 candidates at the state legislative and county council levels and 15 were successfully elected (see breakdown here)!
Together we moved the needle, and not just a little bit. Without question both in the legislative arena and at the ballot box, the successes were tangible and significant.
In 2019 and leading into 2020 our collective goal is to continue the momentum, but aim higher.
PHI is currently building the mother of all constituent contact systems (MOACCS). This will be a statewide contact management database of Hawaii residents/voters who self-identify as progressives and who support environmental, economic, and social justice. The “issue affinity” of Hawaii residents will be identified state-wide by District via multiple strategies.
Very soon, you will be receiving an email from us, asking you to complete a short form listing the top three issues most important to you. Over the coming year, we will be reaching out to virtually every registered voter in the state of Hawaii asking them the same question.
The initial fruits of this effort will drive quality, informed testimony in support of landmark progressive legislation proposed during the 2019 legislative session. We will be asking you to help with this effort via spreading the word to your networks, and in submitting testimony.
In the coming months I will also be posting helpful information for those who want to learn more about how things work (or not) at the legislature. The first of which is here: Legislative Session Primer - 30 days out
Like you, I care deeply about the problems and challenges facing us here in Hawaii, my home and the birthplace of my children and grandchildren.
Working together with our ever expanding network of friends and associates, we can and we must make the bold changes needed to preserve our environment and enhance our quality of life.
The planet is burning and people everywhere are hurting. The status quo of incremental change in minuscule pieces, occurring at a glacial pace is no longer acceptable.
Instead of passing a single major piece of legislation, during 2019 we are committed to passing into law bold public policy initiatives in all three of our major areas of focus - economic, environmental, and social justice.
And during the 2020 elections, my hope and goal is that we will at least double the number of progressive community based candidates from the 15 elected this year to 30 elected in 2020. Success in achieving this goal would truly “huli the system” and put Hawaii on the path to being a true model for communities everywhere.
My role and that of Pono Hawaii Initiative (PHI) working together with the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) and many others is to facilitate, support, and help catalyze the change that is so badly needed. …
(The balance of the message is a fundraising appeal noteworthy only in that is purports to have been sent to 10,000 email addresses.)
In solidarity,
Gary Hooser
Executive Director
Pono Hawaii Initiative
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