Aloha,

Hope you are doing well and 2009 is treating you with vigor and kindness. I am excited to let you know that I will be announcing shortly my intention to run for the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

While I truly love the work that I do as Kaua'i's Senator and the present Senate Majority Leader, the opportunity to serve an even stronger role in leading Hawai'i toward a positive and sustainable future has caused me to come to this decision. The election of our new President Barack Obama has further inspired me to have the courage to strive for a broader platform from which I can do more for the people of Hawai'i.

Charting a successful course to overcome the difficulties that beset our state and nation will require a leadership team with experience and skill. I believe that the sum total of my life's experience has prepared me to be an integral part of that team and to be an effective advocate for those issues and values we hold dear. To find out more about why me, why now and why the Lieutenant Governor, please take a moment to explore this website.

As Hawai'i's next Lieutenant Governor I will help steer our state toward reaching the common values that all of us share: quality education, energy and food independence, justice and equality for all people, and a core appreciation for rural values and environmental protection - all of which are vital to maintaining a sustainable, robust economy and providing good jobs for our communities.

To succeed I need your support. Your endorsement of my decision - and your continuing support during the upcoming campaign - will be critical to achieving success. This campaign will be a grassroots effort of like-minded people from all walks of life, from all across our state. My goal is to form a campaign committee within each county, each supported by an initial core group of at least 100 volunteers.

In the spirit of the grassroots nature of our campaign, our fundraising focus will be based on securing contributions of $100 or even less, with the initial goal of having 1,000 people donate $100 apiece during the first 45 days of the campaign.

If you would like to volunteer in the campaign, and/or make a financial contribution, it is much needed and greatly appreciated. (If not, please know that I fully understand and realize that not everyone will have the time, the resources, or the inclination to become involved.)

In addition to viewing the online video "The Hooser Story," http://www.garyhooser.com is where you can make a contribution, sign up as a volunteer, or simply read my blog postings, which further explain my goals and vision for the future. As always, I welcome your calls directly to my cell phone: 808-652-4279.

The years ahead will require thoughtful, value-based decision-making if our State is to achieve and maintain the greatness we all deserve. I believe in my heart that with a common vision and an unwavering commitment to resolving the challenges of the present while embracing the opportunities of the future, the tremendous potential of our community can be achieved. Thank you in advance for joining with me in this endeavor.


Sincerely,

Gary Hooser