Do you feel passionate about the protection of Hawai’i’s natural resources and want to make a difference?

Upcountry Sustainability presented “Understanding the Political Process in Hawai’i: Tools for Grassroots Change” with Kaua’i County Council Member and President of the Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) Gary Hooser.

In this workshop, Hooser, was joined by HAPA board member Katie McMillan, will explain:
~the Hawai’i legislative process
~how to track and follow bills
~submit testimony, and present your point of view to the legislature effectively.

As a State Senator and while serving as a Councilmember, Hooser was known for his willingness to be “out in front” on issues. He introduced a “first in the nation law” making Hawai’i the nation’s first state requiring solar hot water heating systems (or equivalent) for all newly constructed homes. He also led the early legislative battle in the Senate in support of civil union legislation and is widely acknowledged for his leadership and hard work on progressive policy initiatives covering a broad spectrum.

Katie McMillan is marketing and public relations consultant and is also the Founder of TEDxMaui. She is an advocate for citizen engagement and participation in the legislative process.

Find out more about the presenters, and the sponsoring organizations via the following links:

Upcountry Sustainability: www.upcountrysustainability.org

The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action: www.hawaiiallianceforprogressiveaction.org

Gary Hooser: www.garyhooser.com

Katie McMillan: www.katiemcmillanpublicrelations.com

About Upcountry Sustainability:
Upcountry Sustainability brings people and groups together creating a collaborative, sustainable Maui community, and thereby helps build a healthy island, state, and planet Earth. Upcountry Sustainability envisions a multi-cultural community that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable that works together in the spirit of aloha to serve as a model of a self-reliant, thriving community. Through monthly meetings, education and training events, Upcountry Sustainability works to
build a balanced local economy, establish healthy relationships with the environment, and share resources and knowledge.

About the Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.)

The Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (H.A.P.A.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is “to catalyze community empowerment and systemic change towards valuing ʻaina (environment) and people ahead of corporate profit.” H.A.P.A. is committed to revitalizing and supporting grassroots democracy.