HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0220.003 2006-2008 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
c-~
From: EVONNE BJORNEN [e.bjornen@hawaiiantel.net] `
C~ ~
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2007 5:11 PM _
r-•
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us ~ ~
Subject: Reso 91-07 Council Committee Meeting on March 20, 2007
3
To Hawaii County Council co
& Mayor Harry Kim
Re:91-07, March 20, 07 Committee Meeting, and future meetings _
i
Re: Resolution Authorizing Mayor Kim to enter into a long term lease agreement to house the Merri Monarch
Office
Fr: Evonne Bjornen (long term Hilo resident)
Dear County Council members and Mayor Kim,
I have taken it upon myself, to research the housing problem, for the Merri Monarch Offices, after reading in the
Tribune Herald, of there need for Lodging of there offices, and mounds of paper work, and what had happened
to them with the current housing of the offices! I also have taken it upon myself, to get a copy of the resolution #
91-07. After reading the proposed resolution, I then took it upon myself, to discuss it with Luana Kawelu (known
by me and others, as Aunty Luana) and others connected with the headquarters for the Merri Monarch, and the
operation of this great Festival, in person. I would like to first state, that Aunty Luana expressed first and utmost,
that she does not want this turned into a Political arena, and just is hoping that this resolution will go through
quietly and quickly, with out allot of fan fare. She expressed to me, that she was pleased that the Council is
helping them, and also expressed that she has had two calls from the Governor's Office, but if I understood her
correctly, none from our Mayor's office, regarding this serious housing problem. I am sure that is because our
Mayor is now working on helping with this resolution, and making sure that it will go through with speed that is
needed. Aunty Luana also expressed, how important all this is, for her Mother, Aunty Dot Thompson, and how
much she wants the offces to be relocated to a portion of the former County of Hawaii, real Property Tax Office,
located at 865 Pi'ilani Street in Hilo. Because of the location of this building being right next door to where the
festival will be, this is the most convenient location for them, and will also allow Aunty Dot, to go back and forth
between the office and the festival, in her Senior years, which are obviously upon her. This was expressed to me,
by both daughters, Aunty Luana and Aunty Lei. For ones of you, that know what leg work, Aunty Luana puts in the
last three weeks prior to the festival, setting up everything, helping with all the practice groups, etc. etc. she did
not say, but we can all imagine, how much easier this would be for her too, to be right next door. To me, there
should not be any question, that this is the best location, for the Merri Monarch offices. There is also no question,
and all of us know, what the Merri Monarch brings to the State of Hawaii, and especially to the Big Island, in the
way of recognition, income, and putting us on the map! Merri Monarch is known and seen, World Wide
Allot of you may not know, but this Festival takes a year of preparation, and when one Festival ends, the work on
the next one begins. This is a rather thank-less job, for Aunty Dot, Aunty Luana, Aunty Lei, Uncle George
DeMello, and so many others, who give from there hearts, and there because of there great love of Hula, so that
the rest of us, can enjoy the benefits, of the week of Hula. The opening as you know, is always on Easter Day,
and goes the whole week. This is after a year, of preparation, as 1 said prior. Now it is time, for our County to give
back, and make sure that this Resolution goes through as rapidly as possible. This is the way, that the County
can express there gratitude for all the work that is done, which benefits so many business's, and brings so much
revenue to our Island. Hilo has become, the heart and soul of the Hula, and is known World wide, at the
"Olympics of Hula".
I myself, have been blessed with being able to attend, the past 27 years, of Merri Monarch Festivals, and will be
attending my 28th Festival, next month. There is no way, that I would take a trip, have a surgery, or be away,
during the Merrie Monarch! It is an important part of my life.
I am begging all of you Council people, and our Mayor, to now do the right thing, and put the offices of the Merri
Monarch, into a portion of the building, known as the old Real Property Tax offices. They do not need a large
area, about the same space that they are occupying right now will be fine. Giving them this space, for the $1.00 a
year suggested, is so great. Please do this, with speed, as that is needed. This week, they are having to move, to
a temporary quarters, isn't that sad, with the festival just weeks away?
Thanking you for your time and consideration, Comm, o. 2
Ref. To:~eM~
Ref. Dare, AR 2 0 ~nn7
3/19/2007
Page 2 of 2
Evonne F. Bjornen
Evonne F. Bjornen
805 Kauhi Ula Road
Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
(808)969-7753
e. bornen@hawaiiantel.net
3/19/2007