HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.069 2008-2010Yoshimoto, J
From: aki92@hawaii.rr.com
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 1:14 AM
To: jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Hawaii County Band
Dear Councilman Yoshimoto,
Hawaii County Band received the notification of being "unfunded" in the Fiscal Year 2011
budget. As a member of the band, I was deeply saddened and troubled, among other
feelings, that this current administration would take a stance that would basically wipe
the band out -of- existence. I do understand that this is an "unprecedented" fiscal time
for all, as I am also the Budget Specialist for Hawaii Community College.
However, I do believe that it is important to retain the good things in life and of Hilo.
As with the Windward Planning Commission working towards retaining that old -time Hilo feel
with the buildings, the same consideration should be given towards retaining the values
and traditions that the Hawaii County Band - represents. The Band was formed by Portuguese
immigrants and a lot of members can trace their roots back to immigrant workers. The
varied array of music, from Irish to Korean to Hawaiian, that we present, not only
entertains, but also educates the public to the various ethnicities that make Hawaii a
"melting pot ".
I joined the Band when I was a high school junior. Initially, it was a job but I've come
to realize that it is so much more. It touches the core of my being. It has given me
self -worth and a way to give back to the community. I have pride in my employment with
the County, especially when I know we have touched people by the smiles of appreciation on
their faces. It also gave me an education by providing me with mentors in the band so
that I was able to go to UHH on a music scholarship. I am now able to be a mentor to
present and future generations. There is never a generational gap within the Band;
everyone is respected from the high - school students to the retirees. Teamwork is
reflected by each individual understanding their responsibility of knowing their own parts
and how it integrates into the whole. The longevity of the members reflects their love
for the Band.
The Hawaii County Band is an important part of the County and it is not just "music ". Our
forefathers must have believed this when the Band was taken into the County during the
formation of Hawaii County back in the 1900's. Have our values changed so much? My
daughter, who is a sophomore in high school, is questioning the rationale of the decision
that was made. She is considering the pursuit of a Music degree in College but this
decision to unfund the Band is making her question whether the field is valued.
I am requesting the funding of the Hawaii County Band. If this means a reduction in hours
as other County workers are facing, then so be it. Please do not allow the Band to
disappear; it would be a devastating blow to the education of the keiki, enrichment for
the kupuna and well -being of the people of Hawaii County.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Jodi Mine
Musician II
Hawaii County Band
Parks and Recreation
1
0 o
on
N O Zs
rn
Ti
� 2 f f7
% Comm.
ii Toy
Ref. Dote
AR 22 20101