HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.085 2008-2010Yoshimoto, J
From:
Sent:
To:
Sandra Shigeta [shigetasandra @hotmail.com]
Friday, March 05, 2010 10:17 PM
jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: we need music too
Dear Elected Officials, S;
CO
I am not in anyway musical but as an educator know the importance of the visual and performing
arts. Music is an integral part of any and all civilizations from centuries past and despite a bleak
economy, should not be considered a "non- essential ". All too often the very thing that separates
us from other animals, as art does, is deemed unimportant by those who are in control. Many
projects funded by the taxpayers benefit a specific group of people but the performing and visual
arts affect every individual. Let us not deprive our community of the County Band's cultural value.
The Department of Parks and Recreation has decided not to fund the Hawaii County Band next
fiscal year which means the band will cease operations on June 30, 2010. The band has served the
island of Hawaii
with loyalty and pride since 1883 as a part of the Hawaiian Monarchy, the Republic of Hawaii, the
Territory of Hawaii, and the State of Hawaii. Thus, the Hawaii County Band is the oldest entity in
the
county government and is being eliminated because of the budget. I am urging you to not allow
this to happen by finding a way to fund the band. The band's budget is ONLY 1.3% of the Parks
and Recreation total budget which means the band's budget is very, very small in the total budget
of the County of Hawaii. What is really disturbing was that P &R Assistant Director Honma
admitted that furloughs or pay cuts weren't even considered.
.The Hawaii County Band was founded in 1883 by Joaquin and Jules Carvalho, who were
Portuguese immigrants and originally named the band the Hilo Portuguese Band. Later the group
was known as the Hilo Band and following the overthrow of the monarchy, the Hawaii County
Band.
The Hawaii County Band provides live and appropriate music at parades, ceremonies, community
events and concerts. The band services the entire county and proudly represents the government
of the County of Hawaii. For 127 years, the Hawaii County Band has been a contributor to the rich,
cultural heritage of Hawaii. In today's complex society, we need, more than ever, the diversion and
therapy of music. Please
do not let it end now — let the band play on. We need the Hawaii County Band.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Alan and Sandra Shigeta. Piianaia_and. family
Yuriko Shigeta
3/8/2010
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