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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.035 2008-2010Murashige, Laura Rrt.> iNED From: Jake Shimabukuro [mydoghasfleas @mac.com] Cg10 IlflR 19 PM 7 31 Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 11:17 PM To: counciltestimony @co . hawaii.hi us COU4 CLERK Cc: Heidianne Ho; Andrea Oshiro; Kaz Flanagan; Mitsue Varley; Yukan Takai, Mitch' Ul v ' ' HAWAII Subject: RE: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF FUNDING FOR THE HAWAII COUNTY BAND Dear Hawaii County Council Members: 3/19/2010 Page 1 of 2 Aloha. My name is Jake Shimabukuro, a local musician living in Honolulu, Hawaii. Thank you for considering my written testimony in support of the Hawaii County Band. As we all know, the Hawaii County Band has been performing music for the people of the Big Island since the Hawaiian Monarchy. Queen Liliuokalani loved music and believed in its ability to bring joy and inspiration to the community. Reflecting on some of her darkest moments, in her memoirs she wrote, "To compose was as natural to me as to breathe; and this gift of nature, never having been suffered to fall into disuse, remains a source of the greatest consolation to this day.[...] Hours of which it is not yet in place to speak, which I might have found long and lonely, passed quickly and cheerfully by, occupied and soothed by the expression of my thoughts in music." Music programs are always the first to go when the funds get tight. I wonder, however, where we would be today without music? How much poorer we would be if Queen Liliuokalani never composed the Queen's Prayer when she was imprisoned? Music is such an important part of our culture and tradition — especially here in Hawaii. Isn't it time we took a stand and made a commitment to music? We can start with the Hawaii County Band. I believe that music is needed in today's tough economic times more than ever —to uplift us, give us hope, and encourage us to work towards a brighter tomorrow. Music does this and more. It brings friends and families together, and helps make our lives richer. Our commitnient to preserving the Hawaii County Band is an important first step. Beyond that, I firmly believe that we must make a lifetime commitment to support music in the community. I've been playing the ukulele since I was four years old, and I believe that it was music that steered me away from drugs, and encouraged me to pursue a healthy, positive lifestyle. Music has inspired me to live with a greater appreciation and respect for our community and the world we live in. Music reminds us that we are all connected, and that it's everyone's responsibility to live in a way that spreads peace and joy throughout the world. We may not be able to measure the direct impact that music might make on the economy in dollars and cents, but you can be sure that when you have a community that's musically inspired and hopeful, great things will happen that'll make for a better tomorrow. Comm No. • nj _ Ref. To: �� (rUktca Ref. Dote MAR 2 2 211111 Page 2 of 2 I apologize for not being there in person to testify, as I am currently on tour sharing the joy of the ukulele with people around the world. Mahalo for considering my humble opinion on this important matter. Sincerely, Jake Shimabukuro 808 722 6226 mydoqhasfleas©mac.com 3/19/2010