HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.108 2008-2010Hawaii County Council Members:
Dominic Yagong
Donald Ikeda
J. Yoshimoto
Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
Emily Naeole
Guy Enriques
Brenda Ford
Kelly Greenwell
Pete H offman
SAVE THE HAWAII COUNTY BAND PROGRAM
Aloha mai kakou! History and memories of the past, present and future existence
of the Hawaii County Band, is being considered to be eliminated from the Hawaii County
Parks and Recreation Department after June 30, 2010. The Band, as you may well know,
has been in existence for 127 years, since 1883, during the Hawaiian Monarchy. I
remember 64 of the 127 years. I joined the Band back in the year of 1946. That year, a
tidal wave struck our island and it was depressing. It became even more depressing when
I found out the tidal wave had consumed my brand -new conn trombone.
I will refrain from reminiscing my 64 -year tenure with the County Band for it would
take at least a month or so to cover my experiences. What I would like to bring to the
forefront is the importance of music and how music is the foundation that bridges the gap
between our young, our old, the rich, middle class and the poor. Music is an enrichment
of knowledge, self - discipline, growth, pride, health and memories. 1 should know this
cause 1 lived it. Did you know that a student who is involved in music is more apt to
accelerate academically in school? Now that does not mean that every student has to be
a musician in order to be academically inclined. The Hawaii County Band is made up of
highly skilled first class schooled musicians. The presence of the band at concerts,
parades and last minute requests throughout the island (Kona, Ka'u, Volcano, Pahoa,
Kea'au, Hilo) and more has been well received and appreciated wherever we performed.
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I would like to set the record straight, NO band members, do not receive any
vacation, sick leave, holiday or retirement benefits. YES, we own our own instruments and
also purchase our own uniforms (I got so much uniforms, I'm going to run a garage sale).
When we come to a performance, we bring our own ware (instruments). How many
County departments can say the same?
There are students who are inclined to participate in sports, such as soccer, tennis,
football, baseball, swimming, etc., and there are students who have excelled in the arts,
like music. Both of these skills are outstanding, whether it is sports or music. You might
ask the question why are sports and music so important? It is for this reason... it diverts the
thinking away from drugs, alcohol and loitering. To be successful in either skill, growth,
self - discipline and pride must be instilled, which would be an enrichment to success. Music
is an antidote to a healthy mind and memories of one's achievements, to accomplish these
goals, the band must be retained for the good and welfare of our island children and
general public.
Our Hawaii County Band has a history background of 127 years. You just do not
flush history down the tubes, but you preserve it. The Hawaii County Band is not
represented by any agency to speak on our behalf, in which case, lack of representation
makes the band the weakest link in the Department of Parks & Recreation. All it takes is
just plain and simple discussion to get rid of the weakest link. There are other factors that
I certainly would like to address at this forum, but time is of an essence.
In closing, music is an inspiration to all walks of life. Music can heal, uplift, unite and
give power to those who feel weak. Music is the most magnificent form• of expression
known.
Mahalo no ke kako'• mau,
2
Wendell K. Leite