HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.112 2008-2010TESTIMONY/ County Band
March 22, 2010
"Un funding" has many translations.
To any musician it means, "Your profession does not command much respect ". We all
know that a CEO in a major firm will make millions, while a burger flipper will make
next to nothing —one's salary usually reflects the amount of respect given to the position.
Yet these professionals are expected to continue playing on...unfunded.
To our school children it means. "Don't bother learning or practicing your instrument.
There is likely to be no future in it for you ". Our young musicians can figure that if their
own County Band is dispensable then surely their own talent is not that likely to be
appreciated. It's discouraging for them to lose this one local source that has steadily
provided them with inspiration and motivation.
To the people it means, "Any piece of history or tradition, even one that has prevailed for
127 years, can be instantly eliminated if our leaders do not concur with the public as to its
significance or importance ". This is most ironic in a town that encourages cultural
tourism and is proud to be known as `Historic Hilo' when its own leaders lack the
commitment to honor and to preserve tradition.
Our County Band survives on only a teeny percentage of the budget, and yet it was never
asked to `share the sacrifices' such as taking furloughs or pay cuts. Even though the band
serves our entire community and represents the commitment of many generations, it was
simply sacrificed with no alternative plan in place for its future.
True, our mayor has to make cuts and painful decisions in balancing the budget, but it is
upsetting to realize that right now this one person is also using his power (and assuming
the right) to edit out a chapter of Hilo's history. -
Cheryl "Quack" Moore
2114 -C Kaiwiki Road
Hilo, HI 96720
969 -6454
comm. 7 (I. I 2,
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