HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.111 2008-2010March 22, 2010
Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto
Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Public testimony IN SUPPORT of the Hawaii County Band
To Hawaii County Council Chairman Yoshimoto and distinguished members of the Hawaii
County Council:
Hello, my name is Jodi Mine. I am a current member of the Hawaii County Band but my
testimony today is made as a private citizen - a parent who is raising children in this community.
When the announcement of the decision to "unfund" the Hawaii County Band in fiscal
year 2011 was delivered, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss: The loss of the tradition that the
Band brings with it; the loss of a link to the history of Hawaii County; the loss of providing
music to the lives of both residents and visitors alike.
Emphasis have been made on preserving programs for children and senior citizens, the
Band provides free entertainment, which is available and accessible to everyone. My mother -in-
law, who is in her 80's, looks forward to the monthly concerts. She appreciates that she is able
to listen to live music and is able to share those experiences with her grandchildren.
As a mother, I look at the Band as not only a historical link but also as an educational
vehicle for the community. During the monthly concerts, the Director shares a summary of the
life of the composer or of the music. The music selection itself may be something that people
would not normally be exposed to. My daughters learn something at every concert. They may
not retain the summary but they are exposed to various musical genres. I know that the high
school students, who play in the Band, are given a priceless educational experience. I know this
because I was one of them 24 years ago.
I recently visited the Lyman museum with my 8 year old daughter. Among the exhibits
was an early picture of the Hawaii County Band. It pained me when a realization that this may
be what is left of the band.
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An example of a ramification of this "unfunding" issue is my 16 year old daughter. She
is seriously contemplating a degree in music but questions her choice because she doesn't know
if this is a field that is valued in the community.
Music is an essential part of life. It is an expression of life and feeds into the wellbeing
of a person. You can see it in people's faces during the parades and concerts. How would have
the 50 state celebration be without the live music that was provided?
Society is shaped by the choices that we make. I understand the current fiscal landscape
we are in, and the difficult choices that are being made. However, please do not allow the loss of
the Hawaii County Band to occur. The disappearance of the Band would tear away a layer from
the County that will never heal. By preserving the Band, it would show our children that we
respect and value a tradition that is older than the County itself.
Thank you very much for this opportunity to express my thoughts and concerns with you.
Jodi A. K. Mine
P 0 Box 134
Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760
808- 966 -9255