HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.121 2008-2010 Please Save the Band
I was born and raised in Hilo. I will not live anywhere else as I believe the Big Island is the best place to raise
my family. I intend to raise my family with the same Small -town values and Hilo pride as my parents raised
me.
I started studying music at the age of 12. I joined the UH -Hilo Wind Ensemble at 14 and left only after
graduating from there. I remember going to Hawaii County Band concerts in the park because my sister and
many friends were members. I remember dreaming of one day playing in this band. I was able to sit in
rehearsals at 15 and became a member at 16. How happy and proud I was back then and now, 24 years later,
still am to be part of this band.
Living in this multi - cultural community, I see different ethnic groups keeping up with and passing on old
traditions: Hula, Bon dances, Lion dances, Portuguese Day and Kona Coffee Festivals, Choirs, mochi pounding
and popping fireworks just to name a few. These traditions and customs have not stayed only within its
respective ethnic groups, but have spread through the community to be "Hawaii" culture. We honor and
remember the past to have pride in who we are as people today.
As a 127 years old organization with humble beginnings, the Hawaii County Band is part of this rich Hawaii
culture, more specifically — Hilo culture. It is something so unique to this island and should be something we
all be proud in and handed down to future generations as the Hawaii County Band.
I understand the economic downturn this state and county is in. I work for the state, furloughed 2 days a month,
paying almost $700.00 per month in medical premiums for my family. My wife works 12 —15 hours a day, 6
days a week, but we are still struggling to make ends meet. I was floored when Clayton Honma told us that part
of the decision to unfund the band was because it was our second job and it wouldn't affect us as much as the
frill -time county workers. Though, besides the point, this has become supplementary income for my family but
I still consider myself lucky that I have a job that I love and is an outlet for my daily stresses.
I am not asking you to look at it only from the financial point of view and what the band is costing the county. I
am asking to look and see how music is a part of your lives. We all listen to music. The sound of rain is music
or the sound of the ocean. The sound of traffic or the blaring car horns is music. The sound of cows lowing or
the sound of coqui frogs is music. Even the sound of silence is music. Any sound that makes us happy is
music, thus the phrase "music to my ears." Why else would we play it at parties, sporting events, weddings,
funerals, graduations, ceremonies? Why is it played in malls, restaurants, elevators, doctor's offices? Why is
music specially written for movie soundtracks, broadway plays, or commissioned for inaugurations? We play it
in the car, picnics in the park, days at the beach, cleaning house, fixing the car.
Music affects us whether we "hear" it or not. Music is food for the human sprit. It fills voids, it makes us
whole. It can keep us centered. It can subdue or elevate our feelings and live music has a greater effect.
Please, I am asking those who have authority over the budget not to let this Hilo tradition fall by the wayside.
Once it's gone, it's gone. We can never get back the 127 years of continuous service to the wonderful people of
the Big Island. Please, this is something to historical to let go.
Thank you.
Sean Sewake
Comm. No 711. 121
Ref. To: Noe, 1
Ref: Quo MAR 2 2 7010