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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.123 2008-2010Good afternoon Mr. Yoshimoto and Council members. My name is Jenifer Tsuji, and I reside in Mountain View. I have been a member of the Hawaii County Band for 19 years, and I am really hoping to make it to 20! As a former elementary music teacher who has been forced back into the classroom for the past 7 years, I am really tired of seeing the arts be pushed aside. Granted, I am lucky to have a job, but it is really depressing to see how little music and the arts are valued in today's society. The Hawaii County Band has been a 127 year tradition on the Big Island, dating back to the time of the monarchy. We talk about being in an unprecedented economic downturn, but are we really saying that this is worse than the Great Depression? Throughout history— through the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, two World Wars, two completely devastating tsunamis —the County of Hawaii has always valued the contributions of the band enough to find a way to fund them. Is the Hawaii County Band necessary for human survival? Of course not. But it is definitely essential for the perpetuation of history and culture on the Big Island. If we are no longer under the jurisdiction of the county, our whole identity will change. We are ambassadors of the County of Hawaii. We exist not only to perpetuate musical and Hawaiian culture, but to proudly represent the county as well. Our very existence has always been with that representation in mind. The members of the band are not only my co- workers, but they have become my friends and family as well. You would be hard - pressed to find a more professional group of county workers that is as dedicated to their job as we are. I am asking you to please find a way to save the band and continue this important part of Hawaii's history, not only for the band members, but for all the present and future citizens of this great County of Hawaii. Don't let this wonderful resource slip away. Thank you. Jenifer L.B. Tsuji Mountain View Comm. No 1( 1. 1 2 -3 Ref. To: T' Ref. Dot© MMAl2 2 2 YU1U