HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.118 2008-2010Sandra M.S. Sato
213 S. Wilder Road
Hilo, HI 96720
March 22, 2010
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Honorable Council Chairman J Yoshimoto and members of the Hawaii County Council,
My name is Sandra Miyuki Sewake Sato, and I am testifying in support of continued funding for
the Hawaii County Band.
I was born and raised in Hilo, and I feel lucky that my husband and I can raise our son here.
Everything, from the beauty of Bayfront to the majestic backdrop of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa,
makes me proudly say, "I'm a Hilo girl ". Some of this "everything" includes our historical
buildings in downtown Hilo, the friendly nature of our people, our sweet Hilo rain, and our
Hawaii County Band.
I've been a member or involved with the Hawaii County Band for the last 27 years. I sat in with
the band while in high school and it eventually became my first job. Last month, when the band
was told it is being unfunded, one of the reasons given was that it is considered a "non- essential"
service. I was stunned that the Department of Parks and Recreation that oversees the well being
of its citizens could make such a statement. Music is essential. In every culture in the world, you
will find music. It's a part of what makes us all human beings. It's there to entertain us, comfort
us, uplift us, and memorialize and celebrate our loved ones. What else can bind us together like
music can? We stand together with respect and pride during our national and state anthem. We
join hands with love and respect for each other while singing "Hawaii Aloha ". And a birthday is
barely complete without a spirited ' Happy Birthday Song" by loved ones. Music ties people
together.
This essential community service that the Hawaii County Band provides can't be measured in
dollars and cents. It's measured in the smiles it brings to people in parades; the unity of
everyone's hearts when "America the Beautiful" is played for veteran's ceremonies; and the
compliments to Paul Arceo, our band director, from tourists and regulars that listen to our
concerts. I've played in many different ensembles around the island, but none has the same feel
as playing in this band. It is truly an honor to play with the Hawaii County Band that represents
my county, and is so rich in history and tradition.
For 127 years, the Hawaii County Band has provided music for the people of this island. It
played at countless events, ceremonies, parades and concerts for generations. It's an ensemble
that has woven itself into the communities, history and culture here on the island. It began when Q
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King Kalakaua ruled the islands and has withstood the fall of the Hawaiian Monarchy, the Great
Depression, two World Wars, and tsunamis that ripped apart Hilo. I feel that it is truly a living
treasure worth preserving for our keiki and all generations to follow.
I understand that the county's financial situation is bleak. It's a trying time for everyone. My
hope is that we as a community can all come out of this together stronger and better. As
members of the Hawaii County Council, I look to you as leaders who will maintain open
communication with Paul Arceo and members of the band. The fate of our historic Hawaii
County Band deserves discussion and effort to be spared in these tough economic times. Let's
not turn our backs on our history, traditions, and culture.
Mahalo,
Sandra M.S. Sato