HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.117 2008-2010Monday, March 22, 2010
The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chair and Members of the Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: opposition to the proposed budget cuts eliminating funding for the Hawaii County Band
Mr. J Yoshimoto, Chair and Members of the Hawai'i County Council,
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in opposition to the proposed budget cuts eliminating funding
for the Hawaii County Band.
My name is Todd Ozawa, and I am a business manager here in Hilo. I have run my store successfully
for several years. I am no stranger to working on a budget, to cutbacks, or to the current economic
situation.
Before coming to Hilo, I taught English to foreign students at Niu Valley Middle School on Oahu. Prior
to that, at Solomon Elementary at Schofield Barracks. I am no stranger to what our children are
getting out of our schools or, more importantly, what they are not getting.
In the past, I have played many years with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, earned a music scholarship,
and even taught private music lessons. Music has been a true blessing in my life, and I saw the
positive power of its touch upon those around me. I am no stranger to what music can provide to a
community — our community. Or to our culture. To our lives.
I am part- Hawaiian. I was born and raised here. I appreciate the value of the islands' history and the
priceless nature of our traditions. It injures my spirit to imagine our people missing out on this part of
what makes life here special. The issue is not that we, as a people, can't afford to support the band.
The issue is that we, as a people, can't afford not to.
Those with power have the greater part of this responsibility: Do not allow the people of Hawaii's
future to be a stranger to the Hawaii County Band.
Todd Ozawa
111 E. Puainako St. #780
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 348 1430 c
Comm No. 71 I. 111
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