HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0111.039 2010-2012 My name is Sean Sewake and I have been a member of the Hawaii County Band since 1986. I
will be completing my 25 in October of this year.
What can I say? I can't believe that we are here again fighting for the continued funding of the
Hawaii County Band, a budget that makes up 1 /10 of 1 percent of the entire County's budget. I
can't believe that we are fighting for the continued funding of an institution whose humble
beginnings began 128 years ago under the rule of Queen Lili'uokalani, a living entity to that
Monarchy. I can't believe that we are fighting for the continued funding of and institution
whose existence is so unique, not only to the State, but more specifically, the County of Hawaii
that it would be downright shameful to have it end. And Lastly, I can't believe that we are
fighting for funding that Brenda Ford thinks the County "can't" afford against a larger budget
for a dog park in her district that the County "can" afford.
I am asking all council members to vote as individuals to continue to keep the Hawaii County
Band funded. We have played a vital role in the community for the past 128 years. Sure, we
don't fight fires or put ourselves in danger breaking up a domestic or fighting the war against
drugs and crime but we do bring our community, as well as tourist, together in our many
concerts and parades in every district on this island. This sense of "community" is slowly being
lost in this modern world.
I don't have to tell you how important the band is to me being that I have been in it for over half
my life. I just want end by saying that as musicians, we always hear "Well, if you enjoy it so
much, you should do it for free." My answer to that is "Should we only get paid for jobs that
we hate ?"
Thank you and please vote to keep the Hawaii County Band funded.
Comm. No. III. 3/
Ref. To: •"eser/e/ Catute •/
Ref. Dote MAY 1 8 2010