HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0803.001 2018-2020 P'1Q�c [
COUNTY CLERK [ t,7, 527-X
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I � $�
RECEIVED
Time I:Iq�71►1 By�
Tue 3/24/2020 1:19 PM
RESOLUTION 527-20 Date MAR 2 4 2020
To: Council Testimony
Aloha kakou,
My name is Leah Gouker, and I am a Social Studies teacher and alumni of Pahoa High and
Intermediate School. I am asking the Council to pass Resolution 527-20.
When I requested assistance for this program, I had no idea that our Ho'ike would be
cancelled. However,there is still a very practical. long term use for these funds.
Nearly the entire requested amount would go towards the purchase of materials to provide hula
attire for the 150 students in hula classes at our school. The lack of any school-provided attire
has been an ongoing issue even before the Ho'ike planning began. Our students had to wear their
school uniforms for school and community performances. It is very culturally and mentally
important for our hula students to have access to hula attire. As a hula dancer, I am very aware
of the vital role that a'ahu, or attire,has in truly participating and executing a proper hula. It is an
essential part of this esteemed cultural practice.
The set of hula attire that this funding would make possible will be kept and stored at PHIS and
can be used for years to come. It would come as a great relief to our hula teacher, as now she can
accept other performance invitations knowing that her students will be able to appropriately
represent this practice.
In anticipation of this opportunity potentially becoming realized,we have organized a group of
faculty, staff, and community members willing and able to assist with the sewing(buying pre-
made attire would more than double the price). In light of current events, this could still take
place over the summer.
These are historic times. While the original intent of this funding was to make it possible for all
the hula students to perform at our Ho'ike, the long term impact of having access to materials to
make these costumes will greatly benefit our students and school programs for years to come.
Please consider passing this resolution. The haumana of Pahoa High and Intermediate deserve to
have proper hula attire for their hula class and performances.
Mahalo nui loa,
Ms. Leah Gouker
Social Studies Teacher
Pahoa High &Intermediate
Comm. N�Q tt
Ref.To: C I Lou
Ref. IDate MAR 2 5 2020