Save the Hawaii County Band

Please help save the Hawaii County Band.

The Hawaii County Band, which is part of the Parks & Recreation Department of County of Hawaii, has just been informed that they will not be funded after June 30, 2010, thereby effectively ending a 127 year Big Island of Hawaii tradition. The Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department Head have refused to consider refunding the band, even though the savings will constitute less than 1.4% of the total annual budget of the Department and less than one tenth of 1% of the total annual county budget.

The Hawaii County Band was formed in 1883 during the period of the Hawaiian Monarchy and existed through the Hawaiian Republic and was incorporated into the County of Hawaii during the territorial period of Hawaii. The band has performed at festivals, parades, public ceremonies and other Big Island events for 127 years, an extraordinarily long tradition for the youngest state in the nation.

Even if you don't live in Hawaii, please show your support for the music & arts, the Big Island community as well as a part of history and sign this petition. You may also show your support by emailing (or calling - area code 808) the following members of the Hawaii County Council. But please hurry, the County Council is meeting on the March 22, 2010 to discuss the final budget. They have the power to overturn the Mayor's budget and fund the band.

UPDATE: The Mayor has remained stubborn on his decision to cut funding for the band. The Hawaii County Council, however is considering changes to the budget that would restore funding for the Hawaii County Band. At least one County Council Member has stated that he will introduce an amendment to restore funding for the band. However, it has to have the support of a majority of council members. The Mayor can also VETO the new Budget. We need your support more than ever. The Hawaii County Council needs to know that all of you support the Hawaii County Band. Keep telling your friends to sign our petition. The final decision won't be made until May or June.

Keep up your support!

Thank you.

Hawaii County Council (area code 808):

Dominic Yagong  961-8264    dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us
Donald Ikeda       961-8225    dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us
J Yoshimoto        961-8225    jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us       

Dennis Onishi      961-8396   donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us
Emily Naeole       965-2712   enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us
Guy Enriques       961-8263   genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us
Brenda Ford         326-5684   bford@co.hawaii.hi.us
Kelly Greenwell    327-3642   kgreenwell@co.hawaii.hi.us
Pete Hoffmann      887-2043  phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us

Mayor:
William P. Kenoi   961-8211  cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us

Department of Parks and Recreation Director:
Robert A. Fitzgerald  961-8311  parks_recreation@co.hawaii.hi.us