Hawaii County Band to lose funding - not a request for money

There is a band in Hawaii with a 127 year history that is about to lose funding.

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 finally 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.

Thank you.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to fill in your name and email address then click "SIGN". You'll be helping a good cause.

http://www.petition.fm/petitions/savetheband

Ken...

Last edited by Ken Baker on Sun Mar 07, 2010 9:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Glad you posted this. I signed and left a note. Hilo Guitars and Ukes were our first exposure to that great town and the County Band definitely needs to continue....

Reilly