Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
April 7, 2022
Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Saydi ʻAʻohe mea ʻimi a ka maka Bulosan and I was born in Wailuku, Maui and raised in Waiehu, Maui. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would provide long-overdue support for the culture and practitioners that make our home so special. Hula is integral to the culture of our community. Hula has become an essential activity, even lifestyle, to many ʻōlapa. The art of hula is beyond traditional movements. It is the pilina we build with our Hawaiian culture. It's the deep connection we feel to our kūpuna. It's the continuous moʻolelo and ʻike that we learn. The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would support and celebrate the arts and practices of our home.
An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community. Our island once again has the chance to be a leader for our state and global community. Providing a space dedicated to and designed through the lens of Hula creates a visible and reliable space for education, performance, preservation, and excellence of art and culture in our own home. Further, as a cultural center for our community and the world, the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will foster relationships, inspire connection, and uphold cultural excellence.
“Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”
-King Kalakaua
This space is not only an investment for the near future but will have lasting impacts on our community identity for generations to come. Mahalo for your service to our island home. Please vote to support full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
E ola i ka hula!
Mahalo nui,
Saydi ʻAʻohe mea ʻimi a ka maka Bulosan
Hello I’m Kalim, I am a maker of traditional Hawaiian gourd drums (ipu) for hula. I believe that the Halau of Oiwi Art can play a vital role in preserving and perpetuating the host culture of Hawaii. I believe that this space would make hula more available as it would help provide a center for people of the community and beyond to come and learn and participate in these important cultural activities. Your support is necessary to make this possible.
Me ke aloha,
Kalim Smith
Ipu maker
808 212 8009
Budget request for the preservation of Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House
I would like to share the impact that Hale Ho’ike’ike has had on me. As a new volunteer and a life long resident of Maui I am in awe at the history that is stored and shared here. It is my hope that the Bailey House will continue to enlighten the many people who visit Hale Ho’ike’ike.
Please be sure to fund the Molokai Rural Health Community Association in the county budget. They are doing an amazing job of bringing assistance to the kupuna here on Molokai. The organization is well-run and very much in tune with the community they are serving. They bring us physical help, educational programs, and I am looking forward to the support group starting soon.
Please keep this program going!
Sincerely, Ruth Ann Howden
Resident of Home Pumehana, Kaunakakai
Age 79
Council of the County of Maui
Councilmember Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez, Council Chair
Councilmember Tamara Paltin, Council Vice-Chair
RE: “A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023.”
Hearing Date and Time: Friday, April 8, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.
Aloha Chair Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Paltin and Honorable Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit this testimony in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
My name is Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawai`i Hotel Alliance whose members represent over 29,000 rooms across the state.
The people of Maui deserve a dedicated space to study and practice hula and other Native Hawaiian arts year-round. The efforts between the diverse groups of Maui hālau hulas will ensure Native Hawaiian culture survives and thrives through the classes and activities that the center will provide .
Maui County and the Council have the opportunity to lead the state in making the first permanent venue to showcase hula and other ʻōiwi arts. Providing this funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will educate, empower and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture for generations to come.
The Hawai’i Hotel Alliance fully supports the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art. The hotel industry incorporates the Hawaiian culture in our hotels, and we would love to see Maui as a place to have hula and the varied ‘ōiwi arts flourish.
Mahalo for your time and consideration of these comments.
This email is on behalf of two of my students who wanted to submit testimony for the Halau of ‘Oiwi Art (HOA). They wrote it and since they do not have emails, I am sending it through my work email on their behalf.
Dear Members of the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee,
Our names are Malia and Nunu, and we are in the fourth grade at Carden Academy of Maui. We are both very passionate about the Hawaiian culture, protecting it, and reviving it. That’s why we are emailing you.
We read that the Halau of ‘Oiwi Art (HOA) is asking people to write testimonial for support of funding. The future of Hawai’i is in our hands, for we are the next generation. That is why we kindly request for you to fund HOA. We feel it would provide a great space for the history, stories, and culture to be preserved and celebrated.
Please consider our request. This is very important to us and a lot of our Maui community. We feel this space is important so that Hawai’i’s History is not forgotten.
Thank you for hearing us out.
Sincerely,
Malia and Nunu
Carden Academy of Maui 4th Graders
Marissa Kennedy
4th Grade Teacher
55 Maka'ena Place
Pukalani, HI 96768
(808) 573-6651Office
(808) 573-6652 Fax
www.cardenmaui.org
Carden Academy of Maui is committed to educating the whole child through a balance of academic excellence, character development, and enrichment through the arts in a nurturing, small classroom setting.
Maui County Council
Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Chair
Councilmember Tamara Paltin, Vice-Chair
RE: A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2022
Hearing Date and Time: Friday, April 8, 2022, at 9:00 am
Aloha Chair Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Paltin and Members of the Committee:
My name is Lahela Aiwohi, I’m with the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance (HHA), born and raised on Maui, and now a resident of Waiohuli Homestead in Kula. I am submitting testimony in support for the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art.
Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that embraced our Hawaiian culture and thrived on learning more about its richness and its beauty to be able to teach not just ohana, but other kanaka as well. More importantly, it was to instill and educate nā keiki of the battles that we, as kanaka, have gone through and the importance of knowing what we, as Hawaiians, stand for and we exemplify.
Through generations, we have seen hula bring harmony to a world of constant chaos. Hula has been embraced by countries all over the world. As bombs go off and gun shells explode, a Ukranian hula dancer explained how the art has been able to provide some peace of mind and calmness for her and her family while the war is ongoing in their own backyard. How great would it be for Maui County to construct and bring forth a building to perpetuate hula and the various arts for which hula serves as a nexus.
As a Hawaiian, I am excited to see this in the budget proposal and to have our county be the first in the state to create such a place in assuring this valuable source of our culture can continue in a space that will provide growth, education, exhibits, activities, and events. I understand that this is a large investment, but I’m also aware of the empowerment this will provide for our kupuna, kumu hula, nā keiki, and future generations.
The Hawai’i Hotel Alliance fully supports the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art. As the hotel industry incorporates the Hawaiian culture in our hotels, we would love to see a centralized hub in Wailuku, Maui as a place to have hula and the varied ‘ōiwi arts flourish.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify and for your service on the Maui County Council.
Mahalo,
Lahela Aiwohi
Hawai’i Hotel Alliance
lahela@nuustrategies.com
808.463.4200
The purpose of this communication is to provide testimony on the value of Na Kupuna Care Program through the Molokai Rural Health Community Association. I am a Public Health Nurse on the island of Molokai and I have had the opportunity to work with many of the Kupuna who has taken advantage of the Kupuna Care Program, and all of the feedback has been very positive. The Program hires community vendors to provide haircuts, lomilomi, podiatry (foot doctor) visits, house and yard cleaning services, and most recently, they are providing computer classes to whomever is interested in learning to use the computer. The Program has also provided various educational sessions for the Kupuna, for instance, Medicare and Social Security changes and/or support; Dementia and, Support Group for Kupuna Caregivers. All of the services are Program driven and “free”. The response has been so positive among the Kupuna. They have said “ without this Program I would never have gotten my hair done, or have a wonderful lomilomi......I feel like a new person!” “I haven’t been able to clean my house or my yard for a very long time and having people come in and provide such a service is so appreciated; it makes me smile and I feel good when my yard and house is clean”. Although these services are free, the Kupuna provide a tip to those that provide the services, and, the Kupuna can hire the providers on their own. It provides continuous employment for all those providers, also.
As a Kupuna, I have taken advantage of the Kupuna Care Program also. It was very uplifting to have a hair cut and lomilomi at my fingertips! I felt like a new person. I have hired one of the lomilomi providers. Please pass this bill. Mahalo.
Testimony for Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art funding in FY23 Budget
Aloha,
I am sending in my testimony to support the Hālau of `Õiwi Project. A building like this would create a visible and reliable space for learning, performance and preservation is an important step towards honoring what has been so integral to our county, our local culture, and our economy
I hope you will consider funding this project.
Mahalo
Licia Sakamoto
Po'o Kumu at
Ke Kula 'O Ho`omakuapono
Aloha ... I am one of the kupuna who has benefited from the Molokai Rural Health Community Association program.. I feel lucky to have enjoyed many of the different services offered. It has helped hundreds of kupuna on Molokai. Not only the programs, but getting to know those who run the program so efficiently, those who helped secure this program for Molokai, and each other that we might not see otherwise. The response has been overwhelming, and the appreciation from the kupuna can't be measured. It's huge!!!!
Please fund this program for 2023. Molokai needs it, and Molokai is appreciative of having it. Mahalo, Judy Mertens
SUPPORT FUNDING FOR E MALAMA I NA KEIKI O LANAI PRESCHOOL, LANAI CITY, HAWAII
Aloha,
The county of Maui funding has helped my family a great deal. We moved from Oahu during the pandemic and because of my previous income, we would not normally have received any financial help throughout this move. Because of the county of Maui, I was able to find employment and not worry about child care for my daughter. This has helped us establish ourselves in this small community and put food on our table. Without this help, we may not have been able to pay for the high cost of food and utilities. We wouldn't be able to afford to have had our daughter in school at $800 a month due to the cost of living compared to the wages on Lanai. We feel so grateful for this assistance.
Camelia and Dennis O'Leary
E Malama I Na Keiki O Lanai, Parents
Molokai rural health community assoc. kupuna program
Aloha mai to all concerned,
What a wonderful way to share back and provide the services and opportunities for the aging as well as young adults.
First of all, the aging: a refreshing haircut for that much needed lift brings joy. No shame with podiatry, the feet never looked and felt healthier. The help in the yard for a welcoming, I m home! The extension to keep us active in an ever changing world Through computer skills, zooming with physicians! Online classes, the internet… Secondly, the providers of the services: hairstylist, lawn care person, computer specialist, lomi lomi wellness persons all working and earning an income.
(Mayb a seed to start their own businesses too).
Thirdly, for the individuals who are steering the kupuna program. Their creativity in encompassing avenues of need and addressing them and making them work.
Lastly, I feel so special and loved to be a part of this ohana of aging. You started something worthy let’s continue towards making it a part of the future.
Me ke Aloha Pumehana,
Howard and Aunty Jo Simms
10055 Kamehameha V Hwy
Kaunakakai, Molokai 96748
Testimony in support of continued funding for Molokai Rural Health Community Association and MEO
Aloha Honorable Chair Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Tamara Paltin, and "hard-working" fellow committee members to the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committe.
Thank you for allowing testimony regarding this very important resource to our Molokai community. I am in support of the mayor's fiscal year 2023 budget particularly including the funds for our program. The Office of Economic Development plays a huge role in Molokai's everyday life. Bus transportation for the entire island, kupuna health services, children's daycare, home service needs, counseling, community resources, and family support services. I know there are more but these are the services I have used in the past.
I have been a recipient of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association which is a program for Kupuna services. This is a program that provides hair cuts, lomi lomi, and gardening workshops, food distribution and meals (when available), computer workshops, podiatry services with Dr. Pitt, and others. The staff of this program keeps the kupuna updated as to what programs are available and we can choose what we need. I've received help during the covid restrictions not only with food but with stress relief, home visits and the staff provides fellowship. This may not be provided directly by the program, but the staff finds these resources and make sure the kupuna is notified quickly to get into the various services.
I ask that you all support this much-needed resource for our island of Molokai. Please appropriate the needed funds to continue servicing our island. You all are so important to us and I continue to pray for all of you. You all have a tremendous job ahead. Please be safe, and "Don't worry, be happy". There is a God and may He guard your heart always.
Aloha and malama pono,
Kupuna status, Bridget A. Mowat
Support for construction of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Aloha mai kākou Council Chair and Budget Committee members,
I am writing to support support the construction of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (HOA), in Wailuku. As a nonprofit native plant botanical garden in Kahului, we experience firsthand the positive effects that Hula has on our community. Kumu Hula are valuable sources of Moʻolelo and plant knowledge that we rely upon for our own education programs at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, and in turn we are a place that Hālau Hula regularly gather plant materials for ʻŌiwi arts and practices
Providing a reliable place for performance and learning would have lasting impacts on Central Maui for generations.
We would be strong partners for this organization in the future if the Council is willing to support excellence in arts and culture in this important way.
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for Halau of 'Oiwi Art (HOA)
Aloha mai,
My name is William E Garcia Jr., and I was born and raised on the island of Maui. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for Halau of ‘Oiwi Art. Mahalo.
I’m a participant of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association and I strongly support the great work they are doing for our community.
I am a recipient of several services offered and totally 💯 satisfied with the quality and efficient handling of the program. Following is a list of my engagements with the program:
Podiatry: 1st opportunity I have ever received to have my feet examined.
I learned about it’s current condition what’s to be expected and how to protect it’s aging process.
Basic computer class: Offered a clear understanding of the computer, and learned how to use it effectively to ease communicating in so many different ways. Appreciated this new learning experience.
T Shirt Quilt : Creative personal art craft on how to make a T shirt quilt. This process uses the mind, hands, energy and time to create a beautiful and useful household item.
House cleaning: A welcomed service because of my inability to clean all areas of my house. I truly appreciate this service and help in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Hair Cuts: Another service that is very much appreciated. Keeping a neat appearance is vital to an elderly person. It represents stability in caring for oneself and it is a strong morale booster.
All in all, there are many services offered that helps this community tremendously. We are very fortunate to have a caring, capable and dedicated staff that manages the program, and I am grateful to have them.
I strongly support and believe that this is a great program worthy to be continued.
I totally support the Mayor's fiscal year 2023 budget that includes funding for kupuna here on Molokai.
As you may know, our health care services are limited on our island.
Very few Specialists in the medical field come here and since Covid some no longer come at all. I am referring to Dr. Miles, a Neurologist I have seen a few times prior to covid, as one example.
Since the Molokai Rural Health Community Association reached out and invited and informed me about the services being offered to kupuna, I have attended three times.
The lomilomi services are invaluable to me since I have Peripheral Neuropathy. I really wish I could go more often. After my last lomilomi I could actually move my numb toes and this encouraged me to continue moving and exercising it.
Once again I totally support the Kupuna Services Program funded by the Mayor's fiscal 2023 budget.
Please continue to approve and allow funding for the Molokai Rural Health Program that provide these services.
Mahalo for all your support and leadership as Mayor of Maui County. I especially enjoyed your visit to Molokai to meet with kupuna of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) for which I am a member.
This is my positive testimony to wholeheartedly support the continuation of the MRHCA. The services they provide are invaluable to me and helps tremendously with my current budget situation. I do not have within my budget to hire house cleaners or yard service or pay for a massage. I do however can provide a small token to recognize these providers for their good work. Also, the occasional meals provided are a welcomed treat. At 71 years old it’s nice to have a break from cooking as we do not eat out a lot. As I continue to age and slowdown from doing everyday chores it's nice to know that we can call on the MRHCA for assistance.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the continuance of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association. Not to mention the economic value these paid services return to the community.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Darlene Johns
East Ohia, Molokai
4/7/22
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
April 7, 2022
Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Saydi ʻAʻohe mea ʻimi a ka maka Bulosan and I was born in Wailuku, Maui and raised in Waiehu, Maui. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would provide long-overdue support for the culture and practitioners that make our home so special. Hula is integral to the culture of our community. Hula has become an essential activity, even lifestyle, to many ʻōlapa. The art of hula is beyond traditional movements. It is the pilina we build with our Hawaiian culture. It's the deep connection we feel to our kūpuna. It's the continuous moʻolelo and ʻike that we learn. The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would support and celebrate the arts and practices of our home.
An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community. Our island once again has the chance to be a leader for our state and global community. Providing a space dedicated to and designed through the lens of Hula creates a visible and reliable space for education, performance, preservation, and excellence of art and culture in our own home. Further, as a cultural center for our community and the world, the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will foster relationships, inspire connection, and uphold cultural excellence.
“Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”
-King Kalakaua
This space is not only an investment for the near future but will have lasting impacts on our community identity for generations to come. Mahalo for your service to our island home. Please vote to support full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
E ola i ka hula!
Mahalo nui,
Saydi ʻAʻohe mea ʻimi a ka maka Bulosan
Hello I’m Kalim, I am a maker of traditional Hawaiian gourd drums (ipu) for hula. I believe that the Halau of Oiwi Art can play a vital role in preserving and perpetuating the host culture of Hawaii. I believe that this space would make hula more available as it would help provide a center for people of the community and beyond to come and learn and participate in these important cultural activities. Your support is necessary to make this possible.
Me ke aloha,
Kalim Smith
Ipu maker
808 212 8009
Budget request for the preservation of Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House
I would like to share the impact that Hale Ho’ike’ike has had on me. As a new volunteer and a life long resident of Maui I am in awe at the history that is stored and shared here. It is my hope that the Bailey House will continue to enlighten the many people who visit Hale Ho’ike’ike.
Aloha,
Annadele Yahiro
Molokai Rural Health Community Association
Please be sure to fund the Molokai Rural Health Community Association in the county budget. They are doing an amazing job of bringing assistance to the kupuna here on Molokai. The organization is well-run and very much in tune with the community they are serving. They bring us physical help, educational programs, and I am looking forward to the support group starting soon.
Please keep this program going!
Sincerely, Ruth Ann Howden
Resident of Home Pumehana, Kaunakakai
Age 79
April 7, 2022
Council of the County of Maui
Councilmember Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez, Council Chair
Councilmember Tamara Paltin, Council Vice-Chair
RE: “A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023.”
Hearing Date and Time: Friday, April 8, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.
Aloha Chair Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Paltin and Honorable Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit this testimony in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
My name is Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawai`i Hotel Alliance whose members represent over 29,000 rooms across the state.
The people of Maui deserve a dedicated space to study and practice hula and other Native Hawaiian arts year-round. The efforts between the diverse groups of Maui hālau hulas will ensure Native Hawaiian culture survives and thrives through the classes and activities that the center will provide .
Maui County and the Council have the opportunity to lead the state in making the first permanent venue to showcase hula and other ʻōiwi arts. Providing this funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will educate, empower and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture for generations to come.
The Hawai’i Hotel Alliance fully supports the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art. The hotel industry incorporates the Hawaiian culture in our hotels, and we would love to see Maui as a place to have hula and the varied ‘ōiwi arts flourish.
Mahalo for your time and consideration of these comments.
Mahalo nui loa,
Jerry Gibson, President
Hawaii Hotel Alliance
This email is on behalf of two of my students who wanted to submit testimony for the Halau of ‘Oiwi Art (HOA). They wrote it and since they do not have emails, I am sending it through my work email on their behalf.
Dear Members of the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee,
Our names are Malia and Nunu, and we are in the fourth grade at Carden Academy of Maui. We are both very passionate about the Hawaiian culture, protecting it, and reviving it. That’s why we are emailing you.
We read that the Halau of ‘Oiwi Art (HOA) is asking people to write testimonial for support of funding. The future of Hawai’i is in our hands, for we are the next generation. That is why we kindly request for you to fund HOA. We feel it would provide a great space for the history, stories, and culture to be preserved and celebrated.
Please consider our request. This is very important to us and a lot of our Maui community. We feel this space is important so that Hawai’i’s History is not forgotten.
Thank you for hearing us out.
Sincerely,
Malia and Nunu
Carden Academy of Maui 4th Graders
Marissa Kennedy
4th Grade Teacher
55 Maka'ena Place
Pukalani, HI 96768
(808) 573-6651Office
(808) 573-6652 Fax
www.cardenmaui.org
Carden Academy of Maui is committed to educating the whole child through a balance of academic excellence, character development, and enrichment through the arts in a nurturing, small classroom setting.
Testimony against MEO’s Affordable Housing Project at Ke Kahua
I Chuck Miller, strongly oppose Maui County funding MEO’s affordable housing project at Ke Kahua.
MEO does not have clear title tithe parcel of land they call Ke Kahua.
MEO is in litigation with the desVenda thanks of Pehuino, who are the rightful heirs of this Aina.
Mahalo for listening to my concerns,
sincerely Chuck Miller one of the many heirs of Pehuino.
Testimony against MEO’s Affordable Housing Project at Ke Kahua
I, Annadele Yahiro, stand opposed to MEO’s request for funds for their so called Affordable Housing at Ke Kahua.
1. MEO does not have a clear title to this property.
2. MEO is in litigation with the Heirs of Pehuino who are the true owners to this property.
I thank Maui County for accepting my testimony on behalf of my Pehuino Ohana, Mahalo, Annadele Yahiro
April 7, 2022
Maui County Council
Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Chair
Councilmember Tamara Paltin, Vice-Chair
RE: A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2022
Hearing Date and Time: Friday, April 8, 2022, at 9:00 am
Aloha Chair Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Paltin and Members of the Committee:
My name is Lahela Aiwohi, I’m with the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance (HHA), born and raised on Maui, and now a resident of Waiohuli Homestead in Kula. I am submitting testimony in support for the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art.
Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that embraced our Hawaiian culture and thrived on learning more about its richness and its beauty to be able to teach not just ohana, but other kanaka as well. More importantly, it was to instill and educate nā keiki of the battles that we, as kanaka, have gone through and the importance of knowing what we, as Hawaiians, stand for and we exemplify.
Through generations, we have seen hula bring harmony to a world of constant chaos. Hula has been embraced by countries all over the world. As bombs go off and gun shells explode, a Ukranian hula dancer explained how the art has been able to provide some peace of mind and calmness for her and her family while the war is ongoing in their own backyard. How great would it be for Maui County to construct and bring forth a building to perpetuate hula and the various arts for which hula serves as a nexus.
As a Hawaiian, I am excited to see this in the budget proposal and to have our county be the first in the state to create such a place in assuring this valuable source of our culture can continue in a space that will provide growth, education, exhibits, activities, and events. I understand that this is a large investment, but I’m also aware of the empowerment this will provide for our kupuna, kumu hula, nā keiki, and future generations.
The Hawai’i Hotel Alliance fully supports the funding of Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art. As the hotel industry incorporates the Hawaiian culture in our hotels, we would love to see a centralized hub in Wailuku, Maui as a place to have hula and the varied ‘ōiwi arts flourish.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify and for your service on the Maui County Council.
Mahalo,
Lahela Aiwohi
Hawai’i Hotel Alliance
lahela@nuustrategies.com
808.463.4200
Kupuna Care Program, Molokai
Aloha Maui County Council Members,
The purpose of this communication is to provide testimony on the value of Na Kupuna Care Program through the Molokai Rural Health Community Association. I am a Public Health Nurse on the island of Molokai and I have had the opportunity to work with many of the Kupuna who has taken advantage of the Kupuna Care Program, and all of the feedback has been very positive. The Program hires community vendors to provide haircuts, lomilomi, podiatry (foot doctor) visits, house and yard cleaning services, and most recently, they are providing computer classes to whomever is interested in learning to use the computer. The Program has also provided various educational sessions for the Kupuna, for instance, Medicare and Social Security changes and/or support; Dementia and, Support Group for Kupuna Caregivers. All of the services are Program driven and “free”. The response has been so positive among the Kupuna. They have said “ without this Program I would never have gotten my hair done, or have a wonderful lomilomi......I feel like a new person!” “I haven’t been able to clean my house or my yard for a very long time and having people come in and provide such a service is so appreciated; it makes me smile and I feel good when my yard and house is clean”. Although these services are free, the Kupuna provide a tip to those that provide the services, and, the Kupuna can hire the providers on their own. It provides continuous employment for all those providers, also.
As a Kupuna, I have taken advantage of the Kupuna Care Program also. It was very uplifting to have a hair cut and lomilomi at my fingertips! I felt like a new person. I have hired one of the lomilomi providers. Please pass this bill. Mahalo.
Louise K. Linker
Molokai
Testimony for Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art funding in FY23 Budget
Aloha,
I am sending in my testimony to support the Hālau of `Õiwi Project. A building like this would create a visible and reliable space for learning, performance and preservation is an important step towards honoring what has been so integral to our county, our local culture, and our economy
I hope you will consider funding this project.
Mahalo
Licia Sakamoto
Po'o Kumu at
Ke Kula 'O Ho`omakuapono
Aloha ... I am one of the kupuna who has benefited from the Molokai Rural Health Community Association program.. I feel lucky to have enjoyed many of the different services offered. It has helped hundreds of kupuna on Molokai. Not only the programs, but getting to know those who run the program so efficiently, those who helped secure this program for Molokai, and each other that we might not see otherwise. The response has been overwhelming, and the appreciation from the kupuna can't be measured. It's huge!!!!
Please fund this program for 2023. Molokai needs it, and Molokai is appreciative of having it. Mahalo, Judy Mertens
SUPPORT FUNDING FOR E MALAMA I NA KEIKI O LANAI PRESCHOOL, LANAI CITY, HAWAII
Aloha,
The county of Maui funding has helped my family a great deal. We moved from Oahu during the pandemic and because of my previous income, we would not normally have received any financial help throughout this move. Because of the county of Maui, I was able to find employment and not worry about child care for my daughter. This has helped us establish ourselves in this small community and put food on our table. Without this help, we may not have been able to pay for the high cost of food and utilities. We wouldn't be able to afford to have had our daughter in school at $800 a month due to the cost of living compared to the wages on Lanai. We feel so grateful for this assistance.
Camelia and Dennis O'Leary
E Malama I Na Keiki O Lanai, Parents
Molokai rural health community assoc. kupuna program
Aloha mai to all concerned,
What a wonderful way to share back and provide the services and opportunities for the aging as well as young adults.
First of all, the aging: a refreshing haircut for that much needed lift brings joy. No shame with podiatry, the feet never looked and felt healthier. The help in the yard for a welcoming, I m home! The extension to keep us active in an ever changing world Through computer skills, zooming with physicians! Online classes, the internet… Secondly, the providers of the services: hairstylist, lawn care person, computer specialist, lomi lomi wellness persons all working and earning an income.
(Mayb a seed to start their own businesses too).
Thirdly, for the individuals who are steering the kupuna program. Their creativity in encompassing avenues of need and addressing them and making them work.
Lastly, I feel so special and loved to be a part of this ohana of aging. You started something worthy let’s continue towards making it a part of the future.
Me ke Aloha Pumehana,
Howard and Aunty Jo Simms
10055 Kamehameha V Hwy
Kaunakakai, Molokai 96748
Testimony in support of continued funding for Molokai Rural Health Community Association and MEO
Aloha Honorable Chair Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair Tamara Paltin, and "hard-working" fellow committee members to the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committe.
Thank you for allowing testimony regarding this very important resource to our Molokai community. I am in support of the mayor's fiscal year 2023 budget particularly including the funds for our program. The Office of Economic Development plays a huge role in Molokai's everyday life. Bus transportation for the entire island, kupuna health services, children's daycare, home service needs, counseling, community resources, and family support services. I know there are more but these are the services I have used in the past.
I have been a recipient of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association which is a program for Kupuna services. This is a program that provides hair cuts, lomi lomi, and gardening workshops, food distribution and meals (when available), computer workshops, podiatry services with Dr. Pitt, and others. The staff of this program keeps the kupuna updated as to what programs are available and we can choose what we need. I've received help during the covid restrictions not only with food but with stress relief, home visits and the staff provides fellowship. This may not be provided directly by the program, but the staff finds these resources and make sure the kupuna is notified quickly to get into the various services.
I ask that you all support this much-needed resource for our island of Molokai. Please appropriate the needed funds to continue servicing our island. You all are so important to us and I continue to pray for all of you. You all have a tremendous job ahead. Please be safe, and "Don't worry, be happy". There is a God and may He guard your heart always.
Aloha and malama pono,
Kupuna status, Bridget A. Mowat
Support for construction of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Aloha mai kākou Council Chair and Budget Committee members,
I am writing to support support the construction of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (HOA), in Wailuku. As a nonprofit native plant botanical garden in Kahului, we experience firsthand the positive effects that Hula has on our community. Kumu Hula are valuable sources of Moʻolelo and plant knowledge that we rely upon for our own education programs at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, and in turn we are a place that Hālau Hula regularly gather plant materials for ʻŌiwi arts and practices
Providing a reliable place for performance and learning would have lasting impacts on Central Maui for generations.
We would be strong partners for this organization in the future if the Council is willing to support excellence in arts and culture in this important way.
Tamara Sherrill, Executive Director
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
150 Kanaloa Ave., Kahului, HI 96732
www.mnbg.org
tamara@mnbg.org
Office: (808) 249-2798 ext. 205
Cell: (808) 357-6082
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for Halau of 'Oiwi Art (HOA)
Aloha mai,
My name is William E Garcia Jr., and I was born and raised on the island of Maui. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for Halau of ‘Oiwi Art. Mahalo.
I’m a participant of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association and I strongly support the great work they are doing for our community.
I am a recipient of several services offered and totally 💯 satisfied with the quality and efficient handling of the program. Following is a list of my engagements with the program:
Podiatry: 1st opportunity I have ever received to have my feet examined.
I learned about it’s current condition what’s to be expected and how to protect it’s aging process.
Basic computer class: Offered a clear understanding of the computer, and learned how to use it effectively to ease communicating in so many different ways. Appreciated this new learning experience.
T Shirt Quilt : Creative personal art craft on how to make a T shirt quilt. This process uses the mind, hands, energy and time to create a beautiful and useful household item.
House cleaning: A welcomed service because of my inability to clean all areas of my house. I truly appreciate this service and help in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Hair Cuts: Another service that is very much appreciated. Keeping a neat appearance is vital to an elderly person. It represents stability in caring for oneself and it is a strong morale booster.
All in all, there are many services offered that helps this community tremendously. We are very fortunate to have a caring, capable and dedicated staff that manages the program, and I am grateful to have them.
I strongly support and believe that this is a great program worthy to be continued.
Sincerely,
Edna N. Cathcart
Home Pumehana
L 3
To Whom It May Concern
I totally support the Mayor's fiscal year 2023 budget that includes funding for kupuna here on Molokai.
As you may know, our health care services are limited on our island.
Very few Specialists in the medical field come here and since Covid some no longer come at all. I am referring to Dr. Miles, a Neurologist I have seen a few times prior to covid, as one example.
Since the Molokai Rural Health Community Association reached out and invited and informed me about the services being offered to kupuna, I have attended three times.
The lomilomi services are invaluable to me since I have Peripheral Neuropathy. I really wish I could go more often. After my last lomilomi I could actually move my numb toes and this encouraged me to continue moving and exercising it.
Once again I totally support the Kupuna Services Program funded by the Mayor's fiscal 2023 budget.
Please continue to approve and allow funding for the Molokai Rural Health Program that provide these services.
Mahalo nui loa,
Dolores "Dodie" Manaba
MOLOKAI RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Dear Mayor Victorino,
Mahalo for all your support and leadership as Mayor of Maui County. I especially enjoyed your visit to Molokai to meet with kupuna of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) for which I am a member.
This is my positive testimony to wholeheartedly support the continuation of the MRHCA. The services they provide are invaluable to me and helps tremendously with my current budget situation. I do not have within my budget to hire house cleaners or yard service or pay for a massage. I do however can provide a small token to recognize these providers for their good work. Also, the occasional meals provided are a welcomed treat. At 71 years old it’s nice to have a break from cooking as we do not eat out a lot. As I continue to age and slowdown from doing everyday chores it's nice to know that we can call on the MRHCA for assistance.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the continuance of the Molokai Rural Health Community Association. Not to mention the economic value these paid services return to the community.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Darlene Johns
East Ohia, Molokai
4/7/22