Please find testimony below for Adaptations Dance Theater's bring it home program.
Found in "Grants and disbursements for Culture, Arts and Tourism."
Aloha Chair and Council Members,
My name is Hallie Hunt and I am a co-founder and the co-artistic director for Adaptations Dance Theater.
Mahalo for your consideration by including support of ADT’s Bring it Home in the county operations budget, we are honored.
One of the driving goals of ADT has been to sustain and contribute to the art movement in Hawai'i by offering a home to professional contemporary dancers. This program was developed to bring home a professional contemporary dance structure that would allow Maui-raised dance artists pursuing professional careers elsewhere to return to Maui and collaborate with resident dancers to create and present original works for our island community. We bring home several dancers per year for performance, teaching and choreographing opportunities.
I believe with all of my heart in what ADT’s Bring it Home has to offer this community. I have taught at Alexander Academy of Performing Arts, MAPA and Seabury Hall’s dance program. I see students with huge potential at all of Maui’s dance education institutions and it is a continued honor to provide them opportunities as they transition into their professional careers. The ripple effect of ADT’s Bring it Home is enormous: It provides direct opportunity to those artists brought home and then its reach extends to mentorship for those in attendance at master classes and then extending further to the keiki in the audience that get to witness dancers from Maui, just like them, performing beautifully and professionally on stage. The keiki get to see their potential future. They see what is possible! I believe It is our responsibility as a community to give them inspiration and a clear idea of what their future in professional contemporary dance can look like. By bringing home Maui dancers who have gone on to have professional careers on the mainland we can truly show them what they can achieve. This is incredibly important and empowering for our Maui youth who are pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Thus far our Bring it Home program has encouraged the permanent return of two Maui raised dance artists and educators. These artists are currently teaching at Maui dance schools and choreographing and performing with ADT. They are valuable members of our Maui community and it is a joy to have been a part of their reason to return permanently to Maui. I know with your support we can encourage and facilitate the return of more maui-bred dance professionals! Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Mahalo for always allowing me to share my mana'o with you. You all know me as Aunty Mopsy community advocate. I come to you with a different kuleana. I had the privilege of graduating as a Kumu Hula under Ma'iki Aiu Lake in 1974.
Hula has always been part of my Life. As we were taught, Hula is Life and it came with many stories of our beginning as a culture. Mahalo to our King, Kalakaua, also referred to as the Merrie Monarch, who traveled to all the islands to revive the teachings taught underground, of ancient dance and folklore. The invitation of dance and music became part of a celebration at the Iolani Palace. My Memories of Pageantry through chants and dance with Halau Hula O Ma'iki at the Palace will never be forgotten.
Born at that time during 1920's when song with Hawaiian Language lyrics were largely frowned upon, hapa-haole songs with their English lyrics and made up Hawaiian words found an audience drawn to their romanticized description of the scenery and nature of the Hawaiian Islands. Songs such as "Lovely Hula Hands," "Waikiki," and "My Yellow Ginger Lei" are among the favorites of hapa-haole Hula today.
Our chants and songs tell the story of our heritage and our Kuleana to the 'Āina, Our way of life. The Art of Hula is life and the construction of Hālau for ʻŌiwi Art provides a long-overdue support for the culture and practitioners that make our home so special. Through the accompolishments of Our Kumu Hula and their Halau's here on Maui, has brought much attention to the Hula world. We cannot forget Maui's musicians who create the beautiful music that they dance to. They tell and celebrate the stories of our home, sing of its beauty and bring both joy and pride to our larger community.
Maui has a chance to be a leader for our state and global community. Instead of being the state of Aloha, we will be the State of Kuleana, taking care of providing the enrich culture of our heritage. Let's continue what King Kalakaua set out to do for the people of Hawaii, bringing life to the folklore and teachings of our kūpuna.
I ask for your kokua in voting to support the full funding of the Hālau for 'Ōiwi Art.
Ke Akua continue to shower you with his blessings for your decisions that you make, for the people of Maui.
My name is Chantelle Brown and I would like to submit testimony on having lifeguard services at Pu’u Keka’a.
I would like to start off by stating that although we all know that Pu’u Keka’a definitely needs ocean safety officers posted…. This expansion of our bureau needs to be built right starting with its core structure. What I mean is that the funding should be all in place and ready to roll from the State covering every piece of equipment, materials, manpower, etc. needed to run efficiently.
Pu’u Keka’a should mirror the operations of Big Beach, Makena being that they are both state. Pu’u Keka’a should have lifeguard services because:
1. The only time I’ve saw this beach empty is when travel was at a halt due to Covid-19. Other than that, this location is covered with visitors from sunrise to sunset and increases every single year
2. Being that the tourism is booming in the West District, in particular Pu’u Keka’a… there are hundreds of incidents that happen every year whether it be assists, minor first aids, major first aids, 911 emergency calls, cpr, missing persons, etc
3. In relation with reason #2, the medical and emergency response to this area with ocean safety officers would be on point and in seconds which equals saving lives
4. Pu’u Keka’a should’ve had lifeguard services a very long time ago being that our present guards responds by ski and ATV regularly
There are so many more reasons why.. however here are my top 4 on why I am in STRONG support of having lifeguard services at Pu’u Keka’a which extends my thoughts on how vital we are to the tourism industry which leads me in saying that we also need expansion positions and new equipment for our Ocean Safety Bureau. Thank you,
Your South District Captain and 25 year vet,
Chantelle Brown
Testimony in Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will provide support for the culture and practitioners that make Maui so special. Hula is integral to the culture of this community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought much joy and pride to our community. 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.
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.
Testimony in support of full funding for Halau of 'Oiwi Art
Aloha,
My name is C. Aulani Takatsuka. I was born and raised on Oahu. I have been a resident of Maui since 1976. At age 76 (soon to be 77), I have been a haumana of hula for many years. Not the Merry Monarch type, but certainly Hawaiian by blood and naau, I have been increasingly concerned about the loss of our traditional practices, culture and legacy we need to leave to our children. I am excited about the prospect of having a center dedicated to the art of hula and Hawaiian cultural practices. A halau where kumu, haumana and guests can come together to share, learn, perpetuate HAWAIIAN, KANAKA MAOLI. So much mana under one roof! This center would also be a gift to the community, and likely the world!
I appreciate the easy access to activities, exhibits, workshops, classes, etc. which would be provided at the center.
I am asking for your support and hope that you will vote to fund, fully, the Halau of 'Oiwi Arts.
I am writing in support of the $25,000 line item within the “Grants and Disbursements for Culture, Arts and Tourism” within the Mayor's FY23 budget.
Adaptations Dance Theater's signature Bring it Home program serves to BRING HOME Maui's professional dancers from the parts of the world where they have sought a career in their chosen art form simply due to a lack of support or opportunities here in their home town. Adaptations' mission is to change that: to create opportunities like the one that we witnessed at Hoapili Hale on March 11 where elite artists like Ali Pineo and Katie Istvan can return to Maui -- not just for a one time performance -- but permanently, to celebrate, teach, and thrive as dancers of this 'aina.
An investment of $25K annually would be an absolute game changer for this program, which is approximately 1/3 of the overall program budget. These specific funds would be applied to BRING HOME Maui-bred artists for the rigorous training that goes into each Bring it Home annual event.
My name is Misty Fukushima and my daughter (Ryli) is part of Pukalani Hula Hale’s Halau under the direction of Kumu Hula Hi’ilei Maxwell-Juan. She has been taking hula for the past 3 years and enjoys learning the Hawaiian culture through hula. Their practices were held at Pomaikai Elementary school, however when the pandemic hit, we had to resort to virtual hula lessons which made it very difficult for the Keiki to learn. The girls are now practicing in the backyard of my home which has made it a better learning alternative for our Keiki.
When I heard about Halau of Oiwi Art and a possible dedicated building for our keiki, I thought it was an excellent idea and would like to see this project happen for everyone. There would be no more accommodations for our Halau and we could call this site our new “home”.
Thank you for your time and for allowing us to be the voices for our hula community.
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
My name is Kimberly Delmore.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Having grown up on Maui, I was fortunate to utilize County of Maui facilities for my extra-curricular activities, which were primarily swimming (in County pools) and running (in the County track and around County parks). Today, my son is fortunate to do activities such as soccer and baseball in County parks and my daughter swims at County pools. My daughter also is fortunate to be a member of a hula hālau for several years. However, for hula, she doesn't really have the opportunity to use a current County resource for practice. It's difficult and can be expensive for various hālau to find a facility to use. It seems that the hula schools also deserve to have a County facility to use to promote not just any extra curricular activity, but, the practice of hula, that is so special to our host culture.
Although I am not native Hawaiian, I was born and raised in Hawaii and hula is one of those things that is so unique and important to the place we are blessed to call home. Hula deserves to have support from the County of Maui as the County has wonderfully done for other activities. This is a wonderful idea to create the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art. It makes total sense and must be given the support to make it happen.
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. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought so much joy and pride to our island. 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.
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.
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
My name is Angie Bell and I was a yearly visitor and am becoming a part time resident on 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 people on this steering committee and others, have long, meaningful roots in Hawaiian culture. With this group you will have a world class enlightened space to keep these deeply rooted Hawaiian practices, traditions and knowledge ALIVE.
Getting these teachings out to the populace will also bring purpose and direction for young and old alike. These messages can spread to the public and to visitors. I can say this, as it happened to me.
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
To Whom it may concern,
As a spouse of a Kumu Hula, it has always been difficult for my wife to find a place to teach hula. I am sure this is common among other Kumu Hula. Many factors are taken into consideration when looking for a place such as location,safety,parking and size of the room. In addition, the cost of renting the building and Insurance to hold classes. And whether or not the parents and students can afford the monthly fee. The Halau of Oiwi Arts would lift that Borden.
We call Maui our home. Rich in culture and history. Hula is part of us. Our community depends on Hula. It provides knowledge and traditions for the next generations. It also provides for our economy. In addition it teaches how to care for the environment.
I am in support of funding the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget. Please vote to support full funding.
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha.
My name is Rene Yamafuji and I was born and raised on Maui. Thank you for the opportunity to give written testimony of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Hula is an important tradition of communication and integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community.
Imagine a place where this culture can be supported. Where we can support the practitioners so that they may preserve the knowledge and traditions. Imagine a place where education and performances can perpetuate. Imagine a place where anyone can enjoy and learn hula, for fun, the music and exercise. A place for all ages to learn and foster multi generational relationships. Imagine Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Thank you for your consideration. Please vote to support the full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
My name is Zoeann Leilani Muller and I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 – a constitutionally protected traditional and customary practice – is not only integral to Kānaka Maoli, but the culture of Maui County, as well. It is a nexus for so many of our ʻŌiwi arts and practices to thrive. Over many decades, Hālau Hula and Kumu Hula have contributed to our community. They recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, educate ʻohana from keiki to kūpuna, tell and celebrate the stories of our home, sing of its beauty, and bring both joy and pride to our larger community. Cultural practitioners like Kumu Hula are experts and leaders of our community. The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would support and celebrate these arts and practices.
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 pilina, inspire connection, and uphold cultural excellence.
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.
Mahalo nui,
Zoeann Leilani Muller
33 North Holokai Road
Haiku, Hi 96708
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha.
My name is Rene Yamafuji and I was born and raised on Maui. Thank you for the opportunity to give written testmony of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Hula is an important tradition of communication and integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community.
Imagine a place where this culture can be supported. Where we can support the practioners so that they may preserve the knowledge and traditions. Imagine a place where education and performances can perpetuate. Imagine a place where anyone can enjoy and learn hula, for fun, the music and exercise. A place for all ages to learn and foster multi-generational relationships. Imagine Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Thank you for your consideration. Please vote to support the full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
The Bailey House Museum represents a unique part of the history of our Island and State. Now known as Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House, this parcel of land at the perimeter of the Wailuku business district, stands as a testament of the good element of the Missionary migration. Not all members of the Missionary community profited from large land acquisition occurring in the 1800s.
Under Edward Bailey’s direction, the Bailey House became a women’s school of education. Well before Congresswoman, Patsy Mink co-created Title IX in 1972 offering no gender discrimination when it came to education, The Bailey House provided the young women on Maui that education.
Being one of the first “Western styled” houses on the island, it has been preserved to include artifacts and relic, not found in the more well known Bishop Museum on the Island of Oahu. The grounds, with the lush tropical vegetation of Iao Valley maintained by volunteers, offer the outdoor lifestyle of yesteryear.
Artifacts in the museum include both Western and Hawaiian cultures. The small acreage of Hale Ho’ike’ike contributes and provides intimate venues of music, hula, and dance for island residents and visitors alike. These gatherings, small in nature, have no traffic impact on the Wailuku community like an event at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
I urge our Council to grant monetary aid towards this National, State, and County treasure for future generations to learn from our past.
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
To Whom it may concern,
As a spouse of a Kumu Hula, it has always been difficult for my wife to find a place to teach hula. I am sure this is common among other Kumu Hula. Many factors are taken into consideration when looking for a place such as location,safety,parking and size of the room. In addition, the cost of renting the building and Insurance to hold classes. And whether or not the parents and students can afford the monthly fee. The Halau of Oiwi Arts would lift that Borden.
We call Maui our home. Rich in culture and history. Hula is part of us. Our community depends on Hula. It provides knowledge and traditions for the next generations. It also provides for our economy. In addition it teaches how to care for the environment.
I am in support of funding the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget. Please vote to support full funding.
Revised written testimony for Maui County budget hearing in support of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Aloha mai kākou, Greetings to you all,
My name is John-Mario Arcilla Sevilla. I was born and raised in Paukukalo. I have lived most of my adult life in New York City, and recently moved to Berkeley, CA, where I lead a community dance organization called Luna Dance Institute. I am writing to enthusiastically endorse the County of Maui's funding of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art. While I am sure that many will testify to the profound impact of the Hālau on the preservation and promotion of Native Hawaiian legacies as well as to inherent benefits to the cultural and financial ecosystem of the local Maui and Hawai’i community., I would like to speak of how such a unique endeavor and institution will serve as a beacon to cultural bearers and arts practitioners around the world.
I am a professional dancer and dance educator. As a dancer, I toured all over the world (twice "visiting" Maui!) with major modern dance companies. I have taught dance and dance education at New York University, Drew University and Rutgers University. I have also run dance programs for New York City Ballet and the 92Y Harkness Dance Center. Throughout my years of work in the theater, in schools and in the community, I have experienced the deceptively alluring power of hula, not just dance, on people.
As you may know, hula is an interdisciplinary and holistic practice, not just a dance form. Hula values excellent human behavior toward others and the environment. Hula is an aesthetic experience that extols tradition, good speech and conduct, respect for elders. planning, preparation and practice, collective action, and love of land. These are deep foundational values that transform lives. And the particular responsibility of hula practitioners to care of the environment has vast implications in a world threatened by climate change and environmental injustice. Hula models the good and excellent in human action and is a medium for healing on a personal as well as global scale.
While native to Hawai'i, there are great needs and desires around the world for a place that embodies practices and perspectives that can save lives and heal our planet. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would be the first institution of its kind in the world to make a stand for hula as a cultural practice that can shed light on some very dark elements in our world. Hula will teach others to honor their places and people. Hula will demonstrate how people need to work together to overcome challenge. Hula will show how we must pay attention to our history as well as to our current state of affairs. A collective like Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will gather and share a generosity of spirit. a seriousness of intent, and a joy of the arts that only hula can inspire. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will grace Maui and the rest of the planet with poetry, wisdom and inspiration. We will never have enough of such institutions.
No doubt, it may feel strange to give a place to a people (kanaka mauoli) whose legacy had been deeply rooted to the place centuries before any of us were here. From my perspective as a child of Filipino immigrants and from the west coast of the mainland, I respectfully would like to say that this institution is the least we can do for Native Hawaiians for the historical injustices that continue to affect their lives to this day. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art is about cultural survival as much as the survival of humanity.
Respectfully,
--
John-Mario Arcilla Sevilla
Director at Large
Luna Dance Institute
(510) 883-1118, ext. 3
Aloha this letter is in support for funding for Halau of Oiwi Art . Supporting this endeavor allows for future generations to Learn of the host culture. It will create a unified center of knowledge for all. Supporting this will truly show the respect we have for Hawaiian culture.
Analu Okimoto
Waikapu
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Hi’ilei Maxwell-Juan and I was born and raised on Maui. I am also a Kumu Hula of Pukalani Hula Hale, previously co-Kumu with Aunty Nina Maxwell my mother until her passing in 2006. 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. Being the host culture of the islands, we should have a space dedicated and Hula is integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought so much joy and pride to our island. 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. As we all know Maui is No Ka Oi(is the best). 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.
Pre covid, I held papa Hula (Hula classes) at Pomaika’i Elementary School. Now I am teaching in the back yards of my Haumana, parks and via zoom because Schools will not allow anyone renting out space anymore. Funding for me is minimum and not able to rent large stores or warehouses. This would be a dream come true to finally have a home.
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.
Aloha,
My name is Malulani Bulawan. I support the funding of the Halau o ‘Oiwi Arts.
I have been a hula dancer since the age of four & hula is as important to me as any “sport” that has received funding is the past. We have parks for baseball, basketball & skate parks but no where to practice & support hula. Hula is part of the host culture & deserves more recognition than lu’au shows or Merrie Monarch. Yes we have the Maui Arts & Cultural center but who’s culture are they supporting? I don’t see many events that support Hawaiian culture. I am tired of being exploited for profit & just want a place that supports my cultural practice of hula.
Mahalo.
Malulani Bulawan
Please find testimony below for Adaptations Dance Theater's bring it home program.
Found in "Grants and disbursements for Culture, Arts and Tourism."
Aloha Chair and Council Members,
My name is Hallie Hunt and I am a co-founder and the co-artistic director for Adaptations Dance Theater.
Mahalo for your consideration by including support of ADT’s Bring it Home in the county operations budget, we are honored.
One of the driving goals of ADT has been to sustain and contribute to the art movement in Hawai'i by offering a home to professional contemporary dancers. This program was developed to bring home a professional contemporary dance structure that would allow Maui-raised dance artists pursuing professional careers elsewhere to return to Maui and collaborate with resident dancers to create and present original works for our island community. We bring home several dancers per year for performance, teaching and choreographing opportunities.
I believe with all of my heart in what ADT’s Bring it Home has to offer this community. I have taught at Alexander Academy of Performing Arts, MAPA and Seabury Hall’s dance program. I see students with huge potential at all of Maui’s dance education institutions and it is a continued honor to provide them opportunities as they transition into their professional careers. The ripple effect of ADT’s Bring it Home is enormous: It provides direct opportunity to those artists brought home and then its reach extends to mentorship for those in attendance at master classes and then extending further to the keiki in the audience that get to witness dancers from Maui, just like them, performing beautifully and professionally on stage. The keiki get to see their potential future. They see what is possible! I believe It is our responsibility as a community to give them inspiration and a clear idea of what their future in professional contemporary dance can look like. By bringing home Maui dancers who have gone on to have professional careers on the mainland we can truly show them what they can achieve. This is incredibly important and empowering for our Maui youth who are pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Thus far our Bring it Home program has encouraged the permanent return of two Maui raised dance artists and educators. These artists are currently teaching at Maui dance schools and choreographing and performing with ADT. They are valuable members of our Maui community and it is a joy to have been a part of their reason to return permanently to Maui. I know with your support we can encourage and facilitate the return of more maui-bred dance professionals! Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Sincerely,
Hallie Hunt
Hallie Hunt
Co-Founder + Artistic Director, Adaptations Dance Theater
pronouns she/her/hers
creative@adaptationsdancetheater.com
808-269-8118
www.adaptationsdancetheater.com
Mayors FY 2023 budget / Culture and Arts
Aloha Chair Lee, VC Rawlins, and Council Members,
Mahalo for always allowing me to share my mana'o with you. You all know me as Aunty Mopsy community advocate. I come to you with a different kuleana. I had the privilege of graduating as a Kumu Hula under Ma'iki Aiu Lake in 1974.
Hula has always been part of my Life. As we were taught, Hula is Life and it came with many stories of our beginning as a culture. Mahalo to our King, Kalakaua, also referred to as the Merrie Monarch, who traveled to all the islands to revive the teachings taught underground, of ancient dance and folklore. The invitation of dance and music became part of a celebration at the Iolani Palace. My Memories of Pageantry through chants and dance with Halau Hula O Ma'iki at the Palace will never be forgotten.
Born at that time during 1920's when song with Hawaiian Language lyrics were largely frowned upon, hapa-haole songs with their English lyrics and made up Hawaiian words found an audience drawn to their romanticized description of the scenery and nature of the Hawaiian Islands. Songs such as "Lovely Hula Hands," "Waikiki," and "My Yellow Ginger Lei" are among the favorites of hapa-haole Hula today.
Our chants and songs tell the story of our heritage and our Kuleana to the 'Āina, Our way of life. The Art of Hula is life and the construction of Hālau for ʻŌiwi Art provides a long-overdue support for the culture and practitioners that make our home so special. Through the accompolishments of Our Kumu Hula and their Halau's here on Maui, has brought much attention to the Hula world. We cannot forget Maui's musicians who create the beautiful music that they dance to. They tell and celebrate the stories of our home, sing of its beauty and bring both joy and pride to our larger community.
Maui has a chance to be a leader for our state and global community. Instead of being the state of Aloha, we will be the State of Kuleana, taking care of providing the enrich culture of our heritage. Let's continue what King Kalakaua set out to do for the people of Hawaii, bringing life to the folklore and teachings of our kūpuna.
I ask for your kokua in voting to support the full funding of the Hālau for 'Ōiwi Art.
Ke Akua continue to shower you with his blessings for your decisions that you make, for the people of Maui.
Malama Pono,
Aunty Mopsy
Support for Lifeguard Services at Pu’u Keka’a
Aloha Council Member Paltin,
My name is Chantelle Brown and I would like to submit testimony on having lifeguard services at Pu’u Keka’a.
I would like to start off by stating that although we all know that Pu’u Keka’a definitely needs ocean safety officers posted…. This expansion of our bureau needs to be built right starting with its core structure. What I mean is that the funding should be all in place and ready to roll from the State covering every piece of equipment, materials, manpower, etc. needed to run efficiently.
Pu’u Keka’a should mirror the operations of Big Beach, Makena being that they are both state. Pu’u Keka’a should have lifeguard services because:
1. The only time I’ve saw this beach empty is when travel was at a halt due to Covid-19. Other than that, this location is covered with visitors from sunrise to sunset and increases every single year
2. Being that the tourism is booming in the West District, in particular Pu’u Keka’a… there are hundreds of incidents that happen every year whether it be assists, minor first aids, major first aids, 911 emergency calls, cpr, missing persons, etc
3. In relation with reason #2, the medical and emergency response to this area with ocean safety officers would be on point and in seconds which equals saving lives
4. Pu’u Keka’a should’ve had lifeguard services a very long time ago being that our present guards responds by ski and ATV regularly
There are so many more reasons why.. however here are my top 4 on why I am in STRONG support of having lifeguard services at Pu’u Keka’a which extends my thoughts on how vital we are to the tourism industry which leads me in saying that we also need expansion positions and new equipment for our Ocean Safety Bureau. Thank you,
Your South District Captain and 25 year vet,
Chantelle Brown
Please call me if you have any questions!!!
Testimony in Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will provide support for the culture and practitioners that make Maui so special. Hula is integral to the culture of this community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought much joy and pride to our community. 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.
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.
Mahalo nui,
Kelly McHugh-White
Testimony in support of full funding for Halau of 'Oiwi Art
Aloha,
My name is C. Aulani Takatsuka. I was born and raised on Oahu. I have been a resident of Maui since 1976. At age 76 (soon to be 77), I have been a haumana of hula for many years. Not the Merry Monarch type, but certainly Hawaiian by blood and naau, I have been increasingly concerned about the loss of our traditional practices, culture and legacy we need to leave to our children. I am excited about the prospect of having a center dedicated to the art of hula and Hawaiian cultural practices. A halau where kumu, haumana and guests can come together to share, learn, perpetuate HAWAIIAN, KANAKA MAOLI. So much mana under one roof! This center would also be a gift to the community, and likely the world!
I appreciate the easy access to activities, exhibits, workshops, classes, etc. which would be provided at the center.
I am asking for your support and hope that you will vote to fund, fully, the Halau of 'Oiwi Arts.
Mahalo nui,
Aulani Takatsuka
Testimony for Adaptations Dance Theater
Aloha,
I am writing in support of the $25,000 line item within the “Grants and Disbursements for Culture, Arts and Tourism” within the Mayor's FY23 budget.
Adaptations Dance Theater's signature Bring it Home program serves to BRING HOME Maui's professional dancers from the parts of the world where they have sought a career in their chosen art form simply due to a lack of support or opportunities here in their home town. Adaptations' mission is to change that: to create opportunities like the one that we witnessed at Hoapili Hale on March 11 where elite artists like Ali Pineo and Katie Istvan can return to Maui -- not just for a one time performance -- but permanently, to celebrate, teach, and thrive as dancers of this 'aina.
An investment of $25K annually would be an absolute game changer for this program, which is approximately 1/3 of the overall program budget. These specific funds would be applied to BRING HOME Maui-bred artists for the rigorous training that goes into each Bring it Home annual event.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kelly McHugh-White
Halau of Oiwi Art
Good Morning,
My name is Misty Fukushima and my daughter (Ryli) is part of Pukalani Hula Hale’s Halau under the direction of Kumu Hula Hi’ilei Maxwell-Juan. She has been taking hula for the past 3 years and enjoys learning the Hawaiian culture through hula. Their practices were held at Pomaikai Elementary school, however when the pandemic hit, we had to resort to virtual hula lessons which made it very difficult for the Keiki to learn. The girls are now practicing in the backyard of my home which has made it a better learning alternative for our Keiki.
When I heard about Halau of Oiwi Art and a possible dedicated building for our keiki, I thought it was an excellent idea and would like to see this project happen for everyone. There would be no more accommodations for our Halau and we could call this site our new “home”.
Thank you for your time and for allowing us to be the voices for our hula community.
{Misty Fukushima}
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
My name is Kimberly Delmore.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Having grown up on Maui, I was fortunate to utilize County of Maui facilities for my extra-curricular activities, which were primarily swimming (in County pools) and running (in the County track and around County parks). Today, my son is fortunate to do activities such as soccer and baseball in County parks and my daughter swims at County pools. My daughter also is fortunate to be a member of a hula hālau for several years. However, for hula, she doesn't really have the opportunity to use a current County resource for practice. It's difficult and can be expensive for various hālau to find a facility to use. It seems that the hula schools also deserve to have a County facility to use to promote not just any extra curricular activity, but, the practice of hula, that is so special to our host culture.
Although I am not native Hawaiian, I was born and raised in Hawaii and hula is one of those things that is so unique and important to the place we are blessed to call home. Hula deserves to have support from the County of Maui as the County has wonderfully done for other activities. This is a wonderful idea to create the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art. It makes total sense and must be given the support to make it happen.
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. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought so much joy and pride to our island. 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.
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.
Mahalo,
Kimberly Delmore
29 Kamahao St
Wailuku, HI 96793
April 7, 2022
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha,
My name is Angie Bell and I was a yearly visitor and am becoming a part time resident on 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 people on this steering committee and others, have long, meaningful roots in Hawaiian culture. With this group you will have a world class enlightened space to keep these deeply rooted Hawaiian practices, traditions and knowledge ALIVE.
Getting these teachings out to the populace will also bring purpose and direction for young and old alike. These messages can spread to the public and to visitors. I can say this, as it happened to me.
Sincerely,
Angie Bell
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
To Whom it may concern,
As a spouse of a Kumu Hula, it has always been difficult for my wife to find a place to teach hula. I am sure this is common among other Kumu Hula. Many factors are taken into consideration when looking for a place such as location,safety,parking and size of the room. In addition, the cost of renting the building and Insurance to hold classes. And whether or not the parents and students can afford the monthly fee. The Halau of Oiwi Arts would lift that Borden.
We call Maui our home. Rich in culture and history. Hula is part of us. Our community depends on Hula. It provides knowledge and traditions for the next generations. It also provides for our economy. In addition it teaches how to care for the environment.
I am in support of funding the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget. Please vote to support full funding.
Sincerely,
Rodney Juan
Testimonies received from BFED Committee.
April 7, 2022
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha.
My name is Rene Yamafuji and I was born and raised on Maui. Thank you for the opportunity to give written testimony of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Hula is an important tradition of communication and integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community.
Imagine a place where this culture can be supported. Where we can support the practitioners so that they may preserve the knowledge and traditions. Imagine a place where education and performances can perpetuate. Imagine a place where anyone can enjoy and learn hula, for fun, the music and exercise. A place for all ages to learn and foster multi generational relationships. Imagine Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Thank you for your consideration. Please vote to support the full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Mahalo
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
My name is Zoeann Leilani Muller and I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 – a constitutionally protected traditional and customary practice – is not only integral to Kānaka Maoli, but the culture of Maui County, as well. It is a nexus for so many of our ʻŌiwi arts and practices to thrive. Over many decades, Hālau Hula and Kumu Hula have contributed to our community. They recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, educate ʻohana from keiki to kūpuna, tell and celebrate the stories of our home, sing of its beauty, and bring both joy and pride to our larger community. Cultural practitioners like Kumu Hula are experts and leaders of our community. The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would support and celebrate these arts and practices.
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 pilina, inspire connection, and uphold cultural excellence.
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.
Mahalo nui,
Zoeann Leilani Muller
33 North Holokai Road
Haiku, Hi 96708
April 7, 2022
Re: Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha.
My name is Rene Yamafuji and I was born and raised on Maui. Thank you for the opportunity to give written testmony of funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts in the proposed FY 2023 budget.
Hula is an important tradition of communication and integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. An investment in Hula is ultimately an investment in community.
Imagine a place where this culture can be supported. Where we can support the practioners so that they may preserve the knowledge and traditions. Imagine a place where education and performances can perpetuate. Imagine a place where anyone can enjoy and learn hula, for fun, the music and exercise. A place for all ages to learn and foster multi-generational relationships. Imagine Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Thank you for your consideration. Please vote to support the full funding of the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
Mahalo
The Bailey House Museum represents a unique part of the history of our Island and State. Now known as Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House, this parcel of land at the perimeter of the Wailuku business district, stands as a testament of the good element of the Missionary migration. Not all members of the Missionary community profited from large land acquisition occurring in the 1800s.
Under Edward Bailey’s direction, the Bailey House became a women’s school of education. Well before Congresswoman, Patsy Mink co-created Title IX in 1972 offering no gender discrimination when it came to education, The Bailey House provided the young women on Maui that education.
Being one of the first “Western styled” houses on the island, it has been preserved to include artifacts and relic, not found in the more well known Bishop Museum on the Island of Oahu. The grounds, with the lush tropical vegetation of Iao Valley maintained by volunteers, offer the outdoor lifestyle of yesteryear.
Artifacts in the museum include both Western and Hawaiian cultures. The small acreage of Hale Ho’ike’ike contributes and provides intimate venues of music, hula, and dance for island residents and visitors alike. These gatherings, small in nature, have no traffic impact on the Wailuku community like an event at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
I urge our Council to grant monetary aid towards this National, State, and County treasure for future generations to learn from our past.
Respectfully,
Cummins Kameeiamoku Mahoe III
Maui resident
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
To Whom it may concern,
As a spouse of a Kumu Hula, it has always been difficult for my wife to find a place to teach hula. I am sure this is common among other Kumu Hula. Many factors are taken into consideration when looking for a place such as location,safety,parking and size of the room. In addition, the cost of renting the building and Insurance to hold classes. And whether or not the parents and students can afford the monthly fee. The Halau of Oiwi Arts would lift that Borden.
We call Maui our home. Rich in culture and history. Hula is part of us. Our community depends on Hula. It provides knowledge and traditions for the next generations. It also provides for our economy. In addition it teaches how to care for the environment.
I am in support of funding the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art in the proposed FY 2023 budget. Please vote to support full funding.
Sincerely,
Rodney Juan
Revised written testimony for Maui County budget hearing in support of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Aloha mai kākou, Greetings to you all,
My name is John-Mario Arcilla Sevilla. I was born and raised in Paukukalo. I have lived most of my adult life in New York City, and recently moved to Berkeley, CA, where I lead a community dance organization called Luna Dance Institute. I am writing to enthusiastically endorse the County of Maui's funding of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art. While I am sure that many will testify to the profound impact of the Hālau on the preservation and promotion of Native Hawaiian legacies as well as to inherent benefits to the cultural and financial ecosystem of the local Maui and Hawai’i community., I would like to speak of how such a unique endeavor and institution will serve as a beacon to cultural bearers and arts practitioners around the world.
I am a professional dancer and dance educator. As a dancer, I toured all over the world (twice "visiting" Maui!) with major modern dance companies. I have taught dance and dance education at New York University, Drew University and Rutgers University. I have also run dance programs for New York City Ballet and the 92Y Harkness Dance Center. Throughout my years of work in the theater, in schools and in the community, I have experienced the deceptively alluring power of hula, not just dance, on people.
As you may know, hula is an interdisciplinary and holistic practice, not just a dance form. Hula values excellent human behavior toward others and the environment. Hula is an aesthetic experience that extols tradition, good speech and conduct, respect for elders. planning, preparation and practice, collective action, and love of land. These are deep foundational values that transform lives. And the particular responsibility of hula practitioners to care of the environment has vast implications in a world threatened by climate change and environmental injustice. Hula models the good and excellent in human action and is a medium for healing on a personal as well as global scale.
While native to Hawai'i, there are great needs and desires around the world for a place that embodies practices and perspectives that can save lives and heal our planet. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art would be the first institution of its kind in the world to make a stand for hula as a cultural practice that can shed light on some very dark elements in our world. Hula will teach others to honor their places and people. Hula will demonstrate how people need to work together to overcome challenge. Hula will show how we must pay attention to our history as well as to our current state of affairs. A collective like Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will gather and share a generosity of spirit. a seriousness of intent, and a joy of the arts that only hula can inspire. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will grace Maui and the rest of the planet with poetry, wisdom and inspiration. We will never have enough of such institutions.
No doubt, it may feel strange to give a place to a people (kanaka mauoli) whose legacy had been deeply rooted to the place centuries before any of us were here. From my perspective as a child of Filipino immigrants and from the west coast of the mainland, I respectfully would like to say that this institution is the least we can do for Native Hawaiians for the historical injustices that continue to affect their lives to this day. Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art is about cultural survival as much as the survival of humanity.
Respectfully,
--
John-Mario Arcilla Sevilla
Director at Large
Luna Dance Institute
(510) 883-1118, ext. 3
Aloha this letter is in support for funding for Halau of Oiwi Art . Supporting this endeavor allows for future generations to Learn of the host culture. It will create a unified center of knowledge for all. Supporting this will truly show the respect we have for Hawaiian culture.
Analu Okimoto
Waikapu
Testimony in Strong Support of Funding for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art (“HOA”)
Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Hi’ilei Maxwell-Juan and I was born and raised on Maui. I am also a Kumu Hula of Pukalani Hula Hale, previously co-Kumu with Aunty Nina Maxwell my mother until her passing in 2006. 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. Being the host culture of the islands, we should have a space dedicated and Hula is integral to the culture of our community. It preserves knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Hula and hālau hula also represent our islands throughout Hawaiʻi and the world. On Maui, so many of the hālau hula, kumu hula, and practitioners have brought so much joy and pride to our island. 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. As we all know Maui is No Ka Oi(is the best). 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.
Pre covid, I held papa Hula (Hula classes) at Pomaika’i Elementary School. Now I am teaching in the back yards of my Haumana, parks and via zoom because Schools will not allow anyone renting out space anymore. Funding for me is minimum and not able to rent large stores or warehouses. This would be a dream come true to finally have a home.
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.
Mahalo nui,
Hi’ilei Maxwell-Juan
Aloha,
My name is Malulani Bulawan. I support the funding of the Halau o ‘Oiwi Arts.
I have been a hula dancer since the age of four & hula is as important to me as any “sport” that has received funding is the past. We have parks for baseball, basketball & skate parks but no where to practice & support hula. Hula is part of the host culture & deserves more recognition than lu’au shows or Merrie Monarch. Yes we have the Maui Arts & Cultural center but who’s culture are they supporting? I don’t see many events that support Hawaiian culture. I am tired of being exploited for profit & just want a place that supports my cultural practice of hula.
Mahalo.
Malulani Bulawan