MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021 AT 2:30 PM
VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM: VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE
Commission Members Present were:
Maenette Ah Nee-Benham
Snowbird Bento
Māpuana de Silva
Jarrett Keohokālole
Jamie Lum-

Richard Onishi
Makanani Salā
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu-

John Aeto
Kiele Amundson
Amber Bixel
Manu Boyd
Maka Casson-Fisher
Ilihia Gionson
Lynn Martin Graton
Monte McComber
Aaron Salā
Malia Sanders-

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Kamehameha Schools
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA)
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Public Member
Royal Hawaiian Center
University of Hawai‘i/Royal Hawaiian Center
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association

Margaret Ahn
Marlene Hiraoka
Selma Malcolm
Timothy Tiu
Scott Tome-

Deputy Attorney General
DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT

Apologies:
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Chair-

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee

Governor’s Designee
Community Member At-Large (arrived at 2:32p)
Community Member At-Large
Senate President’s Designee (arrived at 2:32p)
Department of Business, Economic Development
and Tourism (DBEDT)House Speaker’s Designee
City and County of Honolulu Designee
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Designee(arrived at 2:32p)

Guests:Staff:

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 2 of 9

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Makanani Salā at 2:30 p.m., who welcomed
everyone present via ZOOM and Facebook Live.
Vice-Chair called upon Ms. Lum to introduce Mr. Manu Boyd who was invited to do the wehena(opening) on behalf of Commissioner Lum and DBEDT.
In 1985, Mr. Boyd mentioned that he was one of the performing artists at FestPAC and the
youngest dancer during the event in Aotearoa. Mr. Boyd understands the purpose and meaning of
the Festival and draws upon the values and history contained in the Hawaiian culture to assist
and guide the work of this commission.
Mr. Boyd first shared about an upcoming holiday in Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha Day which iscelebrated on June 11th annually. He provided historical information and advised that although
it is widely regarded that June 11 is the birthdate of Kamehameha ʻEkahi (I), it is not his actual
birthday. In 1871, Kamehameha ʻElima (V) wanted to celebrate the birth of Kamehameha as his
kūpuna kāne (grandfather). Kamehameha ʻElima (V) considered using his own birthday
December 11, however, because December is typcially in the rainy season, he decided to movethe occasion up six months to June 11 so that the weather would be more condusive to publiccelebrations.
Mr. Boyd next spoke about the oli (chant) he would share to provide context for commissioners
and the public.
“Kalani Nui Mehameha” was written by High Chiefess ʻUlulani of Hilo in 1789-1790. This oli
makes references to ho'okipa (hospitality) which, on behalf of kūpuna (elders), means we must
treat people with the utmost respect. He acknowledged that without the efforts of Ms. de Silva,
the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the Kamehameha Schools, Hawai‘i would noteven be considered to be included in FestPAC as we are part of the United States. The
aforementioned individuals and organizations were instrumental in creating the opportuntiy for
Hawai‘i to participate in FestPAC these many years and to now host the Festival for the very
first time. Soon, Hawai‘i will be the host of FestPAC and we need to consider how we execute
our mea ho'okipa (hospitality style) and this oli shares some important reminders. The elementsof hoʻokipa gave meaning to entering the house -- we have the responsibility to our lāhui(nation) to express this hoʻokipa in the most honorable and respectful way as we welcome ourguests into our home. The oli Mr. Boyd shared epitomized the challenge given to Kamehameha
ʻEkahi (I) to pull the islands together and this is a metaphor for our commission to pull so many
resources, people, and organizations together to accomplish this Festival.
Vice-Chair expressed her mahalo (gratitude) to Mr. Boyd and mentioned that no one tells a story
like he does.
At this time, Vice-Chair Salā introduced the newest Commissioner, Dr. Maenette Ah NeeBenham who is the Chancellor at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. Dr. Benham thanked
Commissioners and feels it is an honor to be of service along with everyone on the Commission.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 3 of 9

PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Vice-Chair invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, she
continued with agenda items.
APPROVAL OF MAY 17, 2021 MEETING MINUTES
The minutes were distributed and reviewed by Commissioners. Vice-Chair Salā asked for a
motion to be made and it was made by Ms. Lum and seconded by Mr. Onishi to adopt theminutes unamended. A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners
approving the motion to approve the minutes: Vice-Chair Salā, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Lum, Ms.
Wong-Kalu, Mr. Keohokālole, Mr. Onishi, Ms. Bento, Ms. Benham.
Motion was unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION OF FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Vice-Chair Salā mentioned that initially as discussed during the last meeting, Commissioners
would be discussing the position of the Festival Director and possibly offering nominations attoday’s meeting. She clarified that she will not be calling for a vote today without the Chairpresent. She also reminded the Commission that this position will not be acted upon until 2022
if and when funding becomes available.
Ms. Bento asked for clarification about whether during the discussion on Festival Director,
Commissioners would be fleshing out kuleana (responsibilties and duties) as stated in the
FestPAC manual and/or also making nominations. Vice-Chair indicated that there would be noformal nominations made at this meeting and that the vote would be done at the next meeting.
She mentioned that it would be good to discuss narrowing the scope of the position during thismeeting.
Ms. Benham noted that since this is her first meeting, she was interested in hearing theperspectives of other Commissioners regarding the position of Festival Director. To begin, ViceChair asked Ms. de Silva to share her thoughts.
Ms. de Silva expressed that the Festival Director is the individual who would make sure that the
Sub-Committee Chairs and their teams are following through on their kuleana and that all work
is being completed at the direction of the Commission. The Festival Director and Honorary
Festival Chair will become the spokespersons for the Festival during public forums; making
requests for funding; conducting presentations; meeting with donors and sponsors; and othertasks. How Hawai‘i would like to present itself and to hoʻokipa relatives around the Pacificwould be represented by the Festival Director and Honorary Festival Chair. The Festival
Director is not expected to do the actual work but to follow the planning/scheduling matrix tomake sure that Sub-Committee Chairs are completing work in a timely manner.
Vice-Chair confirmed that the Festival Director is the Executive Director who would receive
guidance and direction from the Commission and ensure that all items in the Kuleana Matrix aredone well. Ms. de Silva commented that Hawai‘i will the first host to use the Festival Manual
which was created to be used as a guideline. We are able to adjust as needed to meet our needs.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 4 of 9

The overseeing body of FestPAC is looking to Hawai‘i to see what worked from the standpointof an actual working document.
Ms. Bento expressed that the Festival Director needed to have the knowledge, skills andexperience in order to succeed in fulfilling responsibilities.
Ms. Wong-Kalu thanked Ms. Bento for sharing her thoughts. Ms. Wong-Kalu indicated that, inboth cases, the Festival Director and Honorary Festival Chair would become ambassadors of ourpeople and our islands. They would be wearing the mantel of Hawai‘i and must conduct theirduties in that manner. She further mentioned that one of the most critical elements she sees isthat the individual should have previous experiences of managing other festivals, hence,
requiring little guidance. We need leaders who will be able to take the position and run with it.
Parallel to the Festival Director’s position is being a cultural ambassador. If and when there are
moments of challenges, the Honorary Chair also would be able to intervene on behalf of theFestival Director and the Commission. The “work horse” is not necessarily the one who is frontand center and visible. Both individuals will need to have the level of leadership and leadershipstyles that have a sense of aloha. And, as Mr. Boyd mentioned earlier, it would be their/our duty
to do so. Similar to what Mr. Boyd indicated, she agreed that at the end of the Festival, thetechnical details of money, numbers, logistics, etc. are important; however, what is mostimportant is to treat everyone as a noble guest, at our expense. The Pacific Islands have kept andpreserved their culture and Hawai‘i has struggled, however, we will rise up.
Ms. Benham expressed her thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts. She explained that she
has an idea of what the Commission is looking for in a Festival Director as someone who
represents all of us and who lifts us up. That is a tall order. There is a need for a goodcommunicator, someone who is transparent, has strong management and fiscal skills, someone
who can think outside of the box and someone who can engage Commissioners in theimplementation process.
DISCUSSION OF HONORARY FESTIVAL CHAIR
Vice-Chair Salā made reference to the discussion held during the last meeting regarding the
Honorary Festival Chair and the Festival Director and noted that the Festival Director would be
the “administration” and the Honorary Festival Chair would be similar to a diplomatic position.
Ms. de Silva stated that she would prefer to select the Festival Director before selecting the
Honorary Festival Chair. Ms. Wong-Kalu agreed. At the moment, we need a working person
and as the Hawaiʻi delegation begins to assemble, there would be a need for the Honorary
Festival Chair to step in to conduct Public Relations and Ambassador functions to build minds
and hearts, to teach, reinvigorate like the wind beneath the sails of the canoe.
Ms. Bento asked if there was a set time frame for nominations. Vice-Chair indicated that as soon
as there is a budget for these positions, decisions can move forward.
Ms. Wong-Kalu commented that another alternative would be selecting an individual who could
assume this position with their salary being paid by their employer. The Vice-Chair agreed thatis a possibility, too.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 5 of 9

Ms. Bento further commented that there might be in-kind service offered for an individual who
could do the work but paid by their employer because there may be organizations that are unable
to provide monetary donations, however, might be willing to offer their staff instead.
DISCUSSION OF REVISIONS TO THE FESTIVAL BUDGET
Vice-Chair Salā asked Ms. Lum to report on the festival budget.
Ms. Lum reported that she reviewed the budget and based upon the previous agenda item
discussions, it comes down to securing a paid Festival Director. The Festival Director would
want to shape the organization that would include individuals who would manage it. In looking
at the current 2022 budget of $3,000,000, half of that is for staffing considerations. Realisticallyat minimum, we need a Festival Director, an assistant and someone who would assist with
development and raise funds. For 2021, we do not have any resources available. We will needto look at 2022 unless there is an individual who would be assigned to this position by anorganization that would be considered as a donation. We are looking at budget figures ofapproximately $200,000 for three staff members; however, we haven’t considered if this is anappropriate or fair compensation level. Ms. Lum also mentioned that she and Chair Ka‘anā‘anā
spoke about issuing a Request for Information (RFI) related to fundraising.
Vice-Chair stated that if there are other priority areas that need to be addressed, she requested theCommissioners bring it forward to Ms. Lum.
Ms. Wong-Kalu and Ms. Bento offered to have a conversation regarding individuals who might
best serve as a Festival Director. Ms. Bento indicated that there is a need for someone who hascharisma and who knows how to work between governments as well as someone who possesses
cultural understanding. Ideally, we would like an individual who has the resources andmanpower who has the capacity to have people rally around them.
Sen. Keohokālole expressed that the discussions today and from the last meeting indicate that weneed an individual who can run a $25 million event. This is a team effort and we will bring
resources and kuleana. He agreed that the Festival Director needed to be recruited first. We
would need to look at the individual’s strengths and supplement accordingly. For him, hebelieves that ultimately, the first area of responsibility is someone who is inward looking, who
can facilitate an event and properly manage Hawai‘i. The Commissioners cannot write checks,
execute contracts, etc. so the Festival Director must be able to handle administrative matters firstand we, collectively, need to support.
Vice-Chair Salā asked about the skill set that would be desired so that staff would be able todevelop a position description.
Sen. Keohokālole asked Rep. Onishi for his thoughts. Rep. Onishi commented that thediscussion is interesting and that he has never attended FestPAC in the past. He was brought to
the Commission at the last minute to represent the House of Representatives. He mentioned that
he was not part of the discussion when the original concept was discussed three years ago. He
believes that the Commission is heading in the same direction, i.e., looking for an individual who

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 6 of 9

has attended previous Festivals, understands FestPAC, understands the Pacific nations,
understands the differences in cultures and the politics of the respective nations. He believes that
it is going to be difficult to find someone who has those skills, resources and experiences. Bothpositions need to complement each other. He agreed with Ms. de Silva that the Festival Director
has to be involved in the selection of the Honorary Festival Chair and that the relationshipneeded to be complementary. He expressed that the Commission should not have the same
perspective as in 2020 and that the Commission needed to take time to raise funds, etc. He also
agreed with Ms. Lum that a fund development manager would be needed. He also believes that
we need to see if there are community resources available to assist, too.
Ms. de Silva commented that, in her opinion, the Festival Director did not have to possess all
knowledge but must have a complete understanding of FestPAC. Commissioners will oversee,
however, will not do the work. It would be great if the Festival Director has ʻike (traditional
knowledge), however, the individual needed strong assistants. Also, each Commissioner has
their bucket of kuleana, too, so the Festival Director must have strong organization skills andwill need to assist Commissioners in following through with Sub-Committee Chairs.
Ms. Benham stated that she appreciated comments from Rep. Onishi and Ms. de Silva. She
asked whether it would be possible to have a couple of Commissioners meet and develop a
proposal as to what the Festival Director’s position could be. Vice-Chair deferred to Ms. Ahn
regarding this matter. Ms. Ahn agreed that only two Commissioners would be allowed to meetoutside of a public meeting. Vice-Chair indicated that in addition to Ms. Benham, the Chairmight be the second person to participate in this discussion.
VENUE FORMS UPDATE
Vice-Chair reported that as mentioned previously, the Convention Center layout is noted on thewebsite. She also reported that the City and County of Honolulu agencies have submitted theirvenue forms, and these have been circulated to Commissioners for review. Bishop Museum
forms are still pending at this time.
DISCUSSION OF FESTIVAL VENUES FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTSA.
Waʻa Ceremony
Ms. Bento stated that when looking at 2020 FestPAC, she realized that in selecting a site
such as the Keʻehi Lagoon, coordination and approvals are required from several
jurisdictions including the State Airports Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, etc. She
suggested that the Commission needed to be aware of these considerations. She alsomentioned that the Hikianalia and Hōkūleʻa will be away from Hawaiʻi on voyage in
2024. She suggested the possibility of using smaller waʻa (canoe) and those from canoe
clubs.
Ms. de Silva reported during the past five festivals, six- or eight-man canoes were used
for the Waʻa Ceremonies as opposed to using voyaging canoes. We will need to decide
what the ceremony will entail and decide its purpose. Usually, the head of state and theheads of delegations met at a designated location, boarded the waʻa and were paddled inwith a ceremony by the hosting delegation. Usually, there is a stage set-up, giftexchanges and a program as part of the symbolic ceremony. Once the Commission

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 7 of 9

decides upon how we want to present the Waʻa Ceremony, we will be able to select theproper venue.
Rep. Onishi stated that in preparation for the 2020 Festival, participation from othercountries did not materialize for the Waʻa Ceremony. As the search for venues andopportunities were conducted, the waʻa was to come through the Ala Wai Canal and the
ceremony was to have been held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center (HCC). The
Commission needs to determine the presentation of the ceremony if we are looking atparticipation from other delegations who would need to prepare to participate.
Ms. de Silva mentioned that all ceremonies in the past have been held at sunrise andparticipants were picked-up at 3:00 a.m. That was how it was done in the past; however,
we have the option to modify it as needed.
Ms. Bento reminded Commissioners that in 2020, the suggestion for the Waʻa Ceremony
to be held in the Ala Wai Canal was followed by a ceremony to be held at HCC. They
knew that it would not be the best location, however, at the time, Ala Moana/Magic
Island was undergoing construction and renovations. Kualoa and Keʻehi Lagoon werealso considered. We would need to reach out to the canoe clubs if we are looking at their
participation because they will need to prepare and check the conditions of the beach, etc.
Also, regarding the ceremony, consideration needs to be made regarding parking
availability, facilities, food and beverage offerings, etc.
Ms. de Silva asked if it was decided to invite racing and practicing canoes, could Ala
Moana be a possibility? Or, Mākaha or Kailua? It would be nice to consider
communities outside of Honolulu such as Waimānalo, Māʻili or Mākaha, too. Regarding
breakfast offerings, there is no need to offer a full breakfast since the participants will betransported back to their housing venues where breakfasts will be served. The WaʻaCeremony lasts for approximately one to two hours.
Ms. Bento added that for notes, consideration is being made for the following venues:
Magic Island; Keʻehi (Ms. Salā said the City is using the parking lots for the homeless);
Kailua; Kālia. Sen. Keohokālole likes the idea of going out to the community, however,there will be parking challenges, for example, in Kailua. Ms. de Silva indicated that
reserved parking would be available for dignitaries and that we would need to request theuse of schools for public parking. These individuals would need to be bussed in fromthose locations. For Kālia, we could approach Waikīkī area schools. Vice-Chair Salāasked Ms. Bento to provide a listing for the next meeting and that she will researchparking and other logistics necessary for each location.
B.

ʻAwa Ceremony
Ms. Bento indicated that previously, conversations were held at University of HawaiʻiWest Oʻahu and included Mr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, Mr. Aaron Salā, and others. At
the time, the ʻAwa (ceremonial drink) Ceremony was going to be held at Kūkaniloko fordignitaries and aliʻi (chiefly) families. University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu was willing tohost the delegate leads and the aliʻi families.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 8 of 9

C.

Opening Ceremony
Ms. Bento noted that usually, the Opening Ceremony was not held on the same day as theWaʻa Ceremony. Usually, the Waʻa Ceremony would be held the weekend before theopening of the Festival. However, we have a shortened Festival, and a venue in
discussion has been ʻIolani Palace who has already submitted the venue form. We arestill leaning towards ʻIolani Palace as the venue for the Opening Ceremony.

D.

Main Festival Village
For 2020, the locations considered were the Kakaʻako Waterfront Park at Coral Street –mauka (mountain-side), HCC, and Magic Island.
Ms. Bento stated that although there are funds located at HCC, there are opportunities toengage the community and ask for their support. For the most part, people would agree
that everyone would like to be outdoors, however, we need to be mindful regarding
permits, lighting, sound, etc. that would be required. We will need to see the extent ofcommunity support that can be achieved. If we are looking at proximity, Ala Moana
would be the ideal location for the Festival Village.
Ms. de Silva said that her first choice is Ala Moana/Magic Island. Although we havefunds at HCC, there will be opportunities to schedule other events there. Magic Island isin walking distance to HCC. She received information from Ms. Lynn Martin Graton
who organized a Smithsonian Festival for two weeks at Magic Island so there isprecedent established to request Magic Island.
A suggestion was made to prioritize locations as Magic Island and Kapiʻolani Park.

E.

Closing Ceremony
A suggestion to use Kapiʻolani Park was made. Ms. Bento also suggested that if theOpening Ceremony was held there after the Waʻa Ceremony at Kālia, that might be astrong possibility. If it was held at HCC, there would be more security, however, there
are many who strongly feel that dancing on earth is preferable.
Sen. Keohokālole said that there is still time to decide and to reach out to the community.
The Okinawan Festival and Makahiki events are held at the Kapiʻolani Park so he would
imagine that the Festival’s Opening Ceremony could be held there, too. He indicated that
he would be willing to engage in whatever protocol was necessary to make presentations
to the neighborhood boards and other officials/groups.
Commissioners felt that the Closing Ceremony held at Kapiʻolani Park would be a goodidea.
The Chair and Sen. Keohokālole could team-up to conduct presentations to the
Department of Parks and Recreation, the neighborhood boards and to otherofficials/groups. Discussion of financing can be considered after that.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, June 7, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 9 of 9

DISCUSSION ON FESTIVAL SUB-COMMITTEESA.
Defining Sub-Committees
B.
Organizational Chart
C.
2021 Workplan
D.
Objectives, Timeline & Milestones
E.
Development Workplan Templates for Sub-Committees
F.
Development of Sub-Committee Progress Reports Template
Vice-Chair Salā deferred this agenda item to next meeting.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Vice-Chair Salā invited the public to again offer comments. Hearing none, she continued with
the next agenda item.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice-Chair Salā invited Commissioners to share announcements.
Ms. Sanders indicated that in August, Ms. Lum will follow-up on new letters to be issued tothree Commissioners to extend their terms of office to August 31, 2025. She confirmed that
letters would be issued for Ms. Bento, Ms. de Silva and Ms. Benham.
Ms. Lum indicated that Governor Ige has until June 30, 2021 to sign the legislation that extends
the Commission’s end date.
NEXT MEETING
Vice-Chair Salā confirmed that the next meeting will be held on June 21, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chair Salā adjourned meeting at 4:21 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

07/08/2021
Makanani SalāVice-Chair

Date