MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023, AT 3:00 PM
VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM:VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE
Commission Members Present were:
Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā- Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Designee
Maenette Ah Nee-Benham - Governor’s Designee
Sylvia Hussey- Office of Hawaiian Affairs Designee (Arrived 3:27p.m./Departed 3:42 p.m.)
Jarrett Keohokālole
- Senate President’s Designee
Jamie Lum
- Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism(DBEDT) DesigneeRichard Onishi- House Speaker’s Designee (Arrived 3:17 p.m.)
Kehaulani Puʻu- City and County of Honolulu Designee
Guests:Micah ‘Ākau
Maka Casson-Fisher
Eric Chang
Irina De La Torre
Lynn Martin Graton
Kealiʻi Haverly
Monte McComber
Ngahiraka Mason
Keala Patterson
Aaron Salā
Mālia SandersKaʻiulani Spencer
Pris Texeira
Staff:
Elise Amemiya
Timothy Tiu
Scott Tome
Marlene Hiraoka-Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Public Member
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Public Member
Public Member
Commission Liaison to CPAC
Public Member
Office of the Governor
Festival DirectorNative Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Public Member-Office of the Attorney General
DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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Apologies:
Snowbird Bento
Mapuana de Silva-Community Member At-Large Designee
Community Member At-Large Designee

CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m. He thanked and welcomed allpresent online and turned over the wehena (opening) to Mr. Casson-Fisher from the HawaiʻiTourism Authority (HTA). Mr. Maka Casson-Fisher invited all present to engage in the oli(chant) entitled Nā ʻAumākua (adapted from Hawaiian Antiquities by David Malo) filling in theblank section with your organization name.
Chair thanked Mr. Casson-Fisher for the wehena then conducted a roll call of Commissioners
present: Chair Kaʻanāʻanā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Mr. Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, and Ms. Puʻu.
Ms. Bento, Ms. Hussey, Ms. de Silva and Mr. Onishi were excused.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, he proceededwith the rest of the agenda items.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 5, 2022, MEETING MINUTESThe December 5, 2022, minutes were distributed and reviewed by Commissioners. Chair asked if
there were any comments or changes to the minutes. Hearing none, he asked for a motion to bemade and it was made by Ms. Ah Nee-Benham and seconded by Ms. Pu‘u. A roll call vote wastaken with the following Commissioners approving the motion to approve the minutes ofDecember 5, 2022: Chair Kaʻanāʻanā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Mr. Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, andMs. Puʻu. The meeting minutes of December 5, 2022 we approved unamended.
REPORT ON PERMITTED INTERACTIONS, PURSUANT TO ACT 103, SESSIONLAWS OF HAWAIʻI 2021
Chair reported that the Administrative Committee (AC) met on January 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. andMs. Ah Nee-Benham will be providing a report.
Chair requested that the Administrative Committee’s report be taken up prior to the Festival
Director (FD) report and that he would therefore be taking agenda items out of the original orderthey were in on the agenda for this meeting. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham also advised she may need todepart the meeting early and asked for the courtesy to present first. Chair reminded members ofthe public that they are welcomed to testify on any agenda item after each agenda item ispresented and discussed by the commission.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING ADMINISTRATIVECOMMITTEE UPDATE
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā turned over this portion of the agenda to Ms. Ah Nee-Benham who lead thediscussion.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reaffirmed that the AC met on January 9, 2023. She explained that there
were updates since the AC meeting was held. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham will provide updates first andMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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then into discussing administrative and management matters. Most of the updates that she will bepresenting will also be included in the Festival Director’s report. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham informed
Commissioners about the following updates that the AC worked on with the Festival Director:•••••

The official invitation to the Pacific nations does need to come from the Governor’s
Office on behalf of Hawai‘i. A request was sent to Governor Green who responded onDecember 26, 2022 to express his support. Mahalo to Mr. Onishi for assisting with thefollow-up on this matter.
The Festival website was developed by students of the University of Hawaiʻi – WestOʻahu (UHWO) through the Academy for Creative Media. This task has been completedand will be launched soon. The FD will provide more information about this matter in hisreport.
The 2020 marketing and collateral assets materials have been reviewed; however, thematerials need to be updated and redesigned which will require resources to accomplish
this task.
There are philanthropic supporters in the community, however, they are requesting a tax
receipt. A nonprofit entity is needed in order for funders to make philanthropic donations
to the Festival. Also, there are philanthropic and promise commitments that have been
made by supporters; however, the Commission needs a repository to accept thosecommitments/funds. The FD will provide more information related to philanthropic
giving that he has been working on.
The FD began planning in December for the March 13-17, 2023 The Pacific Community(SPC) visit since December. The FD will be reporting to the Commission regarding
housing and meeting spaces at the East West Center, ground transportation, food andother matters in his agenda item.

The topic that the AC would like to bring up with the full Commission today is related to seeking
a fiduciary sponsor because of the need to intake funds, disperse funds, account for and report onfunds received. For clarity purposes, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham requested Ms. Amemiya to provide
input, too, regarding this discussion. The AC met with Ms. Amemiya and after thorough reviewof Act 104, SLH 2017, she met with Ms. Hussey and Ms. Ah Nee-Benham and informed themthat the Commission does not have the authority to be soliciting for a fiduciary sponsor. Because
the Commission is administratively attached to the Department of Business, EconomicDevelopment and Tourism (DBEDT), it would be DBEDT’s responsibility to procure a fiduciary
agent to receive resources, execute Memorandum of Agreements, contracts, etc. In order to move
forward, the AC needs to work with DBEDT to procure a festival service provider that wouldinclude fundraising, planning, producing, and managing the Festival including payment ofexpenditures, etc.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham requested that the Commission procure a contractor for planning,programming, managing and executing the Festival as well as fiscal services related to receiving
and using resources. She requested giving the authority to DBEDT to solicit management andfiscal services for the Festival in one Request for Proposal (RFP). Ms. Ah Nee-Benham made amotion that the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture Commission authorize DBEDT toMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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procure a contractor to provide programming, planning, managing and fiscal services for theFestival. Ms. Lum seconded the motion. Chair asked for discussion.
At the moment, Festival Provider is the terminoly that is being used for this role. Ms. Pu‘ucommented and expressed that a contract needs to be executed for the job that the Festival
Director has been doing, however, that the additional scope of services would include thecollection of funds. Ms. Amemiya further clarified that the Commission does not have authority
to enter into contracts or issue RFPs, etc. Administrative authority, by definition, means thatadministrative support would come from DBEDT. Any RFP issued or funds appropriated to
DBEDT for administrative support will come from DBEDT because that is the agency that theCommission is attached to. The authority given to the Commission was stipulated in Session
Laws as opposed to in the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. The Commission’s function is limited anddoes not have the authority for contracting.
Ms. Hussey entered the meeting at 3:27 p.m. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham informed her that thecommission is currently in discussion and recapped the motion.
Chair confirmed that Ms. Pu‘u’s understanding is correct and added that fiscal services should beincluded in the Festival Provider’s role. Chair reported that one benefactor has donated $250,000
to the Festival and those funds will be deposited into the trust fund at DBEDT for thisprocurement. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham informed Commissioners that the position also will require
the Festival Provider to raise funds for the Festival.
Chair reaffirmed that the motion is for DBEDT to conduct the procurement of the Festival
Provider role. The AC’s responsibility is to work with DBEDT and partners in the process. Ms.
Lum further commented that she appreciated the motion being made and informed
commissioners that DBEDT would not be starting from scratch since an RFP was drafted several
years ago when the state was preparing for a 2020 date to execute the Festival. Ms. Lum assured
Commissioners that there are areas that need to be strengthened in the scope of services and thatwith the AC’s assistance, the RFP will be all inclusive and stronger.
Ms. Pu‘u asked about the FD’s current status. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham indicated that Mr. Salā iscurrently in a volunteer capacity as the FD. Ms. Amemiya expressed that the Commission isfortunate that Mr. Salā is assisting in that capacity.
Chair stated that anyone could bid on this competitive procurement. Chair asked if there were
any further questions. Hearing none, a roll call vote was requested with the following
Commissioners approving the motion to authorize DBEDT to solicit management and fiscal
services for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture: Chair Kaʻanāʻanā, Ms. Ah NeeBenham, Ms. Hussey, Mr. Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, Ms. Pu‘u. Motion to give authority toDBEDT for procurement purposes was unanimously approved. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham expressedthat she will follow-up with the Chair regarding next steps of this process.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE FESTIVAL
DIRECTOR REPORTMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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Chair called upon FD Salā to present his report. The FD presented his report as follows:
Update on SPC collaboration:
Ms. Letila Mitchell was hired and has been a key advisor and author of the FestPAC Handbook.
The FD has been meeting with her on a weekly basis. FD commented that she is an incredible
asset, similar to Frances and Luisa who assumed that role before her. He also acknowledged Mr.
Onishi for facilitating an introduction with Ms. Brooke Wilson and Ms. Erin Matsui of the Officeof the Governor. The invitation letter from Governor Green to the Pacific countries will be issuedsoon. He thanked Ms. Keala Patterson of the Governor’s Office for attending today’s meeting.
Update on Council for Pacific Arts and Culture (CPAC) meeting:
The FD presented the structure and schedule for the March 13-17, 2023, CPAC meeting. He
informed the Commission that the host country is responsible for ground transportation,
breakfast, lunch and venue costs. FD reported that on March 12-13, the delegates will be arriving
in Honolulu. On March 13-15, meetings will be held followed by lunch and site visits that wereapproved previously by the Commission. On March 15, following a brief visit to UHWO, thedelegation will be going to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The FD continued by reporting that
there will be a planned evening event at Lincoln Hall, East West Center (EWC). The venue isbeing coordinated by Mr. Eric Chang of the EWC and the FD expressed appreciation for theassistance. In addition, Mr. Burton White, facilities manager at EWC, is working directly with
SPC regarding proper translations, technical requirements, etc. that all need to be considered.
The FD reported that EWC will contribute to the venue cost and all delegates will be staying atLincoln Hall at the request of the SPC. The meeting agenda and structure have not been finalized
yet, however, the FD will be sure to engage the AC and the Venues Committee (VC) on planningdetails. The FD has been tasked by the Chair to obtain three quotations from food andtransportation vendors. Chair advised that quotations should go to DBEDT for processing ofpayments from the trust account. Chair thanked the FD for obtaining quotations.
Update on legislation relating to FestPAC:
Two bills have been introduced, SB449 and HB394. The House of Representatives has begun
accepting testimonies. Both bills are for fund appropriations to DBEDT. Any funds that areappropriated will be sent to DBEDT. FD will continue to keep everyone informed regarding thestatus of those measures. He also expressed that he has been receiving positive feedback fromlegislators.
Internal Update:
As mentioned earlier, the invitation letter from Governor Green is a priority. He is also working
on correspondence from the congressional delegation. Some of the information that has beenlacking is that the Congressional delegation is not knowledgeable about the Festival and has
asked about the United States and Hawai‘i’s role since the Festival began in 1972.

Update on Festival Website:

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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Once a Memorandum of Understanding has been executed, venues can be added to the website.
The FD would like to pair the launch of the website with an official press conference. He ishappy to defer to the Commission regarding the launch of the website and development ofmarketing resources. He also stated that similar to Ms. Ah Nee-Benham’s report, regarding
donations by potential philanthropists, these agreements are really handshake commitments tosupport the Festival. He would like to fulfill promises on behalf of the Festival, too.
This concluded the FD report. Chair shared that the Commission took a motion during a previous
meeting to authorize the Commission Chair to submit testimony on behalf of the Commission.
Chair entertained a motion to reaffirm the authorization to the Chair to submit testimonies onbehalf of the Commission. This would be especially important to reaffirm this responsibility as
testimony needs to be submitted regarding the two measures mentioned in the FD report. Ms. AhNee-Benham moved to approve the motion and Mr. Keohokālole seconded the motion. Chairasked if there were any further questions. Hearing none, a roll call vote was requested with thefollowing Commissioners approving the motion to authorize the Commission Chair to submit
testimonies on behalf of the Commission: Chair Kaʻanāʻanā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Mr.
Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, Ms. Pu‘u, Mr. Onishi.
At this point of the agenda, Chair indicated that Ms. Hussey left the meeting at 3:42 p.m.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING VENUES AND
PROGRAMMING COMMTITEE UPDATE
Chair reported that the Venues and Programming Committee did not meet and will defer thisagenda item and move on to the next agenda item.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair invited the public to again offer comments. Hearing none, he moved into announcements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair advised that in a meeting with DBEDT Director Chris Sadayasu, the responsibility ofadministrative support to the Commission will move from DBEDT to HTA. Chair expressed histhanks to DBEDT staff for their support during the past few years.
NEXT MEETINGThe next FestPAC Commission meeting will be held in-person on February 13, 2023, 3:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. This will be an in-person quarterly meeting to be held at the Hawaiʻi Convention
Center. Chair expressed his understanding that it might be difficult for Mr. Keohokālole and Mr.
Onishi to attend in-person due to the legislature being in session. The wehena will be presented
by the FD.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā adjourned meeting at 3:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, January 23, 2023, at 3:00pm
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Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā
Chair________________________
Date