Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC)
MEETING
Commission on the 13th
Festival of Pacific Arts &CultureChair
Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Monday, September 11, 2023
3:00 p.m.
This meeting will be via teleconference as authorized by and in accordancewith the requirements of Act 220 (SLH 2021).

Commissioners
Shanty Asher
City & County of Honolulu

Meeting will be live-streaming via ZOOM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82286016186

Snowbird Bento
Community
Māpuana de Silva
Community
Sen. Jarrett Keohokālole
Hawaiʻi State Senate
Colin Kippen
Office of Hawaiian Affairs

You may be asked to enter your name. The commission requests that you
enter your full name, but you may use a pseudonym or other identifier if you
wish to remain anonymous. You may also be asked for an email address.
You may fill in this field with any entry in an email format, e.g.,*****@***mail.com.
See page 2 for more information on connecting via Zoom or phone.

Jamie Lum
Dept. Of Business, Economic
Development & Tourism

Materials for this agenda and minutes of this meeting will be available at:https://invest.hawaii.gov/international/festival-of-pacific-arts-culture-festpac/

Makana McClellan
Governor’s Designee
Rep. Richard Onishi
Hawai‘i State House ofRepresentatives
Mail:
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
1801 Kalākaua Avenue, 1st Floor
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96815
festpachawaii.org
festpachawaii

AGENDAI.

Call to OrderII.

WehenaIII.

Public Testimony on Agenda Items

IV.

Report on Permitted Interactions, pursuant to Act 103, Session Laws
of Hawaiʻi 2021

V.

Approval August 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes

VI.

Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding Commission
Committee Compositions

VII.

Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding the Festival
Director ReportVIII.

Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding Administrative
Committee Update

IX.

Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding Venues andProgramming Committee Update

X.

Public Testimony on Agenda Items

XI.

Announcements

XII.

Next Meeting – September 25, 2023

XIII.

Adjournment

Members of the public who attend the meeting in-person are encouraged to wear masks;
however, it is not required. Masks are to be provided if requested.
Venue Location for those attending the in-person meeting:
Hawaiʻi Convention Center
1801 Kalākaua Avenue
1st Level / HTA Conference Room
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96815
Parking: Public parking is available at Hawaiʻi Convention Center (entrance on Kalākaua
Avenue) and will be validated.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Irina
De La Torre at (808) 973-2274 or email idelatorre@gohta.net as soon as possible, preferablyby two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Requests made as early as possible have agreater likelihood of being fulfilled.
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate/accessible formats.
Members of the public may submit written testimony via e-mail to idelatorre@gohta.net, or
via fax to (808) 973-2253, or via postal mail:
FestPAC Testimony
c/o Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
1801 Kalākaua Avenue, 1st Floor
Honolulu, HI 96815
Please include the word “testimony” and the subject matter following the address line.
For Public Internet access: You will be asked to enter your name in order to access themeeting as an attendee. The Commission requests that you enter your full name, but you may
use a pseudonym or other identifier if you wish to remain anonymous. You will be asked foran email address. You may fill in this field with an entry in an email format, e.g.,***@**mail.com. As an attendee, your microphone will be automatically muted during themeeting unless you are providing testimony. The Chair will call for public testimony during
the meeting.
For Public Phone access: You may get audio-only access by calling the Zoom Phone Number
listed on the confirmation email. Upon dialing the number, you will be prompted to enter the
Meeting ID which is also listed at the top of the agenda. After entering the Meeting ID, wait tobe admitted into the meeting. When the Chair asks for public testimony, you may indicate youwant to testify by entering “*” and then “9” on your phone’s keypad. After entering “*” andthen “9”, a voice prompt will let you know that the host of the meeting has been notified.
When recognized by the Chair, you may unmute yourself by pressing “*” and then “6” onyour phone. A voice prompt will let you know that you are unmuted. Once you are finishedspeaking, please enter “*” and then “6” again to mute yourself.
For both internet and phone access, when testifying, you will be asked to identify yourself andthe organization, if any, that you represent. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may state
this.

MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, AUGUST 07, 2023 AT 3:00 P.M.
VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM
Commission Members Present were:
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Chair
Shanty Asher
Māpuana de Silva
Colin Kippen
Jamie Lum-

Rep. Richard Onishi-

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee
City & County of Honolulu
Community Member At-Large
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
Department of Business, Economic Development
and Tourism (DBEDT)
Hawai‘i State House of Representatives

Aaron Salā
Letila Mitchell-Festival Director
SPC

Elise Amemiya
Micah ʻĀkau
Maka Casson-Fisher
Irina De La Torre-

Office of the Attorney General
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority-

Community
Hawaiʻi State Senate
Governor’s Designee

Guests:Staff:

Apologies:
Snowbird Bento
Sen. Jarrett Keohokāhole
Makana McClellan

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā at 3:02 p.m., who welcomed
everyone present via ZOOM.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā conducted the roll-call attendance. Chair Kaʻanāʻanā, Commissioner Asher,
Commissioner de Silva, Commissioner Lum, and Commissoner Onishi were present via Zoom.
Commissioner Bento, Commissioner Kippen, Commissioner Keohokālole, and Commissioner
McCellan were excused.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, August 07, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Page 2 of 6

Chair Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā shared a presentation on Hawaiian Exhibitions On The World Stage tostart the wehena (cultural opening). Chair Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā shared about how our kupuna andaliʻi decided to portray the Hawaiian culture at exhibitions worldwide since the late 1800s. The
exhibits featured various important parts of Hawaiian culture to highlight different parts of
Hawaiian culture such as feather making, lei, weaving, carving, and hula. Chair shared that wehave an opportunity to share our culture on a world stage again through the upcoming Festival ofPacific Arts & Culture in June 2024.
Also in attendance were Deputy Attorney General Elise Amemiya, Aaron Salā, as well as SPC
Letila Mitchell, as well as HTA support staff: Micah ʻĀkau, and Irina De La Torre.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMSNo testimony was received in advance of the day’s meeting. The chair invited members of the
public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, he continued with agenda items.
REPORT ON PERMITTED INTERACTIONS, PURSUANT TO ACT 103, SESSIONLAWS OF HAWAIʻI 2021
Hearing no additional meetings, the Chair continued with the next agenda item.
APPROVAL OF JULY 24, 2023 MEETING MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Onishi and Seconded by Commissioner de Silva to accept the
July 24, 2023 minutes unamended. There was no further discussion. Chair Kaʻanāʻanā conducteda roll-call vote. Chair Kaʻanāʻanā and Commissioners de Silva, Lum, Asher, and Onishi voted infavor of approving the unamended minutes of the July 24th, 2023 meeting. Commissioners
Bento, Keohokāhole, Kippen, and McClellan were excused. Motion passed.
Commissioner Kippen joined the meeting at 3:08 PM
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE FESTIVAL
DIRECTOR REPORT
Festival Director (FD) Salā provided an update regarding the following items: 1) SPC/WG –July/August Assessment with two sections: operations and support, and 2) Update on ‘Intent toParticipate’ forms.
FD Salā reported that the working group has asked the SPC to provide an ongoing monthly
assessment of Hawaiʻi as we prepare to host. The digital platform status has gone to red as theywait for the funding, and they are working with DBEDT to get that completed. They have started
working with Wondros to create the landing page but are waiting for the funding for the databaseand analytics build-out. Letila Mitchell was present with FD Salā and he mentioned they are
working on the operations of the festival planning. They are also working on the “terms ofreference” draft that the SPC requested.
The detailed plan for the implementation of the festival manual is not yet in place but theoperations plan is being developed and in process. This is also a key output for July and/or
August.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, August 07, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Page 3 of 6

The first draft of the detailed artistic and strategic programming outline that will be presented at
the CPAC meeting is in progress.
The biosecurity mechanisms are still in progress. The USDA is working in concert with HDOA,
the Governor's team, and the Department of Transportation. FD Salā mentioned they will be
convening a working group meeting with the Governor's cabinet in mid-August. This will
provide two members from each state department committed to operating on FestPAC.
There are no federal ICIP protections in place. Australia has committed as the chair of the sub
working group on ICIP protocols and protections and we will defer to their lead on this process.
FD Salā confirmed the following items are in a “green” status and completed:*Residential, First Head of Delegation Manual, Festival Communications PR, Country
Invitations, and Delegation participation. *Noted that if we surpass 1800 attendees,
conversations have already begun for a backup location to host surplus attendees.
FD Salā *reported on the intent to participate forms that have been turned in. he noted that those
who can bring 100 delegates are utilizing the full 100. *See attachment A for the report.
FD Salā lastly reported that with the intent to participate forms being turned in, they are now able
to effectively communicate specific details with each country on biosecurity and visas. Technicalsupport from SPC has been requested for the festival and establishing a festival secretariat is stillin progress. Commissioner Onishi asked if people who are attending are self-funded, do we haveto make any accommodations for them or if are they going to be doing that all on their own.
FD Salā responded that they would try to facilitate as much as possible with hotel blocks, andtransportation blocks and provide them a clear budget i.e. per person costs.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked, “Do we have the capacity at U H to handle that additional count?” FD
Salā responded that we do not and that we do expect to engage with other hosting venue(s).
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā requested that FD Salā create a more frequent cadence to report updates tokeep all commissioners abreast on current information and ongoing activities. FD Salā
mentioned that he can report out more often and at least 6 days before the meeting.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked if there was any action FD Salā wanted the commission to take today on
the report. FD Salā said there was no action to take today.
Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding Administrative
Committee Update
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā mentioned that the admin committee met on August 2nd at 3 PM. They
discussed the following items: Procurement exemption, B & F approval, request to waive, 10
percent allocation hold, and memo to DBEDT.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, August 07, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Page 4 of 6

The committee will be seeking a procurement exemption (Form SPO07) for the FY24 fivemillion-dollar budget appropriation from the legislature. Commissioner Lum has filled out
SPO07 and started the process to seek exemption.
Similarly, a formal request has been sent to waive the requirement of the 10 percent allocation
hold, which allows DBEDT to contract the entire contract at one time and not have to reserve
10% for the final payment.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked Commissioner Lum if the fund has been released. Commissioner Lum
confirmed that the fund has been released. They are now waiting for approval from B&F toofficially “contract” Gravitas.
Chair reminded everyone that they are taking all the proper necessary steps to request these
exemptions.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā mentioned that the Admin committee decided they will be transmitting amemo to DBEDT Director Tokioka requesting information on the following items:• Copy of festival service provider executed contract and any related documents.
o Reporting requirements related to the contract.
o Compensation and Payment Scheduleo Any work plans or propoSalāso The reporting requirements of the Festival Director to DBEDT• FestPAC 2023 Written Fundraising Plan, inclusive of tiers and identified
subcontractor(s)• A written update on FestPAC 2023 Venues
o List any Issues regarding Venue Confirmation• Clarification on Festival Director Salā’s request to establish a fiscal agent• 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture Website• Head of the Delegation dossierCommissioner Onishi asked, “Is the information we get from DBEDT going to be distributed tothe commission?” Chair Kaʻanāʻanā responded, “Yes, absolutely.”
No action was taken for this agenda item.
Presentation, Discussion and/or Action Regarding Venues andProgramming Committee Update
Commissioner Lum mentioned that the venue committee met on July 31st at 2 p.m. They
discussed two topics, the festival village and the venue for the waʻa ceremony.
Currently, the festival village will be at UH Manoa along the McCarthy Mall pathway.
Commissioner Lum noted there are some issues that need to be worked out with the university.
The issues mainly deal with the marketplace, building structures, and transportation. This
includes challenges selling items at the marketplace and building structures such as security andstorage.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, August 07, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Page 5 of 6

Due to these issues, the venues committee recommends using the Hawaiʻi Convention Center as
the venue. Although traditionally it has been held in an outdoor venue. The Hawaiʻi Convention
Center has been reserved and is able to remedy all issues we have with the UH Manoa location.
Commissioner Lum asked if an action was needed to adopt a recommendation.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā responded that the committee does not need to make a recommendation
because the recommendation to have an additional venue such as the Hawaiʻi Convention Center
was approved.
Commissioner Onishi expressed his support for utilizing the Hawaiʻi Convention Center as itprovides ample space for the public to experience the festival.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked if there were any objections to moving the festival to the Hawaiʻi
Convention Center. There were no objections.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā requested FD Salā to connect with Teri Orton on the construction of the center
to ensure proper execution and planning.
Commissioner Lum mentioned there is an ongoing discussion on what is the location for thewaʻa ceremony. She mentioned that currently Kualoa Ranch is proposed as the new location. FD
Salā commented that Kualoa seems like the proper site for the ceremony. Secondly, the Kualoa
location offers the opportunity to properly honor our ʻāina and have the traditional pieces of the
opening of the festival. This also allows us to start the festival on ʻāina and then move to the“urban” setting at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked if there were any objections to moving the festival to the Hawaiʻi
Convention Center. There were no objections.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā asked if there is a taputapuātea on the North Shore of Oʻahu. FD Sala
responded that there is but he has deferred to ʻohana waʻa on the ceremony location
recommendation. Chair Kaʻanāʻanā requested for the taputapuātea on the North Shore location to
be considered. FD Salā said that he could bring up the location recommendation.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā called a motion to approve Kualoa as the venue for the vaʻa welcoming
ceremony location. It was moved by Commissioner Onishi and Seconded by Commissioner Lum
to accept the There was no further discussion. Chair Kaʻanāʻanā conducted a roll-call vote. Chair
Kaʻanāʻanā and Commissioners Asher, de Silva, Kippen, Lum, and Onishi voted in favor toapprove the motion. Commissioners Bento, Keohokāhole, and McClellan were excused. Motion
passed.
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā noted from the prior discussion that the main festival venue will be at the
Hawaii Convention Center based on the commission's prior decision as a backup location.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMSMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, August 07, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Page 6 of 6

The chair invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, hecontinued with agenda items.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No Announcements
NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting will be held virtually on Zoom on August 21, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā adjourned the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā
Chair

Date

Delegation BreakdownDelegation Breakdown

th
13 FestPAC

Festival Director
ReportAaron J. Salā, PhD
11 September 2023

Order of Report
1. HOD Dossier
2. Delegation Breakdown
3. Strategies
Communications
Fund Development

4. Operations
Logistics
Venues

5. Programs
6. Committee Meetings & Reports

Head of Delegation Dossier• June 2023
• Monthly issue updates
through the SPC

Delegation BreakdownDelegation Breakdown

STRATEGIESCommunications Strategy

Fund Development Strategy

Communications Strategy
Goals:• Generate awareness and excitement of FestPAC 2024

• Engage community leadership, stakeholder groups and media• Raise awareness of Hawaiʻi’s role in the Pacific community

Communications Deliverables
August – October•Communications Protocol•

Proprietary Media•

Messaging•

Media Relations•

Other Background Material – brochure, visual assets

Fund Development Strategy
Goals:• Raise funds for FestPAC 2024

• Engage sponsors and donors prior to and during FestPAC• Enhance donor awareness/interest in FestPAC

Fund Development Deliverables[Aug – Sep]

[Oct– Feb]

[Feb – Apr] [May – Jun]

• Sponsors• Sponsorship• Sponsorship• Sponsor Benefits• Collateral Material

Solicitations

Solicitations• Sponsor Relations &• Initial Sponsor• Private Foundations• Hawaiʻi-based

Communications• Sponsors

Corporations• Sponsors

Operations• Logistics• Venues

Logistics• Government Relations, Security, Protocols• Residential• Transportation• Support Services• ShippingVenuesPrimary:
1. Hawaiʻi Convention Center
2. Bishop Museum
3. Hawaiʻi State Art Museum (HiSAM)

Hawaiʻi State Art Museum (HiSAM)

Committee Meetings & Reports

Mahalo