DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM (DBEDT)MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FESTPAC) MEETINGTUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020 AT 3:00 PM
VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM: VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE

Commission Members Present were:
J. Kalani English, Chair
Richard Onishi
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Māpuana de Silva
Snowbird Bento
Mehana Hind
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Misty Kela‘i-

Senate President’s Designee
House Speaker’s Designee
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee
Community Member At-Large
Community Member At-Large
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Designee
City & County of Honolulu Designee

Monte McComber
Dennis Ling-

Governor’s Designee
Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism (DBEDT)

Jacob Aki
Kanoe Takitani-Puahi
June Matsumoto
T. Ilihia Gionson
Honey Maltin-Wisot
Maka Casson-Fisher-

Senator English’s Office
Mayor’s Office of the Culture and Arts (MOCA)
Pacific Islands Institute (PII)
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NHHA)
Strategies 360
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Margaret Ahn-

Attorney General’s OfficeJamie Lum
Marlene Hiraoka
Selma Malcom
Scott Tome

-

DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT

Guests:Staff:CALL TO ORDER
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chair English on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at
3:04 pm, who welcomed everyone present via Zoom.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 2 of 9

APPROVAL OF March 6, 2020 MEETING MINUTES
A. Minutes of the meeting held on March 6, 2020, were approved on a motion by Mr. Ling
and seconded by Ms. de Silva.
Motion was unanimously approved.
REPORTS
A. DBEDT Report:
Mr. Ling reported that with the postponement of the 2020 FESTPAC, DBEDT is waiting
to deposit existing funds already appropriated, to the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) as adeposit for dorm rooms for the new FESTPAC event date. He stated that funds alreadyencumbered with PAʻI Foundation and remaining funds from DBEDT would be
deposited with UH. Ms. Lum confirmed that the total amount of $1,324,392.77 in
funding is what is available that was already appropriated for FESTPAC. Chair English
asked if that is the amount that will hopefully be sent as a deposit to UH and Ms. Lum
confirmed that is was.
Rep. Onishi reported that he met with UH President Lassner and confirmed that UH iscurrently reviewing the Commission’s request, from a legal standpoint, as to whether
they will be able to accept a deposit for future FESTPAC housing. Should UH approve
the Commission’s request, there needs to be additional documentation that should be
provided that would accompany the agreement. He further mentioned that the total
amount will be dependent upon UH’s estimate of the future cost of dorm rooms. Rep.
Onishi said that the event date being used for the negotiations with UH is June 2021. If
the event dates change, a request to amend the agreement will be made accordingly. The
figure being used as a deposit is similar to the estimate used in the previous UH contract.
Again, the deposit with UH will be an estimated cost of dorm rooms for FESTPAC.
Ms. de Silva suggested that the Commission hold-off entering into any agreement and/or
deposits with UH because the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture (CPAC) is scheduled
to meet regarding the festival’s postponement and considerations of a future date. Once
the CPAC and the Pacific Community (SPC) have confirmed the date of FESTPAC, andaddressed whether Hawaiʻi will be the host for 2021 or another year should determine thenext steps regarding any payments to UH for dorm space. Ms. Kela‘i also concurred with
Ms. de Silva’s recommendation and also suggested that the Commission wait until more
information/confirmations are received from the SPC.
Rep. Onishi said that the Commission needs to make its own decisions regarding entering
into an agreement with UH that would include a deposit for future dorm space. Chair
English reminded members that these decisions are not sequential. If the Commission
doesn’t have a plan for the existing funds, those funds, if not encumbered, would be
returned to the State General Funds.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 3 of 9

Rep. Onishi suggested that, as an alternative, the Commission consider using remaining
funds to add as a deposit to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. If there is a difference
between the UH amount and balance, we might consider moving that funding to theConvention Center. Mr. Ling agreed that the second option would be to deposit any
remaining balance at the Convention Center. Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā also concurred that thosearrangements would be possible.
Chair English commented that costs will rise next year so as long as we have two venues
to deposit funding into, we will be able to preserve funds already appropriated.
Mr. Ling asked about whether the existing two contractors, Pacific Islands Institute (PII)and Strategies 360 (S360) should continue to work on FESTPAC. For PII, he felt it may
not be necessary since they have already completed their scope of work through April.
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that it would be important to continue sending information tocommunities. Chair English suggested that the Commission allow S360 to continue.
Ms. de Silva questioned whether anyone has been vetting the content that S360 has been
distributing. Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā confirmed that he has been vetting all content provided by
S360. The Chair confirmed that DBEDT may continue working with S360.
B. Artistic Director’s Report:
Ms. Bento reported that she is still using the participant grid that was created for
FESTPAC 2020; however, if the event is moved to 2024, she will need to revise theinformation. Currently she is working on two plans – one for 2021 and another for 2024
so that the Commission will be ready for both time frames and invitation letters andproposed activities can be sent to participating countries once the date has been
confirmed.
The Chair thanked Ms. Bento for maintaining the information on the grid. The grid is
important so that we will be ready to move forward upon receiving confirmation of the
new FESTPAC date.

C. Festival Coordination Directors Report:
Chair English reported that he and Rep. Onishi have been monitoring the status oflegislative matters related to FESTPAC. The Legislature will be reconvening on May 11
to discuss/pass budget bills. It does not appear that the Legislature will review additional
appropriation bills. The committee chairs believe that the best option for Hawaiʻi is forthe festival to be held in 2024 because it will give the Commission more time for funddevelopment and overall planning and presentation.
Mr. Ling questioned the status of legislative measures to extend the Commission. The
vehicle extends the Commission until 2022, however, this may not be decided upon
during this Legislative Session. Chair English and Rep. Onishi will prepare for theselegislative measures during the regular session of 2021.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 4 of 9

Chair English also reported that he has been in discussions with Pacific Islands regional
representatives. One option that has been discussed is the opportunity to modernize
FESTPAC given the current circumstances. The physical meeting, i.e. Festival, willcontinue to be held every four years. Minister of Pacific Peoples in New Zealand and thePrime Minister of the Cook Islands were excited about connecting artists virtually prior
to the in-person Festival. The opportunity to continue to meet organically and virtuallywith projects, etc. is tremendous and would contribute to the overall presentation anddevelopment during the interim years of the Festival.
D. Marketing and Sponsorships Director’s Report:
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā reported that he has not proceeded with sponsorship development. He
would like to have a discussion later with Mr. Ling regarding sponsorships going
forward. The Chair added that the merchandising and related plans are currently on hold,too. Social media report by Strategies 360 submitted to all members and posted online
for public.
F. Venues/Facilities Director (Mike McCartney) Report:
Mr. Ling covered this in the DBEDT report given earlier.
G. Support Services Director Report:
Ms. Kela‘i reported that she is happy to be joining in today’s meeting. She wanted
Commission members to understand that her position, as well as Ms. Takitani-Puahi’s
position, are Mayoral appointments that will end early next year. She further mentionedthat the Executive Director’s position is currently assigned to the Mayor’s Office on
Culture and the Arts (MOCA), however, there is a chance that it will be attached toanother department within the next Administration’s organization. She is taking notes for
all the work she and Ms. Takitani-Puahi have done and copies will be given to theCommission. Originals will be in the City office. She will continue to serve on theCommission until her term ends.
Chair English shared that Ms. Kela‘i’s files are immaculate and expressed muchappreciation and thanks to both Ms. Kela‘i and Ms. Takitani-Puahi for all their assistance.
Ms. Bento asked if Ms. Kela‘i could remain as a member of the Commission. Ms. Kela‘iexpressed that it has been a pleasure for her to serve with members of the FESTPAC
Commission. Chair English expressed that Commission meetings will continue andmembership of the Commission may be discussed and amended accordingly in the future.
Ms. de Silva commended Ms. Kela‘i and Ms. Takitani-Puahi for their tireless efforts,
being well-prepared and for their forward-thinking ideas during the planning of thisyear’s Festival. She commended them for their outstanding work and for their support ofthe lāhui, kanaka maoli and our communities. Ms. de Silva further added that we cannot
thank these two ladies enough for their commitment to the Festival.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 5 of 9

Ms. Takitani-Puahi commented that if the Commission is interested in exploring other
City properties for the future Festival, they welcome those inquiries so that she and Ms.
Kela‘i can obtain more information about those venues and connect Commission
members with appropriate City personnel.
Chair English stated that, on behalf of the entire Commission, he thanked Ms. Kela‘i and
Ms. Takitani-Puahi for all their efforts and outstanding job in coordinating all details with
City administrators to plan FESTPAC venues. He also is supportive of the idea for theircontinued involvement and participation during future Festival planning.
F. Residential Operations Report:
Ms. Hind reported that new Festival dates will trigger more movement for thiscommittee. This committee developed a good foundation in securing accommodations
for the 2020 event date. Chair English said a good template was developed that included
a housing plan. Ms. Hind expressed that she was concerned about VIP housing
requirements for the next FESTPAC.
Ms. Matsumoto of PII said she would recommend including VIP rooms in futuresponsorship packages. She suggested that Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā include this item in futuresponsorship packages and possibility of hotels to sponsor rooms/in-kind exchange. Ms.
Bento suggested that negotiations regarding all sponsorship packages could includedelegation performances at those properties.
Mr. Ling reported that regarding the UH Housing proposal, UH informed DBEDT that
there were two cancellations that may be charged to the department. DBEDT does notagree with this policy because those reservations were scheduled for May and given the
COVID pandemic situation, those events would probably not have taken place.
Rep. Onishi questioned about who from UH surfaced this matter. Ms. Matsumoto
confirmed that Ms. Furutani of UH Housing is the staff member who indicated that UH
had to turn away other business because of FESTPAC. Ms. Matsumoto requested UH to
identify the groups that cancelled their reservation. She would like to confirm whether
those groups booked accommodations elsewhere and later released space. Rep. Onishi
said that we need to address this concern with UH Housing after we move forward with
the new Festival dates. In the event of other cancellations, there should be no recovery
cost imposed on the State.
E. Administration Director’s Report:
Mr. McComber reported that there have been various discussions about an online
platform for the Youth Ambassador program. Kamehameha Schools and Kaimuki HighSchool are willing to move forward with a pilot program this fall with student leadersparticipating in the Youth Ambassador conference. In addition, there are discussions

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 6 of 9

about using filming as one of the strands for the Youth Ambassador conference in 2021.
The Hawaiʻi Film Festival model is being considered for this aspect of FESTPAC.
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā stated that we need to be progressive and use technology efficiently;
however, he also expressed caution that moving meetings virtually may present
challenges because of WiFi/broadband accessibility. With good planning, practitioners
can be supported by utilizing technology for programming options.
Mr. Ilihia Gionson said that connecting via virtual gathering is not an individual pursuit.
Our member nations can connect in their homelands and are connecting.
Chair English shared, as an example, that Hana wants to keep its community closed fromover-tourism. The Chair said that communities might consider developing protocols
regarding controlling numbers of visitors to respective regions. He also shared the Palau
Pledge as an example where a visitor’s passport is stamped and the traveler is required tosign a pledge. The Chair suggested that Hawaiʻi might consider setting up a similarsystem and suggested that, on a larger level, Hawaiʻi could consider including a pledge
on the agricultural form that arriving passengers are required to complete. He asked Mr.
Ka‘anā‘anā whether HTA could consider this suggestion.
Rep. Onishi said that there was a social media attempt to protect the land, etc. and being
good stewards. The Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has a template towork on a similar message. Although visitor monitoring requires that a visitor sign adocument/pledge, it is still difficult to control people’s social behavior. Comments weremade that the majority of people are considerate and it is not their intention to desecrate
the land.
Rep. Onishi expressed concern regarding the Governor’s 7th Proclamation that was issued
on May 5 allowing more businesses/retail to open. He is concerned that this messaging
will encourage visitors to travel to Hawaiʻi and that the State will see a spike in visitor
arrivals.
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that pledges are ideal for communities but cautioned that it
does not carry much weight. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) has included in its
Strategic Plan, a mālama mandate for kamaʻāina and visitors to follow rather than apledge. Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā further expressed concern with the framework and structure of
Hawaiʻi’s overall tourism industry. Pledges are nice to have but do not control behavior.
He summarized that one third of the 67,000 available rooms in Hawaiʻi are considered
upscale. Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā looks forward to exchanging meaningful discussions on policy
development for the industry, however, indicated that the private sector controls theoverall pricing of rooms.
Chair English said that in discussions with both Hana hotel managers, there appears to bemuch hostility against tourism. Going forward, the industry needs to engage
communities that should also include policies regarding kamaʻāina, too.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 7 of 9

NEW BUSINESS
A. UPDATED DISCUSSION: COVID-19 and Impacts
Chair English reported that FESTPAC was the first major event to be postponed due tothe global pandemic. He commended the Commission for making hard decisions
expeditiously during the unprecedented developments that occurred at the timesurrounding the pandemic.
On May 5, Governor Ige announced relaxing some of the rules and that would allow
select businesses to open. According to the Governor’s Proclamation, those businesses
would be able to open from Thursday, May 7. The Chair believes that there is a push tonormalize and get businesses operational again.
Chair English reminded members that there were three spikes during the pandemic of1918. Regarding COVID-19, we are at the top of the first spike. He urged Hawaiʻi tolook at history and be cautious about moving forward. As a Commission, thought must
be made to consider our communities and the Pacific “bubble” that has, so far, protected
the island communities. These nations have been relatively spared from the pandemic.
When Hawaiʻi opens and allows visitors in, there needs to be protocols developed to
manage the expected influx of tourists. The question remains, from a policy level, howmust Hawaiʻi prepare for those challenges.
Ms. de Silva stressed that decisions need to be made in terms of instituting quarantines.
There is concern and fear about hosting the Festival in 2021 because vaccines are notexpected to be ready until mid-way of 2021. There is also the question about whether the
Pacific nations will have the funds to acquire vaccines for their populations. If
quarantines are still mandated, it is not reasonable to host the event in Hawaiʻi in 2021.
We also will not know how stable each of the countries will be next year.
Ms. Bento agreed with Ms. de Silva. It is difficult to imagine how countries and Hawaiʻiwill be able to secure financial support of the Festival if it is held in 2021. In Hawaiʻi, it
will be difficult for sponsors to support the event. The idea of executing elements of theFestival via virtual meetings is positive given the current worldwide pandemic and postCOVID-19 considerations.
Members continued that there is a need to be concerned for all as planning continues.
Ms. de Silva commented that this is a good opportunity for Hawaiʻi to relook at tourism.
Although our State relies on tourism, there should be strategies developed to decrease thenumber of visitors to Hawaiʻi. Commission members want to be positive and host a greatFestival without fears.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 8 of 9

Rep. Onishi agreed that moving forward, there are many considerations related tologistical issues and other concerns before Hawaiʻi opens up. He agreed with Mayor
Caldwell that opening up some businesses on Thursday, May 7 was too soon. Businesses
need time to prepare for being operational again. The other big issue is monitoring andenforcing rules and other mandates. If there is a local spike, no one is sure whether
Hawaiʻi will be prepared. General Hara reported to the House COVID Committee thatthe Department of Health is not on board to conduct general testing in the community andcontact tracing.
Ms. Kela‘i mentioned that local artists that were supposed to participate in FESTPAC arefacing much financial hardship. When Hawaiʻi hosts the Festival in the future, we need
to be confident that everyone is ready and able to participate.
Ms. Hind stressed that the Commission should decide, amongst its members, on how to
prepare a compassionate response to what is occurring in the world. For example, theCommission might want to have a drop-dead deadline and request that Hawaiʻi would
like to host the Festival in 2024. Our Pacific region is in a bubble and doing well with nocases of COVID-19. Once travel begins, the Pacific islands will be vulnerable and most
likely experience spikes in COVID cases.
Ms. Hind also suggested that a fund be established to support artists to attend theFestival. The Commission (and SPC) should explore how the mission of FESTPAC getscarried out during these times of uncertainty. We do not want Hawaiʻi to be the cause of
spikes in the Pacific. Although we do not have intel as to when a vaccine will beavailable, Hawaiʻi should display leadership in trying to create a fund for artists to access.
Chair English agreed that, at the moment, everything is on the table. He expressed
appreciation for all the ideas shared and acknowledged that we need to bring theseconcepts aligned with the current world situation that would allow artists from Hawaiʻiand the Pacific to thrive.
B. SUNSET DATE of the Commission:
Chair English reported that there is a bill in the Legislature related to extending the termof the FESTPAC Commission. If the Legislature adjourns before moving the billforward, there is still time to surface the bill during the 2021 Regular Session and move it
forward accordingly.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: (Submitted via email):
A. Bishop Museum
Ms. Bixel expressed continued support of FESTPAC. The Museum is working on areopening strategy to make their campus available to the community once the COVID-19

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 via ZOOMPage 9 of 9

stay-at-home order is lifted. They are looking forward to June 2021 with anticipated
events/performances: Pacific Carving Village (possible June 2021)/discussions for
symposium with Carvers for Summer/Fall 2020, Hawaiian and Pacific performances(possible Summer 2020 till 2021), Pow Wow! The First Decade exhibition and changing
exhibition of Sullivan collection (June 2021).
CLOSING REMARKSIn closing, Chair English repeated that we must have our communities live and thrive andthat these aspirations are all a part of the Arts. Planning, ideas, and options are all
germane as to how we move forward to develop the Festival. Let us create a new worldof happiness and prosperity. With that, our visitors will also feel the same and thrive.
The Chair suggested that discussions continue with the SPC to move FESTPAC to a
virtual space during the interim. FESTPAC can be a strong force for more discussion.
Ms. de Silva shared that Hawaiʻi will request its intention to move FESTPAC in Hawaiʻi
to 2024, for the sake of the region. She also mentioned that Hawaiʻi is fortunate to have aseat on the Council. The Chair added that there may be internal politics within the region
that will drive decision-making when Ms. de Silva meets with the SPC.

DATE OF NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. via ZOOMADJOURNMENTThe Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,_________________________________
Senator J. Kalani English
Chair

May 14, 2020________________________
Date

May 19, 2020
TO:
FR:
RE:

Dennis Ling, DBEDT
Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Commissioner
S360
FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Website & Social MediaThis memo provides a brief overview of work performed from May 1-May 19, 2020. It details the
project deliverables and next steps.

OVERVIEW
S360 has continuously maintained and updated the FESTPAC website and social media pages
as Hawaiʻi navigates through this Cpandemic. We continue to monitor media and website
inquiries and post on FESTPAC’s social media platforms weekly.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES
•
•

•
•

Social media posts across all platforms, responding to inquiries/comments, as needed
Websiteo Continue receiving and monitoring email inquiries and volunteer submissionso Adjust filters to eliminate spam in inbox
Responded inquiries via social media
Monitored social media for festival-related posts

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYTICSooo

Website (Last 14 days)▪ Sessions up 9%▪ Session duration: up 49%▪ Users up 15%▪ More than 170 new users in the last week
Facebook: 2,478 Followers▪ 6 new followers▪ Post reach: 2.6K
❖ Most Popular: May Day is Lei Day
Instagram▪ 478 followers (12 new)
▪ Reach:626▪ Instagram Story with Distancing Hawaiʻi-style made at least 200 impressions▪ Most popular post: “Ka lā i ka Mauilola” (5/11)• 851 FORT STREET MALL, SUITE 500 • HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96813 • (808) 524-1100

2|PageoTwitter (28 Day Summary)▪ 87 Followers (+2)
▪ Tweet Impressions: 1,700NEXT STEPS•••Continue to monitor website and social media pages
Continue weekly posts on social media
Continue to compile assets for FESTPAC Hawaiʻi promotion on social media• 851 FORT STREET MALL, SUITE 500 • HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96813 • (808) 524-1100

3|Page• 851 FORT STREET MALL, SUITE 500 • HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96813 • (808) 524-1100