MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, MAY 16, 2022, AT 3:00 PM
EAST-WEST CENTER
Commission Members Present were:
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Chair
Maenette Ah Nee-Benham Māpuana de Silva-

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee
Governor’s Designee
Community Member At-Large (Arrived at
3:12 pm)
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
Senate President’s Designee
Department of Business, Economic Development
and Tourism (DBEDT)House Speaker’s Designee

Sylvia Hussey
Jarrett Keohokālole
Jamie Lum-

Richard Onishi-

Maka Casson-Fisher
Eric Chang
Sandra Flores-

Monica Guzman-

Nawahine Lanzilotti
Monte McComber
Kureha Pambid
Annie Reynolds
Aaron Salā
Mālia Sanders
Angie Taitagne-

Ricardo Trimillos
Suzanne Vares-Lum
James Viernes-

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
East-West Center
Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities
Agency (CAHA)
Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities
Agency (CAHA)
East-West Center
Royal Hawaiian Center
UH West Oahu
East-West Center
Festival Director
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities
Agency (CAHA)UH Manoa
East-West Center
East-West Center

Elise Amemiya
Timothy Tiu
Scott Tome-

Office of the Attorney General
DBEDT
DBEDT

Guests:Staff:

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:00pm
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Marlene Hiraoka

-

DBEDT

Apologies:
Snowbird Bento
Kēhaulani Puʻu-

Community Member At-Large
City and County of Honolulu Designee

CALL TO ORDER
At 3:06 p.m., Chair Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā welcomed all present. Chair then conducted roll call ofCommissioners: Chair, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Ms. de Silva, Mr. Keohokālole, Ms. Hussey, Ms.
Lum, Mr. Onishi. Ms. Pu’u and Ms. Bento were excused.
The wehena (opening) was conducted by Festival Director (FD) Aaron Salā. The FD related hisoli (chant) to Mānoa and the environment which he believes calls for growth, knowledge andalso seeking guidance from kupuna (elders). The FD further shared that it represents standing
upon a strong foundation.
Chair thanked Mr. Salā for the wehena. Since there were many new meeting attendees andguests, Chair requested for all present to do self-introductions.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, heproceeded with the rest of the agenda items.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 11, 2022, MEETING MINUTESThe April 11, 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. Hussey, seconded by Mr. Onishi. A roll call vote was requested
with the following Commissioners approving the motion to approve the minutes of April 11,2022: Chair Ka‘anā‘anā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Hussey, Ms. Keohokālole, Ms.
Lum, Mr. Onishi.
Motion to adopt the April 11, 2022, minutes, unamended, was approved.
REPORT ON PERMITTED INTERACTIONS, PURSUANT TO ACT 103, SESSIONLAWS OF HAWAIʻI 2021
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā reported that two meetings were held. The Administrative Committee (AC)met on May 2, 2022 and the Venues/Program Committee (VC) met on May 9, 2022. Details of
the meeting discussions will be covered later in the agenda.
PRESENTATION BY THE EAST-WEST CENTER REGARDING MISSION AND
PROGRAMS
Ms. Vares-Lum, President, East-West Center (EWC) provided background information about
EWC which was established by the United States Congress in 1960. The EWC’s mission is
identified as a place to build understanding, dialogue and relationships among heads of states,
ministers, and government leaders from the U.S. Asia and the Pacific. The EWC receives 80% ofMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:00pm
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its funding from Congress. They are grateful for the partnership with the University of Hawaiʻibecause all students who attend the East-West Center also attends the University of Hawaiʻi
campuses. The EWC also has an office in Washington, D.C.
The vision for the next ten years includes collaboration with partners to build a network ofleaders who can solve the challenges of the Indo-Pacific region in five priority areas:
1. Engaging and equipping the next generation of leaders.
2. Convening meetings at the Imin Center that was built was I. M. Pei who also built the
Louvre in Paris, France. Partnering with FestPAC in 2024 is perfect in that it highlights
the EWC as a convening space.
3. Focusing and acknowledging the Pacific as the piko (center) as all eyes are on the Pacific.
The timing of FestPAC, and what it represents, is in perfect alignment with EWC.
4. Supporting research on the environment and climate change.
5. Supporting open and transparent governments.
Dr. James Viernes who traveled from Guam, is the Regional Engagement and Development
Officer for the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP). The program advances themission as Ms. Vares-Lum outlined, however, also is involved in two other areas. The program
was envisioned by then Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Hawaiʻi Governor
George Ariyoshi as a place for countries to advance the collective development of agenda forthe region. The PIDP serves as a founding member of the Council of Regional Organizations of
the Pacific (CROP). PIDP works with government leaders and the CROP network and agencies.
PIDP is also the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) that includes
20 member governments, including the territories and State of Hawaiʻi. CROP and PICL
determine regional priorities for PIDP.
Chair thanked Ms. Vares-Lum for her presentation and for allowing the Commission to meet atthe EWC. On behalf of the Commission, Chair stated that he looks forward to the partnershipwith the EWC as we can see how important this is, not only for Hawaiʻi but as we connect with
communities across the Pacific. The Festival is about cultures and heritage and is not politicalin nature.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING ADMINISTRATIVECOMMITTEE UPDATE
Chair turned over to this portion of the meeting to Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Chair of the
Administrative Committee. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reported that a copy of the committee’s
minutes was included with meeting materials and that the Festival Director (FD) will provide
more information about during today’s meeting.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reported on the organizational meetings that the FD attended. She reported
that the FD provided an overview of The Pacific Community (SPC) and Council for Pacific Arts
and Cutlure (CPAC) meetings and also shared the presentation that he used during thosemeetings.

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Chair mentioned that Hawaiʻi is chair of FestPAC, CPAC and the Ministers Meeting.
Information about these entities was included in Commissioners’ meeting packet.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reported that although the AC discussed budget and fund development
strategies, there is currently no revised budget to present to the Commission because of a numberof variables. As soon as the venue, housing and programmatic matters are finalized, a revised
budget will be developed and presented to the Commission. Action items that will be required
include biosecurity, travel and State Department matters, University of Hawaiʻi, MOAs, etc. The
website is on track and will be launched this summer.
Chair refreshed everyone’s memory regarding the report that was commissioned by the SPC.
There were recommendations included in the report related to the Festival, a Hybrid Festival, andstreaming components which were all excellent points for CPAC and member countries to beaware of. There may be specific pieces articulated in the report that could be implemented in
2024. Ms. de Silva mentioned that she is familiar with the individual who prepared the reportwhich was very well done.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham commented that as FestPAC moves forward, there is interest in
approaching the Festival from a holistic perspective.
The Regional Cultural Strategy (RCS) was endorsed during the 5th Meeting of the Pacific
Ministers of Culture. It is important to think Hawaiʻi’s people and understand broader regional
goals that could be aligned from the perspective of a regional cultural strategy.
Mr. Keohokālole raised a question regarding the visa issue and suggested that the FD engage
Federal Government officials early because of the anticipated challenges ahead.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING VENUES AND
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE UPDATE
Chair turned over this portion of the meeting to Ms. Lum, Chair of the Venues and Programming
Committee (VC). Ms. Lum reported that the VC met on May 9, 2022 and the FD informed thecommittee that he continues to have ongoing discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi at
Mānoa (UHM). The UHM has requested for a comprehensive list of what the Commission
requires for the Festival Village (FV) and related venues.
Ms. Lum mentioned that once Commissioners complete the tour of the UHM campus today,
there will be a better sense of visualizing how the FV could be laid out. Once these details are
confirmed, the VC will then proceed upon discussing programming requirements.
Ms. Lum mentioned that Ms. Bento joined the VC meeting from Tahiti and reported that she has
been hearing from people in the region that there is concern about biosecurity and visa
challenges for the region. Mr. Onishi volunteered to schedule a meeting with our Congressionaldelegation while they are in Hawaiʻi this summer.
Mr. Onishi updated members that Hawaiʻi’s Congressional delegation will not be in Hawaiʻi
until June. He suggested that the proposed meeting in D.C. should include Hawaiʻi office staff

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
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in the process so that there will be more direct communication and better response time with the
Hawaiʻi staff as we move forward with Festival planning. It would be important to keep theCongressional Hawaiʻi staff informed so that they will be able to assist us with matters such as
coordinating with other federal administrative agencies related to various issues that will affect
FestPAC attendance and programming. Chair mentioned that there will be more discussion in thelater part of the agenda regarding a possible Washington D.C. meeting that will requireCommissioners’ approval.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE FESTIVAL
DIRECTOR REPORTThe FD prepared a deck which he presented to Commissioners as part of his report.
The FD first acknowledged Ms. Suzy Vares-Lum as the first Native Hawaiian mana wahine(female leader) to lead the EWC and thanked her for opening the EWC to FestPAC. He also
acknowledged Dr. Mary Hattori, Director of the PIDP and Dr. James Viernes, Regional
Engagement Officer of the PIDP as key individuals who will be assisting us with biosecurity andvisa matters and Mr. Eric Chang, the EWC’s Arts Program Coordinator for his assistance andcoordination for today’s in-person meeting. He also acknowledged Ms. Annie Reynolds curatorof the EWC Gallery. The FD acknowledged Ms. de Silva for opening the preview of the Guam
Exhibit. The FD also acknowledged the Guam Council of the Arts for their attendance at today’s
meeting and also acknowledged Ms. Monica Guzman who was instrumental in planning anddeveloping the Festival that was held in Guam.
The FD reported that Mr. Stephan Bradley of University of Hawai‘i West Oahu (UHWO) is
working with the FD on the new FestPAC website. FD mentioned that they are on schedule tomove away from the old landing page to the new website starting in June. All information
including intent to participate forms, etc. will be included on the website that the general publicalso will have access to. No mailouts will be done. The website is intended to the be thehomepage for everyone including delegations and the general public. As we get closer to theFestival, delegation credentials will be included on an App, too, and reminded Commissioners
that it is a fluid process.
The FD informed Commissioners that Ms. Kureha Pambid has been assisting in the design
schematics of the FV. She is attending today’s meeting and will participate in the walk-throughof Andrews Amphitheater and other areas. As Ms. Lum mentioned, there will be a fullcomprehensive package that will be developed for UHM that will help with the negotiation
process.
Regarding a revised budget, the FD had every intention to present a revised budget to the AC,
however, the challenge is related to variables that are out of his control. He mentioned that there
is a budget that is included in Commissioners’ packets that was approved in September 2021,
however, it needs to be revised.
The FD briefed Commissioners about the SPC and its role in the Pacific. The SPC was founded
in 1947 by six governments including Australia, France, New Zealand, Netherlands, the United
Kingdom, and the U.S. Western Samoa was the first independent country to join the SPC andMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
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more joined as individual countries from the Pacific. The SPC is very much integrated to thework of UNESCO, world intellectual property organizations, CROP agencies, etc. with manypriorities. There is additional information about the SPC that is included in the meeting packet
and also includes the SPC’s 2022-2031 Strategic Plan. The Festival helps to drive diplomatic
relations within the region.
The CPAC was established in 1975 by the SPC. CPAC’s role is to provide decision-making andgovernance of FestPAC and provide advice to the host country. CPAC is mindful of theimportance of cultural practices and creativity and works toward the continuity of FestPAC. The
SPC is the overarching entity that provides governance to FestPAC along with CPAC which isorganizationally attached to the SPC. The CPAC has established a FestPAC Working Group
which the FD and Mr. McComber are a part of. The FestPAC Working Group contracted with
Ti’Pau to develop the Regional Cultural Strategy (RCS), a ten-year strategy which is the driverof economic development. He encouraged Commissioners to pay attention to Section 8 which
includes case studies and Section 9 that describes the move to an international model framework.
In the report, there is a desire to establish a unified funding mechanism and possibly move to a
hybrid program. The idea would be to focus the Festival as an in-person event with the option for
streaming performing arts that could be added to programming at Andrews Amphitheater, via
Facebook and other social media platforms, and also creating hybrid conference engagements atthe Hawaiʻi Convention Center.
Chair stated that it is important to understand the circumstances of the requests as it was
impacted by the pandemic. The idea of engaging a hybrid format was the result of plans thatwere discussed for the 2020 Festival. However, 2024 will be an in-person event that we need tocommunicate to the SPC and it will incorporate more technology into programming.
The FD shared the information he presented during the SPC and CPAC meetings which included
programming and other information that the Commission previously agreed to such as opening
ceremonies at ‘Iolani Palace and ancillary venues such as the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, thePolynesian Cultural Center, Bishop Museum, Kawaihao Church, Royal Hawaiian Center,
UHWO, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, etc. He provided a comprehensive update and ended withreturn to biosecurity, travel to U.S, etc. with hopes to alleviate concerns. SPC requested thatwhen the intent to participate forms are live, that information on biosecurity and travel be
included. The FD shared that his presentation was included in the packet as well as Mr.
McComber’s presentation regarding the Youth Ambassador Program that Hawai‘i will behosting during 2024 Festival. Mr. McComber expressed that the program is fully funded andready to proceed.
Chair expressed that there is a possibility that the CPAC meeting may be hosted in Hawaiʻiduring Quarter 3 or 4. A question that came up was who would be paying for this meeting andmore discussion needs to be made regarding this matter with Dr. Frances Vakaʻuta. In addition,
there was discussion to have all heads of states travel to Hawaiʻi to conduct a site inspection. The
purpose would be for the heads of states to see the main Festival venue, housing, ancillaryvenues, etc.

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The FD reiterated that he has not been able to prepare a revised budget yet because there are too
many variables of what needs to get done such as the cost of biosecurity, etc. He also thanked
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham and Mr. Keohokālole for their assistance.
The FD also commented on the contract related to housing. He is hoping to meet with UHM andadd current information to the contract. He will provide Ms. Lum with updates. Chair also statedthat funds are already at UHM.
As Chair noted, plans are to convene a CPAC Extraordinary meeting in Hawaiʻi. No official
decision has been made. The FD also stated that in late 2022, the SPC will be traveling to
Hawaiʻi for a site visit.
Chair and Mr. Onishi have mentioned about a possible delegation to travel to Washington D.C.
In terms of a budget for this potential travel, individuals and entities that have expressed interestin providing funding to the Festival, the FD asked about who the Fiscal Agent would be. Chairstated that Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) is the fiscal agent that theCommission approved until June 30, 2023.
Ms. Sanders and the FD spoke with Dr. Benton Keali‘i Pang in preparation for the CPAC
meeting regarding biosecurity documents, however, this information needs to be updated for theCommission meeting in July. He will work with Chair to include Dr. Pang with heads ofrespective departments to update the Commission on biosecurity.
The FD’s request to the Commission is to be allowed to communicate directly with the SPC andCPAC as the FD. This authority will allow him to work in tandem and synergy with theseorganizations so that he can respond to their concerns in a timely manner. If this request isapproved, he would like to go to Fiji during summer 2022, pending approval from theCommission. The FD has received funding approval from Mr. Eric Chang of the EWC Arts
Program with thanks to funding received from Ms. Barbara Smith who is a kumu (teacher),
mentor and ethnomusicologist. He wanted to be sure that members knew that her legacy lives
on. Thank you to Mr. Chang, pending the Commission’s approval.
Mr. Keohokālole asked a question pertaining to the revised budget and asked when all variables
will be known and asked if there were specific matters that members could assist him with. FD
stated he was not prepared for biosecurity questions, etc. and once the Commission comes to
final agreement as to what the Festival Village will consist of whether tents, or other structure,etc. that will help. Ms. Hussey has asked the FD to realign the budget rather than listing budget
operationally she suggested that categories be listed according to venue and programming. The
FD’s goal is to have a revised budget by the next meeting and he will work with Ms. Ah NeeBenham to accomplish this task.
Ms. Hussey asked about biosecurity and whether it was a service, protocol, etc. Questions thatneed to be considered are what is allowable to enter and what will be able to leave including
processes and procedures. We will need to understand from the Department of Interior and theState of Hawaiʻi what processes are required.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:00pm
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Chair said he is most concerned about the time element of biosecurity as opposed to the cost of
this process. There are CITES permits that may be needed related to endangered species, etc. In
the past, we have asked delegations to avoid bringing those type of artifacts to Hawaiʻi. We wantto avoid anything being confiscated.
Ms. de Silva explained that when she worked with Dr. Pang during the 2020 Festival, he statedthat there are no costs involved for the Commission, however, it is the time element that can bechallenging. He recommended, at the time, that delegations bring substitute items instead ofvaluable original items. The countries will bare costs for CITES permits. It takes more than ayear for the CITES permits to be approved. Chair mentioned that we need to be extra mindful
about this process and that he does not want the experience of what happened at a previous
Festival when there were introductions of invasive species, in the host country, as a result of theFestival.
Ms. de Silva said countries do not know what artists are bringing in until the last minute. We
need to make sure heads of delegations understand that we follow U.S. law and not State law.
Ms. Hussey asked a question about the Fiji trip and why it needed to be in-person. FD
commented that the trip was to build goodwill and relationships with the SPC.
Chair directed members to the currently approved budget in the meeting packet. The Hawaiʻi
Tourism Authority (HTA) has tried to meet that need. However, funding has been reduced overtime and it could happen again. He discouraged an overreliance on the HTA to provide funding
and would hate for funding support of NaHHA and FD to run out. Those are budget items that
the Commission needs to take care of on its own. Chair suggested that the FD build out
committees already because they are the ones who will help scale the event so that more accuratebudgets can be developed. For larger categories and major expenses, fundraising is required. He
suggests that the FD use the numbers noted on the second page of the existing budget and asked
the Commission to give the FD approval of a $20.4 million budget which is still be relevant
today so that fundraising against that budget can begin as soon as possible.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham noted that the AC was considering a $10-15 million budget. She agreed
that something needs to be worked on. Chair asked the FD what he is envisioning regarding thefund development piece. Who would that be? Would it be contracted out to someone? FDreported that he has started conversations with a fund developer regarding tiers of funding. Chairalso said regarding line items, some cost items will not be realized until 2023. He feels that weshould be at the point of onboarding staff, identifying committees, volunteers, etc. which are allvery important. We need a fundraiser to get our packet together whether it’s an official airline
partner, hotel partner, etc.
Ms. Hussey said that as you build the revised budget, think about variable costs and fixed costs.
We might need to live within our means and will need to make choices. Building thoseconsiderations into the revised budget helps it to be dynamic. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham suggested
taking these matters offline in a discussion with NaHHA regarding the organization’s role as a
fiscal agent.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:00pm
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Chair suggested that the Commission discuss the FD’s first request regarding the authorization tocorrespond directly with the SPC. Mr. Onishi made a motion to authorize the FD’s request and
Ms. Hussey seconded the motion.
Chair commented that he doesn’t mind the FD communicating directly with the SPC, however,he must keep the Commission informed regarding those discussions. A roll call vote wasrequested with the following Commissioners approving the motion to authorize the FD tocommunicate directly with the SPC: Chair Ka‘anā‘anā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Ms. de Silva, Ms.
Hussey, Ms. Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, Mr. Onishi.
Motion to authorize the FD to correspond directly with the SPC was adopted.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE
AUTHORIZATION TO SEND A DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Chair provided some background information that it was his suggestion that a delegation be sent
to Washington, D.C. to begin facilitating broader discussions and establish relationships at theFederal level. Chair believes that the Commission and the Festival need to be more visible withagencies. If the Commission agrees and approves sending a delegation to Washington D.C., this
could also entail approaching agencies and organizations, headquartered in Washington D.C.,
that might be sources of funding, too.
With respect to dates of travel, Chair was initially thinking about the middle of June, however, if
Commissioners are not well prepared, this trip can be scheduled at a later time. He suggested thatfour or five members be included in the delegation including Ms. de Silva, Chair and one or twoother members. He is cognizant of meeting Sunshine Law requirements.
Mr. Onishi agreed that it makes sense for Commissioners to travel to Washington D.C. andestablish contacts with Federal agencies as well as fundraising efforts with nationalorganizations. He believes that timing of the trip is critical because Hawaiʻi’s Congressional
Delegation should be there. It would be best if they are able to accompany Commissioners to
respective meetings.
Chair discussed estimated costs that would include travel, collateral materials, etc. He asked
whether $30,000 for the delegation would be appropriate.
Ms. Hussey commented that regarding the delegation, optics are important, too. She mentionedthat there are connections that could be made with the White House’s Asian American andPacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) initiative. The trip should be meaningful and cover a broad
range of opportunities. Mr. Keohokālole noted that there should be targeted fundraising goals.
Chair also noted that in addition to fundraising, CITES permits, visas, etc. are matters that would
be covered during the trip.
Mr. Onishi mentioned that the Congressional Delegation will be in Hawaiʻi in June. He
suggested that a meeting in Hawaiʻi be held first with a follow-up meeting in D.C. in July.

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Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:00pm
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Chair stated that he will develop a formal itinerary, list of action items, travelers, etc. and reportback to the Commission at the June meeting. Mr. Onishi commented that, in general, in concept,
the proposal is agreeable, and he suggests giving the authority and responsibility to the
Administrative Committee to make a final determination regarding specifics of the trip.
Mr. Onishi made a motion to authorize the trip to Washington D.C. with a spending ceiling of$30,000 for four members to travel and that the final approval will be made by the AC. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Keohokālole.
A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners approving the motion: Chair
Ka‘anā‘anā, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Hussey, Ms. Keohokālole, Ms. Lum, Mr.
Onishi.
Motion to authorize a Washington D.C trip was adopted.
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA WALK THROUGH OF POTENTIALFESTIVAL VILLAGE SITE AND FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
A. McCarthy Mall
B. Legacy Path
C. Andrew’s Amphitheatre
D. Bachman Lawn
Commissioners participated in a walkthrough of locations at UHM that began at Andrew’s
Amphitheatre and continued through McCarthy Mall and other locations. The walk-throughprovided Commissioners with a sense of the space and area of each location.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair invited the public to again offer comments. Hearing none, he moved into announcements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No announcements were made at this meeting.
NEXT MEETING – June 27, 2022
The next FestPAC Commission meeting is confirmed for June 27, 2022, at 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā adjourned meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Chair

06/08/2022
DateSummary Report: Conference FestPAC WG Meeting - 6/12/22(Notes from Commissioner de Silva in BLUE)
Invited members of FestPAC WG:
1. NZ
2. Cook Islands
3. Hawaiʻi (Kumu Mapuana and Monte McComber)
4. Palau
5. New Caledonia
6. SPC
7. French Polynesia
8. Wallis and Futuna
9. Norfolk Islands
10. Fiji
11. Australia (not able to attend/excused)
Major Discussion Items:o Need to dive deeper into the report from Tipau Ltd. and to develop action plans to
implement the 9 recommendations.
o SPC and/or CPAC conducting a site visit to Hawaiʻi in December 2022 or January 2023.
▪ Can Hawaiʻi please submit proposed dates and daily agendas? I would suggest
we give them two or possibly three windows/weeks to choose from. What the
SPC does is check with the countries to see if there are conflicts.
▪ If it’s just SPC, SPC can pay for their visit. There seemed to be aconsensus from the WG that the countries wanted to have another site visit.
▪ I believe we agreed that early 2023 would be better for two reasons: 1) everyone
already has a lot on their plates for the rest of 2022, and 2) the countries would
be able to include the trip to Hawaiʻi in their 2023 budget which will be
submitted in the fall (Sept/Oct).
Dates of Activities Related to Major Discussion Items:
o 20-21 June 2022: Workshop at SPC in Fiji to prepare a draft action plan. NZ to attend inperson. Request from WG members for Hawaiʻi to also attend in-person. Response
from Hawaiʻi to attend via virtual conference. (The intention is to "unpack" the 9
recommendations and all of the sub-recommendations from the Ti'Pau Report, decide
which ones we can address right away and which ones may have to be addressed at alater date, and to consider: 1) What is the recommendation, 2) How can it be
implemented, 3) Who can help to deliver and implement the recommendation, and 4)
When - put a timeframe on delivering the recommendation.
▪ July 2022: SPC to share draft with WG for feedback.
o August 2022: Revised draft action plan shared with WG (Paula from NZ would like this to
be in person). This should lead to the final draft.
o September 2022: Country feedback to WG.
o October 2022: Final action plan submitted to CPAC for review, feedback, andconsideration.

o November 2022: CPAC mtg. to endorse action plan.
o December 2022: Ministers’ Meeting to confirm and endorse Action Plan.
o No date specified: Hawaiʻi proposed dates and daily agendas for site visit?
Other items:o Via a direct message to me from NZ, NZ asked if we can provide dates of HI Commission
meetings to coordinate upcoming WG, CPAC, and Ministers’ meetings.
o SPC will hold a forum/meeting in July. SPC has sent an invitation to Aaron toattend. (This is the Pacific Leaders Forum, They are already meeting in Fiji July 12-14,
2022. Miles asked that the SPC participate, celebrate 50 year of the Festival of PacificArts and Culture, and to convene a multimedia exhibition of the arts, much of which will
be generated from the last 12 festivals since 1972 in Fiji.)FestPAC Venues & Programming Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
3:30 p.m. via Zoom
Minutes(revised 6/27/22)
Attendees: Jamie Lum (Chair), Snowbird Bento, Representative Richard Onishi, Kēhaulani Puʻu;
Festival Director Aaron SalāMs. Lum opened the meeting and turned it over to FD Salā. Mr. Salā reported that theAministration Committee is discussing the need to issue a RFP for an entity to run the Festival
and serve as a fiscal agent. In anticipation of this, Mr. Salā would like to have the following
things in place to be able to hand over to the Festival entity: 1) Agreement with UH (including
housing); 2) MOUs with ancillary venues, and 3) Core Programming. The target would be tohave these completed by the Fall.
Ancillary venues wanting to be part of the Festival include Bishop Museum, Polynesian Cultural
Center, Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) and UH-West Oʻahu. Venues will be asked to cover
their own expenses and possibly transportation costs to and from the venue. Mr. Salā said he
was also thinking of approaching the City for help with transportation. Ms. Puʻu told Mr. Salā tolet her know how she can assist.
There was some discussion about the waʻa ceremony. Both Ms. Bento and Mr. Salā are startingto have conversations again with Kamehameha Schools about supporting this event. They besure to coordinate efforts.
Mr. Salā asked for the committee’s help to reconfirm the core programming that was previously
approved by the Commission. It’s important confirm this as this will drive a lot of what werequest from UH and also help make decisions about other venues. Refer to the attached list
dated 4/5/21.
Follow-up Items
1. Discuss Core Programming at next Commission meeting
Commissioners: Please review attached list for discussion.
2. Pending: Mr. Salā will schedule a meeting with Rep. Onishi to discuss meeting with thecarpenters union, BIA, and other industry groups about the possibility of donating laborfor construction of structures for the Festival Village.

1

Previously Approved Buckets
Performing Arts

Mixed Media

Oral Traditions
Music & Instrumentation
Dance

Published & Academic
Works
Film/Video/Photo
Visual Arts
Fashion/Wearable Arts
Indigenous Languages

Living Arts
Carving
Kapa & Textiles
Featherwork
Shellwork
Tattooing & Body
Ornamentation
Weaving
Voyaging
Lua

Health & Wellness
Food Traditions
Healing Arts
ʻOhanaSpecial Events
Waʻa Arrival
Opening
ClosingʻAwa/ʻAi Ceremony

Newly Proposed Buckets
Hōʻikeʻike
Performing Arts
Music
Dance
Drama
PoetryStorytellingHōʻike Kiʻi
Visual Arts

Hana Noʻeau
Applied Arts

Meaʻai
Culinary Arts

ʻAha
Moananuiākea
Symposium

Nā Hana PākuʻiComplementary
Activities

Nā HanaKūheluSpecial Events

Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
Sculpture
Ceramics
Graphic Design
Architecture
Photography
Film

Carving
Fiber & Weaving
Jewelry
Uhi
Body
Ornamentation
Dye
Cloth & Paper
Pottery
FashionShellwork
Featherwork

Planting
Harvesting
Preparation &Cooking
Presentation
Food Sovereignty
Food Systems

Hub of Thought
and Practice

Hosted byPartners

Waʻa Arrival
Wehena (Including

Research
Scholarship
Networking
Hoʻoponopono
Laʻau Lapaʻau
Lomilomi
Lua
Languages
ʻOhanaʻAha ʻAwa/ʻAi)

ChoralPerformances
Contemporary
Jam Sessions
Hoʻokanipila
New Media
Youth Ambass.
ʻOhana (Kāne,

Ekalesia
PaninaWahine, Keiki,
Māhū)

Kūpuna Activities

FestPAC Programming Revision – Rev. April 5, 2021

Bucket Definitions
HŌʻIKEʻIKE (PERFORMING ARTS)
Inclusive of the diversity and vibrancy of Pacific heritages, the performing arts provides for such expressions as music, dance, anddrama, or any combination of these. Also included are the chants and songs, oratorical arts and protocols, poetry readings, andstorytelling performances of Pasifika peoples. We encourage delegations to highlight the traditional performance expressions of theirrespective heritages.
HŌʻIKE KIʻI (VISUAL ARTS)
The visual arts are inclusive of creative activities that are expressed through drawing and painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics,
graphic design, architecture, and photography. This pillar is also inclusive of FestPAC’s film screening series, and the submission ofmoving images, including such works as full-length features, documentaries, short films, and animation is encouraged.
HANA NOʻEAU (APPLIED ARTS)
The applied arts programs include both the demonstration and the display of such expressions as wood/stone/bone carving, fiber andother weaving, jewelry (to include both feather-work and shell-work), uhi, dye preparation, cloth- and papermaking, pottery, fashion,and other such appropriate genres. This pillar is inclusive of the robust carving program and fashion shows for which recent
FestPACs have become well known.
MEAʻAI (CULINARY ARTS)
The culinary arts entails the showcasing of the entire process of food consumption from planting and harvesting, through preparationand cooking, and culminating in dish or meal presentation. We encourage delegations to consider the differences between
ceremonial and ritual foods and their requisite protocols as well as foods prepared for everyday consumption. Additionally, we
encourage delegations to consider how they are dealing with issues of food sovereignty in the face of food scarcity with the goals ofcreating sustainable community food systems as these points of concern are relevant.
ʻAHA MOANANUIĀKEA (SYMPOSIUM)
The Symposium is an ongoing conference over the course of FestPAC meant to provide space for the sharing of research and other
scholarly presentations, for the collecting of opinions and attitudes surrounding issues relevant to Pasifika, for the discussion ofcultural practice by practitioners, and for the purpose of creating space for networking and collaboration opportunities. We see theSymposium as a necessarily inclusive hub of innovative thought and practice meant to bridge new technologies with Pasifika
sensibilities and ancestral knowledge. It is a space where Pasifika solutions to world challenges are discussed and amplified.
FestPAC Programming Revision – Rev. April 5, 2021

Though not exclusive to this, it is in the Symposium where we see practices around social and emotional well-being being discussed.
These include such topics and/or demonstrations in conflict resolution, traditional medicinal practice, massage and bodywork, andthe martial arts.
NĀ HANA PĀKUʻI (COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES)The following is a preliminary list inclusive of potential activities relevant to FestPAC 2024 and to the Pacific region to be hosted bycollaborative partners: Choral Performance, Contemporary Jam Sessions, Hoʻokanipila (spontaneous music-making), Multi- andEmerging-media expression, and Celebration of the ʻOhana (including youth activities such as the Youth Ambassador program, theCelebration of the Māhū of Pasifika, Kūpuna activities, etc.).
SPECIAL EVENTSThe special events of FestPAC 2024 are those events that have become integral to the identity of the festival. The following is alisting or current special events being planned for as of this date: Waʻa arrival; Wehena (inclusive of the formal ʻaha ʻawa for Heads ofState and Heads of Delegation); Ekalesia (Ecumenical Service); and, Panina.

FestPAC Programming Revision – Rev. April 5, 2021

Admin/Fund Development Committee Meeting
Monday June 13, 2022
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Attendance Commissioners: Maenette Benham, Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Jared Keohokalole , Sylvia Hussey
Festival Director Aaron Salā
Committee Reviewed/Discussed:
1. FD briefed the committee on the in-progress FestPAC Budget revisions:o Per our last meeting in May, FD to present budget to admin committee that realigns thebudget to current planning and time frame. Note: prior approved budget $20,389,560.
Current revisions at $17,426,000. Working to get budget to $15M. FD to work on
clarification of several expense items and working to leverage in-kind sources.
o Three accounting buckets: (1) Admin/Operations, (2) Programming, and (3) Venues.
o FD will continue to work with Admin. Committee to refine the budget.
2. The above presentation on the budget led to discussion:o Committee members discussed specific expenditure line sfor clarity, alternative options,recommendations for next steps.
o Committee members discussed fund development activities and possibilities to include:sponsorship packages; support from City & County; State, and Congressional delegation;philanthropic foundations and individual supporters.
o Committee members discussed current fiduciary processes to include procurement
through NaHHA, DBEDT, and HTA. Other options were briefly mentioned.
o Committee will continue to discuss these topics and more as the FD hones the budget.
3. Current Actions committee requested of the FD by our June Admin Meetingo Create a Gantt chart/timeline (visual) to show tasks/events/completion deadlines forthe following actions:• Travel w/State Department (from May meeting)• Visa acquition (from May meeting)• Intent to participate (Participants list published on new website)• Activation of new website• Update of UHM Housing contract• Revised FestPAC Organizational Chart (published on new website)• Program framework with venues & village map (published on new website)• Fund development key tasks & event dateso Next meeting to be set in June.
Commissioner Kaʻanāʻanā will report on the committee’s discussion at the next FestPAC Commission
meeting as Commissioner Benham will be absent. Additionally, FD Salā will report on the above efforts
in his Festival Director Report at the June FestPAC Commission Meeting.