MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 AT 2:30 PM
VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM: VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE
Commission Members Present were:
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Maenette Ah Nee-Benham
Snowbird Bento
Jarrett Keohokālole
Jamie Lum-

Richard Onishi
Makanani Salā
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu-

Kieleku Amundxon
Jackie Burke
Mamiko Carroll
Ilihia Gionson-

Lynn Martin Graton
Kealii Haverly
Ngahiraka Mason
June Matsumoto
Aaron Salā
Malia Sanders-

Kanoe Takitani-Puahi-

Pris Texeira
Kalei ʻUwēkoʻolani-

Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts
Public Member
Public Member
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association(NaHHA)
Public Member
Polynesian Cultural Center
Public Member
Pacific Islands Institute
University of Hawai‘i/Royal Hawaiian Center
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association(NaHHA)
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association(NaHHA)
Public Member-

Public Member

Margaret Ahn
Marlene Hiraoka-

Deputy Attorney General
DBEDT

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee
Governor’s Designee
Community Member At-Large
Senate President’s Designee
Department of Business, Economic Development
and Tourism (DBEDT)House Speaker’s Designee (Arrived at 2:31 pm)
City and County of Honolulu Designee
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Designee(Arrived at 2:33 pm)

Guests:Staff:

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, July 26, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 2 of 7

Timothy Tiu
Scott Tome
Apologies:
Māpuana de Silva

-

DBEDT
DBEDT

-

Community Member At-Large

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā at 2:30 p.m., who welcomed
everyone present via ZOOM and Facebook Live.
Chair called upon Ms. Kalei ʻUwēkoʻolani from the island of Maui who was invited to do thewehena (opening). Ms. ʻUwēkoʻolani introduced herself as the kanaka Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian
Programming Manager) for the Grand Wailea Hotel. She expressed thanks for inviting her to do
the wehena.
Ms. ʻUwēkoʻolani provided an introduction of the legends and stories of Maui. Her role at theGrand Wailea is to educate team members, visitors and other ʻohana (families) to share a senseof place, a sense of serving and maintaining the importance of value, history and especiallyculture. She presented visuals of the Grand Wailea’s property and shared stories about thelegend of Maui’s journey to Hawaiʻi which she also shares with new employees. She expressedthat in her role, it is her kuleana (privilege and duty) to continue to tell stories so that guests are
more engaged, involved and appreciative of the host culture. She expressed appreciation forallowing her to share.
Chair thanked Ms. ʻUwēkoʻolani and noted that she is one of the up-and-coming stars within thevisitor industry.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, he continued
with agenda items.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 7, 2021 MEETING MINUTES
The minutes were distributed and reviewed by Commissioners. Chair asked Vice-Chair Salā toconduct this portion of the agenda since he did not attend the last Commission meeting. ViceChair asked if there were any comments or changes to the minutes. Hearing none, she asked fora motion. A motion was made by Ms. Bento and seconded by Ms. Ah Nee-Benham to adopt theminutes unamended. A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners
approving the motion to approve the minutes: Chair Ka‘anā‘anā, Vice-Chair Salā, Ms. Lum, Ms.
Wong-Kalu, Mr. Keohokālole, Mr. Onishi, Ms. Bento, Ms. Ah Nee-Benham .
Motion was unanimously approved.
REPORT ON PERMITTED INTERACTIONS
Chair provided a brief overview of the permitted interaction authority and noted that it will be astanding item on future agendas. The Legislature, in Act 103, permitted authorized interactions

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
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outside of Commission meetings. Chair requested Ms. Ahn to provide guidance regarding thismatter.
Ms. Ahn stated that less than a quorum may meet for official board business, however, themeeting discussion must be presented during scheduled monthly Commission meetings. As thecommission currently has nine members, five commissioners are needed for quorum to beachieved, and therefore less than quorum would be equivalent to no more than fourcommissioners.
Mr. Keohokālole asked for clarification regarding serial communications and whether this isprohibited. Ms. Ahn provided an explanation that if Commissioners meet in a small grouppursuant to Act 103, those meeting participants may not discuss meeting content with otherCommissioners until it is discussed during a public Commission meeting.
Chair asked whether any Commissioners participated in any permitted interactions that was held
since the last Commission meeting. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reported that she participated in two
meetings: (1) one with Ms. Lum regarding the Festival Director; and (2) a separate meeting with
Ms. Lum and Mr. Keohokālole regarding the Festival Director and organizational structure of theCommission. Ms. Ahn asked for confirmation that each meeting did not exceed the fourcommissioner limit. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham noted that both meetings were held separately and did
not exceed the allowable number of Commissioner participants.
ENACTMENT OF SB 696 RELATING TO THE FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS (Act103, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021)
A. Extending the Commission to August 31, 2025
Chair mentioned that for those who received appointments from Boards andCommissions, he requested that Commissioners inform staff if a letter was received orwhether one needed to be sent since your initial appointments would have expired inJune. Chair wanted to be sure that new letters were sent to Commissioners representing
community members at large who were appointed and who are not named in the statute.
B. Authorizing a permitted interaction under the Sunshine Law for the Commission
Ms. Ahn stated that pursuant to the Act 103, which gives permitted interaction authority
to the Commission, it should be mentioned that in addition to confirming that a meeting
was held, the meeting content must also be reported during subsequent Commission
meetings held during the month. Chair noted that he will ask Commissioners to reportcontent of meeting discussions during agenda items related to the specific subject matter.
DISCUSSION ON COMMISSIONERS’ TERMS
Chair repeated his earlier statement and requested Commissioners to inform staff if they havereceived new letters from Boards and Commissions.

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Monday, July 26, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 4 of 7

DISCUSSION ON FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Chair moved on to agenda item relating to the Festival Director and asked whether a position
description would be discussed during this meeting. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham reported that she is notprepared to do so; however, she reported that she and Ms. Lum, together with other community
members, met regarding this matter. She noted that the position of Festival Director had been
written previously and that it needed to be tweaked to meet the Commission’s current needs.
She further indicated that because she is a new Commissioner, she felt it was important tounderstand the organizational functionality of the Commission in order to get organized for
FestPAC 2024.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham mentioned that after speaking with Ms. Lum, she conducted further
research and reviewed how Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), both held in Hawaiʻi, and other folk life festivals wereorganized and implemented. In the review process, she concluded that, in its current state, theCommission’s organizational framework is dysfunctional. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham believes that
because the Commission is a working commission, it will need to develop an organizationalframework so that a Festival Director and team can be recruited to implement the event. She
indicated that there also will be a need to recruit a Fund Developer in order for planning toproceed. Ms. Ah Nee-Benham wants the Commission to develop an organizational structure thatwould include an organizational team consisting of a Festival Director (and team) as well as aFund Developer, a communications team, etc. She also reached out to Ms. Lum and Mr.
Keohokālole about moving forward in developing an organizational map that would include
identifying functional teams, etc. in order for the Commission to move forward. She asked
whether Commissioners had other suggestions.
Chair expressed thanks to Ms. Ah Nee-Benham and indicated that Agenda Item #10 refers towhat she was speaking about, that is, developing a work plan, subcommittees, templates forreporting, etc. in order for these processes to be aligned.
Mr. Keohokālole agreed with Ms. Ah Nee-Benham and stressed that these organizational plansand decisions need to be completed within the next couple of months. He further stated that
because of the nature of discussions that need to be held, a general timeline should be createdwith benchmarks to work toward. By the end of 2021, related to leadership, the Commission
should have a Festival Director and Fund Developer on board in order for these individuals to
execute tasks from early 2022. He would like to propose this strategy if the Commission isagreeable.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham proposed that a Festival Director (or event director) and Fund Developer
be in place within the next couple of months. These two individuals, along with theCommission, will need to develop messaging and other event planning details. Mr. Keohokālole
believes that other elements of the Commission’s business will need to work in tandem with thework of these individuals. The goal would be to allow 18 months for fundraising andprogramming to be developed in order to create a complete fundraising package that would bepresented to potential funders.

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Chair asked for clarification when referring to titles of these positions since Festival Director,
Executive Director or Event Director were used in conversations. The position would be theFestival Director and the Fund Developer would need to work with the Festival Director and theCommission.
Chair asked how these positions would be funded unless these individuals would be working
without compensation. Mr. Keohokālole stressed that these organizational plans and decisions
need to be completed within the next couple of months. Mr. Keohokālole asked about the funds
that were originally appropriated by the Legislature and that his understanding was that those
funds have been fully encumbered for housing and venue. Chair concurred with Mr.
Keohokālole’s statement. Mr. Keohokālole also asked about other donations that were made.
Ms. Lum reported that there is approximately $9,000 remaining from a donation from Stanford
Carr Development which were undirected funds. She mentioned that $750 was used for web
hosting fees. Mr. Keohokālole asked whether prior to the cancellation of the 2020 event,whether there were any other financial commitments that were pending from organizations suchas the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Chair statedthat a lot has changed at HTA since then; however, there may be some funding available througha contract the HTA has with the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) and thatsome of those funds may be able to be directed toward FestPAC, but he would need to request
approval in order to confirm this source of funding.
Ms. Lum stated that there was some consideration by OHA at one point in time; however, sincethe 2020 event was cancelled, OHA said that they will reconsider their commitment at a futuretime.
Ms. Wong-Kalu expressed that OHA is currently undergoing organizational adjustments withmajor changes to be made related to levels of leadership, etc. There is great possibility to revisit
commitments that were made previously; however, given the current restructuring of theorganization, she asked for the Commission’s patience at this time.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham commented that the Commission needs to have an understanding where
resources might come from and that these discussions need to be in alignment with the Festival
Director and Fund Developer regarding timelines, communication, etc. She suggested that threeor four Commissioners meet to have a brainstorming session regarding this matter throughExecutive Session or whatever the bylaws may allow. She, however, reiterated that anorganizational framework must be developed in order for concrete work to begin. Chair
responded that the Commission does not have any bylaws. He asked Ms. Ahn whether fourCommissioners would be able to meet on the topics just proposed by Ms. Ah Nee-Benham. Ms.
Ahn concurred that it would be allowable as a permitted interaction. Chair requested that Ms.
Ah Nee-Benham lead this group. The Chair, Ms. Bento and Ms. Salā volunteered to join Ms. Ah
Nee-Benham in this discussion.
Chair indicated that NaHHA’s scope of work with the HTA under its current contract includes
support services for HTA that may be relevant to FestPAC planning. He will review thispossibility further to determine whether NaHHA might be able to be a funding source if
Commissioners agreed and asked whether anyone objected to this consideration. Hearing none,

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Chair will look into funding availability, possible salary range and position description that will
be discussed by Ms. Ah Nee-Benham’s team before the next Commission meeting. Ms. Ah NeeBenham will present recommendations at the next Commission meeting for approval.
Ms. Ah Nee-Benham commented that based upon Mr. Keohokālole’s previous comments, heshould be a member of this subgroup. Ms. Salā agreed and withdrew her name for Mr.
Keohokālole to participate in this group instead of herself. Mr. Keohokālole repeated that it
would be important to identify funding sources in order to get this project off the ground. He
noted that small early funding is sometimes more valuable than big late funding. Ms. Ah NeeBenham mentioned that in-kind services should be considered too and that it would be valuable
when monetized. In addition, she believes that there should be office space designated for
FestPAC staff. Chair indicated that he would check on office space that might be available at the
HTA, if needed.
DISCUSSION ON FESTIVAL VENUES
Chair asked for comments on how to keep this topic moving along. Ms. Bento asked if there
were current listings of venues.
Chair indicated that if we plan on conducting a Waʻa (canoe) Ceremony, Opening and Closing
Ceremonies and the Festival Village, these decisions will help to set the tone for the broader
Festival. ʻIolani Palace was mentioned previously for the opening ceremony and Kapiʻolani
Park for the closing ceremony. For the festival village, the Convention Center, Ala Moana
Magic Island and Keʻehi Lagoon were suggested previously.
Ms. Wong-Kalu requested a meeting with the Chair to further discuss possibilities regarding
venues and would like to have a brainstorming session with the Chair before making her
recommendations public. Chair expressed that he would be available to meet with Ms. WongKalu provided that it is in accordance with the permitted interaction requirements.
Mr. Onishi stated that regarding specific venues, the Commission should make every effort toconfirm venues and make it work. Consideration of alternatives can be made when theoperational team is in place and research related to nuances, costs, etc. can be explored. Mr.
Onishi expressed that he is comfortable with what already has been identified as possible venues.
If the Commission is serious about having the Opening Ceremony at ʻIolani Palace, we should
decide on and confirm this venue. He feels the same regarding reserving Kapiʻolani Park for the
Closing Ceremony. Requirements, dates, timelines need to be revisited again. For the festival
village, Mr. Onishi commented that it needs to have more organizational capacity; however, hissuggestion would be to finalize the opening and closing ceremony locations in order to get theball rolling. He deferred to Ms. Bento regarding the Waʻa Ceremony. Ms. Bento stated that her
first choice would be Ala Moana Magic Island for the Waʻa Ceremony. Chair agreed with Mr.
Onishi. Chair also suggested to defer the balance of agenda items until the next Commission
meeting.
Chair suggested that two small group meetings be held before the next Commission meeting –one regarding the organizational structure and one related to program/venues. Ms. Salā requested

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volunteers to discuss the Opening and Closing ceremonies and Festival Village. Mr. Onishi, Ms.
Lum and Ms. Wong-Kalu volunteered to participate in this meeting.
DISCUSSION ON REVISIONS TO THE FESTIVAL BUDGETThis item is deferred until the next meeting.
DISCUSSION ON FESTIVAL SUB-COMMITTEES
A. Defining Sub-Committees
B. Organizational Chart
C. 2021 Workplan
D. Objectives, Timeline & Milestones
E. Developing Workplan Templates for Sub-Committees
F. Development of Sub-Committee Progress Reports Template
This item was deffered until the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF HONORARY FESTIVAL CHAIR
This item was deferred until the next meeting.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā invited the public to again offer comments. Hearing none, he continued withthe agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements made.
NEXT MEETING
Chair Kaʻanāʻanā confirmed that the next meeting will be held on August 9, 2021, at 2:30pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā adjourned meeting at 3:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Chair

08/12/2021
DateReport of Venue Subcommittee Meeting on 9 Aug 2021 - 2:30pm
Attendees: Commissioner Lum, Commissioner Onishi, and Commissioner Salā

Summary: On 9 August 2021 at 2:30pm, the Venue Subcommittee of the Commission of the
13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) met via Zoom to discuss venue options forthe following FestPAC 2024 events: waʻa arrival, ʻawa ceremony, opening ceremony, festival
village, and closing ceremony. Please see recommendations and comments provided in the tablebelow.
EVENT
Waʻa arrival**WillKamehameha besponsoring?
ʻAwa ceremony

Opening ceremony
Festival Village

VENUES
1. Ala Moana – Magic
Island
2. Keʻehi
3. Kualoa
1. Kūkaniloko

2. Bishop Museum (GreatLawn)
1. ʻIolani Palace (on hold
June 1-7)
1. Hawaiʻi Convention
Center (on hold June 118)

2. Ala Moana – Magic
Island

3. Kapiʻolani Park

Closing ceremony

1. Kapiʻolani ParkNOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS C&C to obtain cost estimates

C&C to obtain cost estimates
Cost prohibitive, recommend removalfrom consideration
 State to obtain cost estimates ADA accessible?
 Dependent upon # of pax,transportation, timing with opening
ceremony Committee to request cost estimate
 Alternative to Kūkaniloko
 Coordination with Kamehameha
Celebration Commission activities$1.3m at HCC
 Can funds be released and utilized
elsewhere? Rental fees?
Subcontractors? Food expenses?
 Rooftop venue for performances Ability to coordinate conferences,seminars, and film showings in asingle space Need Neighborhood Board support
 Associated security costs, structure
costs, park permit limitations ontypes of allowable structures
 Approval from park commission forlong term events is difficult
 Need Neighborhood Board support
 Associated security costs, structure
costs, park permit limitations ontypes of allowable structures
 C&C to obtain cost estimates

PIG Proposal to Full Commission
Here is our proposed (initial) Hawaiʻi FestPAC Organizational Chart that could, as the work
evolves, grow to better describe governance and decision making. This is our proposed,
Integrated Network – Operational Chart:Commissioners
o Commission Chairperson (w/support team)o Administrative Committee (A PIG comprised of 4 Commssioners that meet
regularly to move action items forward and develop recommendaitons to thefull commission. Includes the Commission Chair)o There may be other PIGs formed as the event planning unfolds.

CEO, Festival Director (w/support team) Reports to the Commissioners and works
with the Festival Action Committee and the Fund Developero A 12–18‐month workplan and budget must be established by the CEO andpresented to the Commission. All funding must be approved by theCommission.
o Any variations to the plan must come to the Commission before execution.
o Two workplans need to be written: one for a full festival and the other for
COVID virtual.
o Festival manual should be posted with the job description as an appendix.

Strategic Fund Developero Could be hired by the CEO and/or part of the CEO’s team.
o ALL Commissioners are responsible for fund raising.

Timeline Recruitment of CEO NOW to Jan 2022 (Note Job Description to Commission August2021) CEO work on programming (timeline/budget/logistics) Due to Commission by
Summer 2022
 Finance people have 18 months to raise Festival funding.
Funding Recommendation:
 CEO/Festival Director ($150‐$180K/year). Or could start at lower range andincentivize for higher pay, e.g., budget, timeline, other logistical benchmarks, fundraising results, etc.
 Fund Developer – TBD (could be hired by the CEO)
 Funded by MOA between NAHA and DBEDT.
Interim Recommendation:

Recommend to the Commision that an Interim CEO be appointed – work closely with the
Adminstrative Committee to lay foundation for the work of CEO addressing elements of thetimeline and benchmarking future targets/deadlines. This will allow the permanent CEO, in
January of 2022 to hit the ground running.

Festival Director
BACKGROUND
Appointed by the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), theFestival Director will act as the Luna Hoʻokō Nui (Director/Highest Executive) of the Festival. The
FD is responsible and accountable to the FestPAC Hawaiʻi Commission for the effectiveplanning, coordination, implementation, and execution of the policies and programs of the2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Cultures taking place in Hawaiʻi. These will include
management of directors and other executive and key team members, program execution,budgeting and financing, venue management, marketing and promotion,community/international relations, administration, reporting, and all compliance with state andcounty government, and international regulations.
PRIORITIES OF THE ROLE:
 Manage, implement and execute the programs and deliverables planned by the 2024
FestPAC Hawaiʻi Commission by articulating its vision, mission and policies.
 Recruit key positions and invididuals to successfully plan, implement and execute the13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture “the Festival.” Work with the Chair and Vice‐Chair of the Commission to implement the Kuleana Matrix
 Act with authority as the executive and lead position responsible for executing theFestival.
 Provide oversight and work closely with the Fund Development Director to ensure that
finances, funding, donations, fundraising deliverables and deadlines are met according
to targeted goals and plans.
 Communicate, coordinate and continuously engage with the Hawaiʻi FestPAC
Commission Chair and Vice‐Chair, relative to all parts of the Festival.
 Provide regular status reports to the Hawaiʻi FestPAC Commission at each scheduledcommission meeting.
 Cultivate partnerships within the public and private sector, government and non‐government, to extend the reach of the Commission and ensure that all stake‐holders
are enaged and working towards the overall success of the Festival.
 Promote and engage in outreach opportunities to communities and delegations toensure the integration of Pacific indigenous communities and the overall success of theFestival.
 Develop and execute a financial plan ensuring that secured funds for the Festival areinnovative, robust and diverse.

 Strive to promote the global visibility of Hawaiʻi and its message to the world.
 Serve as a liason between the Hawaiʻi FestPAC Commission and the local community
regarding the global visibiltiy the Festival brings to Hawaʻi Be responsible for the effective management of administrative functions, instilling
efficiency and financial discipline, and adopting a forward‐looking approach toorganizational and financial matters to ensure continuity and consistency
 Effectively plan, manage and implement a multi‐facited large‐scale event in partnershipwith diverse stakeholders including: International, State, and County governments,
public/private partners, sponsors, the local community, etc.

COMPETENCIES: A deep knowledge and connection with the Hawaiian culture, values, traditions,
protocol, history, and language
 A passion for culture and the arts
 Demonstrated experience in foreign/state affairs, government relations (international,
federal, state, county) Sensitivity and exposure to working with other governments from nations throughout
the Pacific Experience with large‐scale event venue management in multitude of different facility
types including multiple levels of security
 Ability to manage all permitting, security, and credential management for programmingand venue areas Ability to oversee all catering, transportation, and accommodation of all delegates, etc.
 Ability to manage all VIP and dignitary security, protocol, makana, etc.
 Demonstrated ability to fundraise and manage event budgets
 Familiarity with legal contracts and government procurement requirements
 Oversee all marketing, promotion, communication, PR, etc.
 Working knowledge and experience with protocol (both Hawaiian and international)
 Responsible for accurate and timely reporting
COMPENSATION AND FESTIVAL HEADQUARTERS:The FestPAC Commission is recruiting a Festival Director for a 3 year term (with the option for a
6 month extension) to lead the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture June 2024 event. The
Festival Director will be based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi at FestPAC Hawaiʻi Headquarters in the
Hawaiʻi Conven on Center.
An attractive compensation package will be offered in order to motivate candidates withsuperior qualifications. The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is an equal opportunity
employer.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Interviews will be taken for shortlisted candidates
only. The vacancy closes at midnight, Hawaiʻi Standard Time on September __, 2021.

REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors degree ideally in subject areas related to business, international relations, Hawaiian
culture, Hawaiian language, or other pertinent areas of study and either a Masters degree in a
related field or a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience to undertake the role indeveloping and executing an international convention with a proven track record of leadershipin the Hawaiian community or international organizations;
A thorough understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the Hawaiian culture, history
and values;
A proven record in the management and implementation of large‐scale international
conventions and events;
A demonstrable ability to engage and operate effectively at the highest policy and politicallevels in the State of Hawaiʻi and interna onally throughout the Pacific;
Excellent leadership, written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
Strong communication skills and knowledge of international communication strategies to other
Pacific nations including FestPAC participating countries to engage stakeholders;Fluency in English, both spoken and written. A good knowledge of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and working
knowledge of French and/or other FestPAC official languages, would be an asset;
Proven diplomatic skills coupled with familiarity and sensitivity to different cultures, genders,languages and countries and ability to negotiate, build consensus and foster teamwork.
About The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC)
FestPAC is the largest celebration of indigenous celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders.
Hawaiʻi will feature live performances, cultural workshops, hands‐on demonstrations,storytelling and more, including conversations on urgent issues Pacific Islanders face—fromrising sea levels to widening social inequality. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is
the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission(now The Pacific Community – SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972
to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. Every four years
since, it has been held on a different Pacific Island.
About the Pacific Community (SPC)
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organization in the Pacificregion, proudly supporting development since 1947. It is an international development
organization owned and governed by its 26 country and territory members. Guided by a deep
understanding of Pacific Island contexts and cultures, the organization works across more than
20 sectors and is renowned for knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science,public health surveillance, geoscience and conservation of plant genetic resources for foodsecurity.
About the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture
The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture will convene in Hawaiʻi June 6‐16, 2024. The themeof FESTPAC Hawaiʻi, “E kū i ka hoe uli” (Take hold of the steering paddle), comes from aprophetic chant warning of turbulent changes on the horizon. Today, the chant exhorts
indigenous people to reclaim our right to steer our own course, now and into the future. The
logo, designed by Native Hawaiian artist Shane Pale, is inspired by the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian
creation chant. The peʻa (canoe sail) and ʻuku koʻakoʻa (coral polyp) symbolize the voyaging
prowess of our kūpuna (ancestors) and the shared belief that the ocean connects all people of
the Pacific.
The FestPAC Hawaiʻi Commission falls under the jurisdic on of the Hawaiʻi Department of
Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

FestPAC Permitted Interaction Group Meeting
Saturday, August 14, 2021
8:30am – 11:30am
UH West Oahu – Administration Building A101
Present: Commissioner UH West Oahu Chancellor Maenette Benham, Commissioner Snowbird Bento,
Commissioner Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Commissioner Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Aaron Salā, Monte
McComber, Randy Tanaka, Ngahiraka Mason.
A STRENGTHENED COMMISSION
Discussion began with a review of vision/mission/theme 2.0 after at the postponement of the 2020
festival due to the global pandemic. Goals to be accomplished include:- What is the opportunity that hosting the festival has for us?
- What is it that we can give back to the region generally?
This provided Commissioners and work group members an opportunity to think deeply and to
substantively share and discuss their POVs and how it informs their thoughts regarding the work of thecommission and the event/FestPAC.
How vision/mission/theme 2.0 is manifested include: Mission will be realized through programming.
 It is important to focus on Pacific people’s resilience, regeneration as Oceania/Pasifika andkanaka.
 Hawaiʻi should be the catalyst, in light of the pandemic, for resilience and regeneration that
pulses throughout the Pacific and across the globe through indigenous knowledge and practices
at the forefront of recovery.
 Key to our work is to bring/engage youth in the planning process, to be at the forefront ofcreativity and innovation. This is intergenerational work.
Ideas shared regarding Hawaiʻi’s contributions ‐‐ to pay it forward?
 Paying it forward means leaning into indigenous wisdom to help us navigate the time we’re inand presses us to build on the theme of resiliency and hope. Participant quote: “We don’tknow what the future holds. COVID forced a pivot on how we can really pull this (FestPAC) off.
Economies must recover too. We must remember that not all Pacific communities haveeconomies that can support their (physical) presence and participation in the festival at thistime, and perhaps in 2024.”
 From an academic/a learning and teaching perspective, paying it forward should focus on therole of virtual/cyber connections and the role Hawaiʻi will play in connecting the Pacific with
Asia the West, and the world. This theme of resilience/regeneration of Oceania speaks toyouth and the evolution of humanity and technology to forward indigenous world views while
continuously grounding ourselves in the knowledge of our ancestors. We need to harness thecapacity of technology to forward indigenous worldviews by leveraging our knowledge thatpoints towards cultural, emotional/behavioral, social & economi wellbeing for generations to
come.



Hawaiʻi’s contribution, in this new era, is to utilize our innovative skills and knowlege in digital,
information technology, and new media to forward the progress of future generations.
Technology could open partnerships across that Pacific that could continue long after thefestival is over by improving technology bandwidth and cyber connection in places where it isneeded. This opens education across the Pacific for schools (preK‐12 and tertiary) to share andwork together. And to connect/re‐connect with indigenous peoples around the globe (Mālama
Honua). There is an opportunity now for traditional practices to lead new/innovative 21stCentury technologies.

Regarding employing IT/virtual and online platforms to increase access to the festival, provide
alternative presentation and learning platforms, and to extend learning and teaching opportunities:
 The South Pacific Community (SPC) is currently re‐evaluating the use of online platforms due tothe impact of the global pandemic on of in‐person gatherings. Discussions about this topic are
happening across the Pacific and are nudging SPC to consider possible new ways of delivery. All
new forms will need approval, including hybridity options. This change is a major step for SPC.
 Any form of virtual connection could expand the footprint of the festival and bring new
generations together at the same time, especially those who cannot afford to travel. Pastfestivals built a museum at the host country, as a means of gathering for the event.
 If providing infrastructure is the plan, we need to have dialogue now to make sure there’s areasonable and doable plan of action. This is/can be a cultural change. The commission should
understand that as the catalyst of this change, we lay the initial pathway, hence, we must
participate/lead this conversation beyond 2024 as digital/IT, new media is constantly changing.
 This platform could be a change in thought of not reaching out to just the region but reaching
forward to the rest of the world. To share with them why the Pacific is so special for the
betterment of the planet. This is the last frontier that has not been polluted to the degree that
we have polluted the rest of the world. If we could share cultural knowledge to the rest of theworld to make them realize what we’re going through including how we deal with climatechange, cultural preservation, and strong economies.
 Thought provoking questions included: How do we share the assets to the rest of the world andother places that are being challenged the same way that we are? How will what we do affectgenerations to come? It’s not only about money.
Historical contexts provided by N. Mason:
In 1927, the beginnings of SPC were formed in Honolulu by a group of kamaʻāina. The Pacific Institutewas formed to be more maʻa about the knowledge of Oceania. All effort was placed in material culture
research and is the foundation of FestPAC’s part in SPC. This was seen as an opportunity to develop.
Eventually, after funding from Rockefeller and others, the center of the Pacific Institute was moved to
New York. It helped the United Nations become stronger, by helping local business and economies
become stronger. When 1st world countries try to tell 3rd and 4th world countries what to do, that’s notwell received. We need empathy towards countries because FestPAC is a small part of it. We need to
set relationships with these countries. Maybe there is room here for social justice ideas. COVID could
be the biggest opportunity for 27 countries. An online presence is real.

Parking Lot Questions that emerged from this conversation:• Should FestPAC consider the impact of COVID and should we plan FestPAC to now include
virtual space? Hybridity—both in‐person/small and online? Either we able to host it in thisway or not at all?
• How is success defined for FestPAC?
o We have to opportunity to define it now.
• Isn’t this about Hawaiʻi reentering the family of the Pacific? Should the theme be, “We’reBack”?
o Our gift to the Pacific community is how Hawaiʻi can reengage to be a part of thecommunity again in a way that we haven’t before.
o The driving force in Hawaiʻi is colonial powers are still the driving force and we still
have that complexity of our own to deal with. The United States refuses to engage
so there is a complexity to that for Hawaiʻi to consider.
o The other factor is how other nations perceive Hawaiʻi.
• What could give everyone in the Pacific more assurance that we are back in a meaningful
way, besides just pulling off FestPAC? Irregardless the pandemic which is a stronger force
separating us.
• Will the Commission entertain the virtual festival?
If yes, we need to build infrastructure and we must be nimble enough to make a pivot tohybridity or totally online. This is not solely our decision to make. There probably will be
opposition from other countries. This discussion deserves its own agenda item. Technology
can be utilized as an educational tool.
 What does success look like?
- Success might look like a different kind of engagement that Hawaiʻi plays in the Pacificespecially around the health and wellbeing of our people.
- More full social justice engagement with Pacific peoples. This would fulfill the meaning of
the vision to be stronger and more authentic including health and wellbeing and the loss ofland.
o These will help focus on the vision, mission, theme.
o The idea is to keep it general. Focus on social justice, climate change, food security,and sovereignty.
Concluding thoughts from this conversation on a “Strengthened Commission”:
A theme that was mentioned by all participants is that the essential, fundamental value principle of
FestPAC 2024 should be focused on re‐establishing Pilina/Relationships of resilience and regeneration.
That is, to reestablish relationships that we have across the spectrum: one‐on‐one, with families andcommunities across the Pacific, to kūpuna, with and young children/youth, and so on. So, how do
we/commission bring people/communities together to create spaces to have important conversations
to regenerate and re‐envision our relationships to one another and to figure out how we will move
forward as indigenous peoples?
BREAK ‐‐ TRANSITION TO NEXT AGENDA TOPICOPERATIONAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Operationalizing the Commission
How do we define the functional operation of the commission?
First, Commissioners must agree to provide oversight of the production and fund development of theevent. Commissioners should not micro‐manage.
(SEE Appendix for discussion highlights)
Proposal to Full Commission
Here is our proposed (initial) Hawaiʻi FestPAC Organizational Chart that could, as the work evolves,grow to better describe governance and decision making. This is our proposed, Integrated Network –Operational Chart:Commissioners
o Commission Chairperson (w/support team)o Administrative Committee (A PIG comprised of 4 Commssioners that meet regularly
to move action items forward and develop recommendaitons to the full commission.
Includes the Commission Chair)o There may be other PIGs formed as the event planning unfolds.

CEO, Festival Director (w/support team) Reports to the Commissioners and works with theFestival Action Committee and the Fund Developero A 12–18‐month workplan and budget must be established by the CEO and presented
to the Commission. All funding must be approved by the Commission.
o Any variations to the plan must come to the Commission before execution.
o Two workplans need to be written: one for a full festival and the other for COVID
virtual.
o Festival manual should be posted with the job description as an appendix.

Strategic Fund Developero Could be hired by the CEO and/or part of the CEO’s team.
o ALL Commissioners are responsible for fund raising.

Timeline Recruitment of CEO NOW to Jan 2022 (Note Job Description to Commission August 2021)
 CEO work on programming (timeline/budget/logistics) Due to Commission by Summer 2022
 Finance people have 18 months to raise Festival funding.
Funding Recommendation:
 CEO/Festival Director ($150‐$180K/year). Or could start at lower range and incentivize forhigher pay, e.g., budget, timeline, other logistical benchmarks, fund raising results, etc.
 Fund Developer – TBD (could be hired by the CEO)

Funded by MOA between NAHA and DBEDT.

Interim Recommendation:
Recommend to the Commision that an Interim CEO be appointed – work closely with the
Adminstrative Committee to lay foundation for the work of CEO addressing elements of the timelineand benchmarking future targets/deadlines. This will allow the permanent CEO, in January of 2022 tohit the ground running.
Final Preparation for August 23 Commission Meeting
1‐ Renewed organizational structure and commitment that includes an administrative
committee as part of the structure. Proposal to be sent to Commissioner by August 20.
2. CEO –Job Description to be sent by August 20. JD/expectations will require someone who is
not already overloaded with an existing job. The job description is for a strong
administrator with demonstrated leadership background.
3. A selection committee and job description to be approved at the 8/23 Commission meeting.
4. Fund Development Director – this will be linked to the hiring of the CEO.