DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM (DBEDT)MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FESTPAC) MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 AT 8:30 AM
HAWAI‘I STATE CAPITOLSENATE CAUCUS ROOM, CHAMBER LEVEL
415 S. BERETANIA STREETHONOLULU, HAWAIʻI 96813
Commission Members Present were:
J. Kalani English, Chair
Snowbird Bento
Māpuana de Silva
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Misty Kela‘i
Dennis Ling-

Senate President’s Designee
Community Member At-Large
Community Member At-Large
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Designee
City & County of Honolulu Designee
Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism (DBEDT)
Governor’s Designee
House Speaker’s Designee

Monte McComber
Richard Onishi-

Jacob Aki
Melanie Ide
Marques Marzan
Kaiwi Yoon
Amber Bixel
Jesse Broder Van Dyke
Cure Sulunga
Honey Maltin-Wisot
Eric Chang
Alexis Hou
Jonathan Johnson
Ngahiraka Mason
June Matsumoto
LarMona Meredith
Verna Takashima
Kanoe Takitani-Puahi
Jackie Burke-

Senator English’s Office
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum
Director of Senate Communications
Senate Communications
Strategies 360
East-West Center
Taipei Economic and Cultural OfficeState Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Independent Contractor
Pacific Islands Institute (PII)
Pacific Islands Institute (PII)
Artist/Cultural Practitioner
Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts (MOCA)

Margaret Ahn-

Attorney General’s Office

Guests:Staff:

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 2 of 8

Jamie Lum
Scott Tome
Marlene Hiraoka

-

DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT

-

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Designee

Apologies:
Mehanaokalā Hind
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chair English on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 8:37 a.m.,
who welcomed everyone present. The meeting began with a pule (prayer) by Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā.
APPROVAL OF February 20, 2020 MEETING MINUTES:
A. Minutes of the meeting held on February 20, 2020, were approved on a motion by Mr.
McComber, and seconded by Mr. Ling with the following amendments:
Chair English commented that his meeting with the Voyaging Society related to his
meetings in the two Samoas.
Motion was unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. DBEDT Report:
Mr. Ling reported that the payment to the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Conference
Housing was pending. DBEDT will request that a cashier’s check and remittance letterfrom PA‘I to UH be prepared. UH will not be able to accept a check from PA‘I unless inthe form of a cashier’s check.
Mr. Ling distributed a tentative budget and indicated that payments from Taiwan and
New Zealand need to be kept separate from the donations in the event refunds need to bemade if FESTPAC is postponed. As such, DBEDT will be delaying payments for housing
in the event of a postponement of the Festival. He also stated that New Zealandrequested for language to be included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) thatwould state a policy regarding cancellation of the Festival. There are several issues to beconsidered and the Chair suggested that all payments be delayed at this point in time.
Mr. Ling also confirmed that DBEDT funds would pay for UH housing and meals, andground transportation including VIP transportation. Currently the balance at DBEDT is$581,325.24. Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā requested that an overall budget be prepared as opposed toa balance sheet. Mr. McComber also commented that there are Opening and Closing Day
event expenses which will likely be covered by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA).
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā also expressed that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Destination

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 3 of 8

Management Company (DMC) is pending and the deadline to receive proposals is March
5, 2020.
Representative Onishi requested that the budget be redone with more details includingcolumns for estimated budget and actual expenses. Chair English requested that
Commissioners provide cost estimates to DBEDT (Ms. Lum or Mr. Tome).
Mr. McComber reminded Commissioners that estimates for New Zealand and Taiwan are
pending. Taiwan has reported that their budget cap is $190,000. Details with New
Zealand have been recently negotiated. DBEDT’s balance does not include any
additional transactions.
B. Artistic Director’s Report:
Ms. Bento reported that she met with Ms. Mason, who represents the New Zealanddelegation, about programming. She stated that delegations are requesting moreclarification regarding performances, visual arts and other programming details. Ms.
Bento would like to request that delegations reclarify their intentions related toprogramming through the newsletter. She needs to receive feedback and confirmations
from the delegations and suggested that this communication be requested and included ina future newsletter.
Regarding international wa‘a, to date, Ms. Bento reported that she has not received any
confirmations from delegations that they will be sending wa‘a to the Festival. She
explained that if they do send wa‘a, the delegations would need to sign foreign vessel
permits. While planning will continue for the arrival of wa‘a, we can assume, at thispoint, that there will be no international canoes during the June 10, 2020, ceremony.
Navigators and waka, among others, will likely be attending and a determination needs tobe made regarding protocols that need to be followed.
Ms. Bento confirmed that Kamehameha Schools (KS) will provide food for delegations
for this event as well as absorb costs for tents, staging, sound, chairs, lighting, law
enforcement, etc. Wa‘a arrival day budget is $70,000-100,000. Regarding obtaining apermit, KS is not willing to accept liability so a non-profit will need to be considered forthe permit application.
Ms. Bento and Ms. Kela‘i will meet to discuss budgets and reports on meetings with the
Hawai‘i State Art Museum (HiSAM), Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and Bishop
Museum (BM) and will be reporting to the Commission shortly.
Representative Onishi added that the Commissioners are recognizing how otherorganizations are supporting and contributing to the Festival. He would like income andexpenses to be reflected such as KS’s contributions to the Wa‘a program on June 10.
Chair English commented that the Commission will need to decide what to include in theoverall budget; however, side events should not be reflected in the budget since these
activities are being funded by the respective coordinating entities.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 4 of 8

Discussion continued regarding what would constitute a core event and it was confirmed
as follows: Festival Village, Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, Wa‘a Arrival
Ceremony, Ecumenical Service, Wearable Arts Show, and Pageant would be considered
as core events. Mr. Johnson of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA)
confirmed that his agency has allocated $250,000 towards FESTPAC which includes
programming and logistics for three nights. SFCA is seeking a partner for programming
for an additional evening.
C. Administration Director’s Report
Mr. McComber distributed a summary of his report. He reviewed the figures listed in his
report. He reported $581,325.24 as the current operating funds. He also reported that in
the Trust Fund, there is a balance of $140,000 of which $100,000 is from Smith’s Boat
Tours and $40,000 is from Helumoa. He also reported $500,000 support from HTA.
Mr. McComber also reported the following:-$60,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)$15,000 from the SFCA for the Festival Village$35,000 from Native Arts and Culture

Regarding the funding from Native Arts and Culture, he suggested that a MOU between
PA‘I and Native Arts and Culture be executed regarding use of these funds since PA‘I is
no longer the Festival Director.
Mr. McComber confirmed that $1,101,277.50 will be paid to UH for housing and meals;
however, he suggested that any payment to UH be held off until UH is able to confirm
the reallocation of 190 beds which they are removing from the Gateway House block.
Mr. McComber made a motion to have $192,040.49 be earmarked toward payment to
UH. Representative Onishi seconded the motion. Discussion was held regarding meal
service being provided by UH to include breakfast and dinner. UH is willing to workwith the Commission in determining hours of operation of the cafeteria for dinnerservice. It was suggested that the cafeteria be opened for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to
midnight. DBEDT and Ms. Matsumoto of PII will follow-up on meal service hours with
UH.
Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. McComber reported that there are 1,398 delegates confirmed to attend FESTPAC.
There are 402 remaining beds available. He recommended that one double room on the
ground floor be reserved for the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and his medical team. He
also suggested that a deluxe quad unit be reserved at Frear Hall as a medical dispensary.
Mr. McComber also recommended a double room be reserved for FESTPAC
administration for the evenings.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
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Mr. McComber stated that he received other room requests from New Zealand (deluxe
Quad), Nia Tero (50 beds for 10 days), and French Polynesia (room for storage) which
will be paid by these delegations, and a recommendation for a side room for morning
briefings (40-50 pax). A discussion continued regarding items such as blankets, pillows,
towels, etc. that will need to be purchased. Chair English stated that he will be discussingthese needs with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourist Association to determine whether the
Association’s members could contribute these items.
Discussion was held regarding liability insurance that UH requires. DBEDT isdetermining whether the agency has the ability to purchase insurance to follow UH
requirements.
Mr. McComber questioned whether DBEDT is able to pay for hotel accommodations at
the Ala Moana Hotel. Ms. Ahn clarified that DBEDT is unable to pay for hotel
accommodations. DBEDT will discuss this matter further with Pacific Islands Institute(PII). Also to be discussed with PII is the vendor for ground transportation. If DBEDT
will need to issue a RFP, Mr. Ling stated that RFPs must be open for 30 days.
Mr. McComber confirmed with the Commission that rooms at the East West Center are
no longer needed and will be released.
Mr. McComber asked DBEDT to confirm the deadline for PA‘I to submit their final
report. It was reported that PA‘I was asked to submit their final report by Friday,
February 28, 2020.
Mr. McComber reported that he will be meeting with Southwest Airlines for sponsorshipsupport of air travel to Kaua‘i.
Mr. McComber also reported that he is developing a legal agreement document for theheads of delegations to sign regarding code of conduct, waiver and indemnification,
credential revocation, photography/video waiver, etc. Chair English will check on
training/briefing for all delegates. Regarding crowd release signage, Ms. Ahn and Mr.
Ka‘anā‘anā will be meeting with the Hawai‘i Film Office on February 28 to obtain
guidance regarding this matter.
Relating to human resources, Mr. McComber reported that, unfortunately, theCommission will not be utilizing the services of Professor Mitoma.
Mr. McComber reported that Kanaeokana wants to host a 3-day symposium on
traditional games. Also Guam requested housing prior to the Festival for 8 individuals for
wa’a from 6/2-6/9.
Mr. McComber also reported on the Youth Conference and organizations involved in thisprogram. He confirmed that this program will be funded separately and not through theCommission.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 6 of 8

He also reported that delegations requested information on the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies, Ecumenical Service, Travelers Insurance and Biosecurity webinar. Mr.
McComber suggested that this information be included in the newsletter once details are
confirmed. Ms. de Silva indicated that regarding order of delegations, that would not benecessary; however, Ms. Bento expressed the need to create protocols for the Opening
and Closing Ceremonies. Ms. Bento will work on a draft of programs/events.
D. Festival Coordination Directors’ Report:
Chair English reported that he and Representative Onishi met with UH President David
Lassner. He made reference to the UH Conference Housing Contract with DBEDT. The
Chair and Representative Onishi requested that UH provide funding or in-kind support of
FESTPAC. UH confirmed that they will host a VIP reception at College Hill for
approximately 70 individuals (heads of state, heads of delegations, etc); however, groundtransportation would need to be provided by the Commission. UH also affirmed its
support by providing volunteers, t-shirts, VIP gifts, etc. during the Festival. It was also
reported that on June 8 UH will be hosting university heads from the Pacific Islands.
E. Marketing and Sponsorships Director’s Report:
Mr. Ka‘anā‘anā deferred to his written report which include the Strategies 360 report. He
explained that an overall budget is needed in order for him to reach out to other funders
such as the Hawaii Community Foundation. He also asked for content suggestions forthe next newsletter. He also confirmed with the Commission that he would be releasing
extra convention rooms not needed by FESTPAC.
F. Venues/Facilities Director’s Report:
No additional report from DBEDT.
G. Support Services Director’s Report:
Ms. Kela‘i reported that they are still waiting to confirm details with the Department ofParks and Recreation (DPR). She asked about the status of funding for the Festival
Village. She also requested that entertainers be provided with some funding and thatfood be provided to volunteers. Ms. Takitani-Puahi indicated that they will work with
Ms. Hind on serving food and providing t-shirts for volunteers.
H. Residential Operations/Update on Delegate Housing and Transportation:
Ms. Hind’s report will be deferred until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Delegate Meals and Catering

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 7 of 8

Breakfast and dinner meals at UH in discussion with DBEDT and PII. Lunch will be at
the venue.
B. Concurrent Events and Proposals
It was reiterated that side events would be funded by the respective organizations.
C. Hawaiʻi Delegation Selection Committee
Discussion was held regarding nominees for the Hawai‘i Delegation Selection
Committee. The nominees are: (Ms. De Silva will contact the nominees)• Momi Cazimero, Graphic Artist• Hokulani Holt-Padilla, Kumu Hula
• Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, Cultural Practitioner• Kamanaopono Crabbe, Kohala Institute of Iole(KII)• Hailama Farden, Hawaiian Language Instructor• Maile Meyer, Cultural Practitioner (alternate)• Manuwai Peters (alternate)
By April 8, the selection of Hawai‘i delegation members should be made. Ms. De Silva
will work on a schedule for the Selection Committee in order to have the HawaiʻiDelegation finalized by May 1.
D. Coronavirus
Chair English reported that meetings have been held daily regarding coronavirus updates.
He said that it is recommended that people be prepared with 14 days of food and a threemonth supply of medications. He said that the State is prepared in the event someone in
Hawai‘i tests positive with the coronavirus. Chair English also stated that many large
conferences are being postponed or scaled back due to this situation.
Chair English reported that he spoke to Ms. Kuiniselani Tago-Elisara and she indicatedthat their Council would be meeting and may suggest that FESTPAC in Hawaii be
postponed for a year. She will be reporting back to the Chair soon regarding theCouncil’s decision. The Chair also stated that the long-range vision is to move the
Hawai‘i Commission to the Festival of Pacific Arts Commission.
Chair English explained that because the Commission has an end date of January 2021,
there is legislation, Senate Bill 125, that proposes to extend the Commission further.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Chair English invited anyone from the public to testify.
A. Ms. Jackie Burke reported that the Gallery on the Pali will be hosting artists from Papua
New Guinea.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Thursday, February 27, 2020 Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber, Chamber Level
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Page 8 of 8

CLOSING REMARKS
Chair English thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2020, at 8:30 a.m., at the Hawaiʻi State
Capitol, Senate Caucus Room, Chamber Level.
ADJOURNMENT:The Meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,_________________________________
Senator J. Kalani English
Chair

3/6/2020________________________
Date