MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13™ FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021 AT 2:30 PM VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM:  VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE Commission Members Present were: Guests: Staff:
Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 2 of 10 Apologies: Jarrett Keohokālole Senate President's Designee - - Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Designee
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Kaʿanāʿanā at 2:34 p.m., who welcomed everyone present via ZOOM and Facebook Live. Chair Kaʿanāʿanā called upon Mr. Monte McComber to do the wehena (opening). Chair Ka‘anā‘anā officially extended his farewell and aloha to Mr. McComber who will be leaving the Commission as of April 1, 2021.  Chair opened the floor to others to share their mana ‘o. Ms. de Silva expressed that, as she said during the last Commission meeting, she will miss Mr. McComber, however, looks forward to continuing to interact with him.  She will continue to call upon him and engage with him so that he continues to be a part of the planning. Ms. Salā also thanked Mr. McComber and expressed that she is excited that he will still be involved with the Festival. Ms. Burke sent best of luck wishes to Mr. McComber and mentioned that she has been with him since joining the Commission meetings and expressed her mahalo. Ms. Lum and Rep. Onishi also expressed their thanks and appreciation to Mr. McComber.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ka'anā'anā invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Ms. Burke asked a question about the Request for Proposal (RFP) and whether she would be able to submit again under another sponsorship title.  Chair Ka ‘ anā ‘ anā explained that he was interested in determining how Commissioners intended to move forward regarding fundraising matters.  He stated that today's meeting will be to consider the process of fundraising and not for any decision-making.  Once the Commission determines the process, the submission process will be made public.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 8, 2021 MEETING MINUTES
The minutes were distributed and reviewed by Commissioners.  A motion was made to adopt the minutes unamended by Mr. McComber and seconded by Ms. de Silva. A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners approving the motion to approve the minutes: Chair Kaʿanāʿanā, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Bento, Rep. Onishi, Ms. Lum, Mr. McComber, Ms. Salā. Motion was unanimously approved. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 3 of 10
LEGISLATION
Chair Kaʿanāʿanā provided an update on Senate Bill 696 which will be heard in  the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.  He confirmed that the Commission submitted testimony in support of the measure.  He believes that the Commission is transparent by having meetings accessible by Zoom and Facebook Live and allows public testimony at the beginning of the agenda and also at the closing of the meeting.  The Commission will need to revisit these matters as 2024 approaches. Ms. Ahn asked whether the testimony included the amendment that the Office of Information Practices (OIP) made previously, but was not adopted by the Senate Committee before crossing over to the House.  Mr. Kaʿanāʿanā expressed that, at the moment, the Commission needs a bill to continue to proceed with early-stage planning and he did not include suggestions by OIP in his testimony. Ms. Bento asked for clarification regarding meetings involving sub-committees.  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā stated that the sub-committees can meet freely with members of the community; however, if a Commissioner is in attendance at a meeting, the discussion will be need be shared with Commissioners at Commission meetings.
RECAP FESTIVAL PLANNING EFFORTS TO DATE
Chair Ka'anā'anā shared that he originally envisioned quarterly meetings be scheduled to update leadership (Commissioners' bosses) if needed.  He received advice that it would not be necessary at this time.  If any Commissioner is seeking a slide deck or other support in order to report back to their respective leaders, that can be arranged. Mr. McComber commented that the last update was during November 2020 when the program, description and dates were presented although even at that time, it was noted as tentative.  He thinks it is important to keep leadership informed and updated. Ms. Lum stated, on DBEDT’s behalf, that the Director is kept up to date regarding FestPAC so a slide deck would not be necessary.  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā expressed that he has been doing the same with Mr. De Fries and HTA’s leadership. Ms. Salā indicated that she would appreciate receiving a write-up about FestPAC since she and the City Administration are new.  The materials would be helpful in briefing the Mayor and his Cabinet. Mr. Aki asked a question about whether a presentation should be made to Mayor Blangiardi and his Cabinet similar to what was done for former Mayor Caldwell.  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā agreed with Mr. Aki's suggestion.  Mr. Aki indicated that he would be willing to assist in developing a communication piece for Commissioners to use for this purpose. WORKING SESSION TO FINALIZE AND UPDATE FESTIVAL PROGRAM MATRIX AND DESCRIPTIONS Chair Ka'anā'anā stated that he would like to complete this item on the agenda so that planning can move on. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 4 of 10 Chair Ka'anā'anā requested Mr. Gionson to share the program that has been developed to date. Chair reminded all that during the last meeting Commissioners decided to include hulu (featherwork) and pūpū (shell arts) to the matrix that Ms. Bento developed.  Ms. Bento expressed that she read through the last meeting minutes and the venue sheets, but did not want to get into the semantics of the write-up.  She did have some questions and suggested that the Commission begin by stating changes which she could update on her document as the meeting discussion continues. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā suggested that the discussion begin at the top from Performing Arts, i.e. “big umbrella sections".  The Commissioners discussed traditional versus contemporary performing arts.  Ms. Bento reminded members that the original intent of the Festival was to focus on traditional forms of art; however, a decision needed to be made to determine whether there would be delineations between traditional and contemporary or, for example, offering both in all areas. At this point of the discussion Chair Ka'anā'anā requested that Mr. McComber continue facilitating the discussion. Ms. de Silva indicated that under Oral Traditions, Drama and Theater are contemporary.   She is not sure if Jam Sessions should be included and that the Commission needed to decide what a Jam Session would look like.  There would need to be a description of the session or kept as an "open mic." Ms. Bento commented that she understood Ms. de Silva's feelings.  Many contemporary groups like Sudden Rush, as an example, are only able to succeed because they started with ' Ōlelo . Hawaiian music, Jawaiian and reggae, etc. all have roots in 'Ōlelo.  She would like contemporary to be tied with traditional presentations in some way. Ms. de Silva expressed that she would love to include a stage performance but not an open mic session.  She is fearful that these sessions will turn into parties where other issues such as alcohol, etc. will need to be dealt with.  She believes that because of the environment in Hawaii, there is potential for these sessions to get out of hand.  Once the Jam Session is included as part of the program, it cannot be eliminated.  She would prefer having a stage for Contemporary Music.  This type of music needs to have a place since it was grown out of Hawaiian and 'Ōlelo and influenced by Bob Marley, etc. Ms. Bento agreed with Ms. de Silva's comments.  She would not be opposed to cutting the Jam Session and identify a way/place for people to share music perhaps in a kanikapila way.  It will happen naturally and organically. Mr. McComber also agreed with the comments made.  Everyone will be gathered, and performances will be done extemporaneously and naturally.  In addition, there will be other groups that will be planning events that might be held concurrently during the Festival dates. Some of these presentations could possibly be incorporated with other groups focusing on genre as well. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 5 of 10 Ms. Salā mentioned that she and her staff discussed art as social justice and resistance as a missing category.  They believed that art was a place to practice social justice and not just within the performing arts. Ms. de Silva acknowledged the above comments and felt that it will happen especially within the contemporary arts; however, the discussion underway is to consider overall highlighted categories.  Within contemporary visual arts, social justice, theatre, drama, etc. will definitely be included and also will happen on its own.  Ms. Salā agreed and asked whether the Commission would be leaving it up to the delegations to decide what is contemporary and what is traditional arts for their presentations.   Ms. de Silva stated that the descriptions Hawaiʻi provides will allow the delegations to make those determinations. The Commissioners discussed hō ʿ ikeike (cultural sharing) versus choir.  It was mentioned that people in the Pacific sing and not necessarily because they are in a choir.  A question was made as to whether there would be a need or space for choirs. Ms. Bento used the example of a kapa haka group from Aotearoa who could possibly sing in a fashion show although that group is not considered a choir. Ms. de Silva shared that she has some ideas and agreed with Ms. Bento.  Choral singing has not been a part of the last five Festivals and felt it did not need to be in a separate category.  Choral singing will be included in the ecumenical service.  Because of COVID-19, the Commission should assist countries in bringing the most important people to participate in the Festival without challenging them to bring large numbers of individuals based upon the categories. Ms. de Silva offered comments that Hawai'i is different because we do not sing in the same way as a choir unless it is in church, however, other countries do.  There could still be opportunities for them to sing but creating a new category is not necessary.  The Commission could decide that it be included in the contemporary music category and allow choral singing to be presented there. We will not be asking countries to bring a choir to the Festival.  One suggestion was to allow every country to be able to sing during the ecumenical service.  Choral groups from Hawaiʻi could be a part of it without putting it into categories like we are with the delegations. Ms. Bento does not mind if choirs are eliminated.  There are Samoan, Tongan and other Pacific Islanders living in Hawai'i who need to be reached out to.  They do not need to be in the delegation count for housing and transportation; however, they could be included in other ways so as not to leave these local groups out. Ms. de Silva stated that a good way for the Hawai'i groups to be involved is to allow them time on stage.  However, careful consideration needs to be made to give country delegations the honor of representing their countries.  In that sense, perhaps we could allow only country delegations to perform on the main stage.  We would not want to put Pacific Islanders who live here against those who will be part of official delegations from their respective countries. Ms. Bento suggested that instead of cutting choral singing or any other categories during today's meeting, the subcommittee should meet and discuss these details and present recommendations Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 6 of 10 to the Commission for official voting.  Although there is time to go through that process, the Chair expressed that his original goal was to finalize the program today. Mr. McComber noted that originally, choirs were added for a choral festival at Kawaiaha c Church.  However, he agreed that to remove it from discussion for now in an effort to move forward is understandable. Ms. de Silva indicated that choral singing should be removed from the main matrix and that the subcommittee can determine which category it could fit into.  Ms. Bento feels that choral singing is ingrained in cultural aspects whether it is considered traditional or not.  She agreed that it can be further discussed in order to be inclusive in allowing groups to sing in that way.  Ms. de Silva suggested placing choral singing into hō ʿ ike ʿ ike where delegations can perform; however, it would not be necessary to create a separate category.  Ms. Bento agreed.  She also expressed that she would like to create a space to invite groups to perform in a subcategory. Ms. de Silva stated that she does not want social justice resistance in a category.  She does not believe this Festival is where it is to be featured.  If it emerges, that is fine; however, we do not need to invite this as a category of the Festival.   Ms. Bento suggested that it be included in a panel discussion or symposium, etc. and that it does not need to be called out.  Someone should make a list of these side conversations that we would like to include for appropriate follow-up. Mr. McComber commented that regarding dance, some groups will say that it is both contemporary and traditional.  Ms. de Silva shared that there is hula kahiko (ancient hula), contemporary kahiko and more contemporary hula which would be ʿ auana (modern hula).  She further stated that we would want groups to perform their pre-1900's mele (songs) under traditional and post 1900's mele as contemporary expression.  Hula from pre-contact from the 1800’s would be considered traditional hula.  Mr. McComber asked whether those details should be included in the description and Ms. de Silva replied that it would be good to include in order for countries to determine where their dance methods fit in. Chair Kaʿanāʿanā  thanked Mr. McComber for temporarily facilitating the discussion.  Chair commented that we would not want to give delegations a Merrie Monarch book of rules but need to be as descriptive as possible in order for delegations to have an understanding about categories.  It would not be practical to set timelines and dates because it will be interpreted differently by the delegations.  Ms. de Silva agreed.  There needs to be more explanation included in the contemporary description because of more western influences.  Ms. de Silva recalled that during the past five Festivals, definitions used were traditional and contemporary. She mentioned that in American Samoa, the Hawai'i dancers went on stage to dance hula kahiko ; however, the group before them performed Bob Marley.  Because it was not within the same category, Hawai'i did not participate.  We need to prevent this type of situation from happening during the Hawaiʻi FestPAC. Chair Ka'anā'anā stressed that the Commission continue with these discussions and emphasized that constant communication with heads of delegation must be made.  There should be frequent meetings held ahead of the Festival.  He appreciates the discussion and comments being made at this meeting. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 7 of 10 No suggested changes for Media Arts, Mixed Media, Published and Academic Works, Film, Photography, Visual Arts. For Living Arts, Carving, Kapa (bark cloth making), Hulu, Pūpū (Ms. Bento indicated that she would work on definitions), Tattooing and body ornamentation, Weaving, and Voyaging, no other comments were made. Regarding Food Traditions, Chair Kaʿanāʿanā stated that the subcommittees can get into more detailed descriptions.  For the Commission's purposes, he wanted to give it a structure/umbrella for this discussion. Food Security and Food Sovereignty.  Chair suggested including this as a seminar.   These will be subsections of Food Traditions. Ms. Bento expressed that she appreciates ceremonial things and would be interested in seeing how this could be incorporated.  Ms. de Silva asked if it is in the preparation and whether it would be considered okay without a ceremony – looking at food source such as lāʿau lapaʿau (medicine and healing) as an example. For Healing Arts, Wellness, Ho ʿ oponopono (conflict resolution), Lāʿau lapaʿau, Lomi (massage), no other comments were made. Mr. Aki commented that Lua (hand to hand combat) is a traditional art and suggested that it be given a bigger category. For ‘ Ohana (family relationships),  ‘ Ōpio (children/juvenille), Makua (parental), Kūpuna (elders), Māhū (LGBTIQA+), no other comments were mentioned. Opening – Ms. de Silva asked about a wa ‘a (canoe) ceremony.  Ms. Bento commented that as stated previously, the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia voyaging canoes will likely be on a voyage through 2025.  She mentioned that it would be the 50 th anniversary of Hōkūleʿa launching out of Maui.  It was previously mentioned that we have an opportunity to engage ʿohana waʿa (former and present voyagers) to be a part of the wa 'a arrival ceremony. Ms. de Silva commented that for wa 'a ceremonies at most Festivals, it would be a six-man wa 'a and not the double haul or voyaging canoes.  It would be the Outrigger type of canoe that arrived with heads of delegation or heads of state.  It represented the official arrival of delegations.  We could use canoe clubs – it could be 20, 200, etc. or smaller voyaging canoes.  It would be important to consider the financial aspects and feel of the event during decision-making.  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā stated that he feels that a waʿa ceremony should be held. Closing – No comments made. Fashion/Wearable Arts Show (Ms. de Silva indicated that this event were usually part of visual arts in past Festivals.) Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 8 of 10 Chair Kaʿanāʿanā expressed that he would like to extend trust to Commissioners and practitioners.  He suggested that members adopt the matrix so that we can move forward in identifying subcommittees. A motion to approve was made by Mr. McComber and seconded by Ms. Bento. A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners approving the motion to adopt the Program Matrix:  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Bento, Rep. Onishi, Ms. Lum, Mr. McComber. With one kānalua (abstained) as Ms. Salā was temporarily off-screen and unavailable to verbally state her vote. Motion was approved by a majority of the commissioners. Chair assured Commissioners that the dialogue will continue and that he was excited about building out subcommittees.  Commissioners will have more opportunity to comment further as subcommittees meet and decide on descriptions and other program details.
WORKING SESSION TO FINALIZE FESTIVAL VENUE TEMPLATE
The Venue Template was shared with Commissioners.  Chair Kaʿanāʿanā noted that he made some edits that were incorporated and distributed to Commissioners prior to the meeting.  For example, he used “ADA Compliant” which is a standard term used if the Commission considers seeking federal funding support. Chair Ka'anā'anā asked staff to distribute the template to Commissioners.  He commented that venues will be asked to complete the form which will assist the Commission in decision-making. WORKING SESSION TO FINALIZE THE KULEANA (COMMISSIONERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES) MATRIX Chair Kaʿanāʿanā asked if any updates were needed. Ms. de Silva requested that the matrix be distributed to Commissioners.
DISCUSSION OF SPONSORSHIP STRATEGY
Related to fundraising for the Festival, Chair Ka'anā'anā would like the Commission to develop a recommendation for the process.  It was previously difficult to formalize, however, since there is time to engage in this process, he suggested that a RFP be issued for sponsorship development services.  The idea would be to solicit an individual to seek donations on the Commission's behalf, including writing grant proposals. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā requested feedback from Commissioners.  Mr. McComber commented that it would be worth issuing an RFP for this purpose where the vendor selected would obtain a percentage of the donations secured.  He also mentioned that the Chambers of Commerce in each county should be contacted so that business organizations within the community will be prepared for the Festival in order to create a nice experience for visitors/attendees.  Chair explained that there are currently no funds available, so this is a way to secure funds by authorizing the vendor to accept a percentage of donations secured. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 9 of 10 Rep. Onishi expressed his concerns.  When raising funds, there needs to be transparency in informing donors that a percentage of funds would be given as fees to the individual/business soliciting funds for FestPAC.  Some donors may feel uncomfortable with this process.  It was suggested that it could be a fixed fee and part of the overall budget. Chair Ka'anā'anā stated that because of those considerations, this discussion is important.  The Commission is limited, at the moment, because there are no funds allocated to the Festival.  He is open to considering many creative options to address this need. Mr. McComber offered to provide some assistance with writing.  Rep. Onishi suggested that the Commission consider partnering with the Hawaii Community Foundation and utilize their resources, expertise and willingness to consider donating to this cause. Chair Kaʿanāʿanā suggested that the Commission create a portfolio including grant opportunities, assignments, and a process to track these efforts.  Rep. Onishi expressed that the Commission needs to be clear in what it is asking this individual/business to do and what expectations are including how the individual would be compensated. Chair Ka'anā'anā suggested that rather than issuing a RFP, the Commission could consider issuing a RFI.  With this option, the Commission would request for informational proposals which would be evaluated by Commissioners.  The RFI would be a good process in that it would educate the Commission about the fundraising process.  Following the RFI, the Commission could then issue a RFQ and award the contract to a business.  The process of a RFP is not feasible since there are no funds available at the moment. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā indicated that he will have a discussion with DBEDT to determine how a RFI could be developed and will report back to the Commission.
DISCUSSION OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT FOR THE FESTIVAL
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
Regarding inter-governmental support Chair Ka ‘ anā ‘ anā reminded the Commission that in other countries, the Festival is a national effort.  This Hawai'i Festival, thus far, has become the responsibility of the Commission as being the one that is shouldering the planning and implementation of the Festival.  Chair asked whether the Commission could seek assistance from other departments such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) to assist with the project.  ETS could assist on technical matters such as by developing a platform to collect information digitally, create digital forms for the heads of delegation to use and consider developing an intranet site.  He believes that the Festival is a great opportunity to engage people with culture and the role of government. Mr. McComber suggested that in addition to State departments, the Commission should also consider involving the UH system.  UH could assist as an ambassador and develop volunteer programs, etc.  There are some universities such as HPU that offer degrees in event planning.  It was also mentioned that leveraging personnel from county Mayors' offices would be helpful, too. Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOM Page 10 of 10 Rep. Onishi explained the difference between inter- and intra-governmental support.  Intra- governmental support is within State government.  Inter-governmental support would include counties and congressional support, too.  He believes that the Festival should be a U.S.- sponsored event and offered assistance, together with Sen. Keohokālole, to reach out to Hawai‘i’s Congressional Delegation for funding support through the National Endowment of the Arts or as a direct appropriation. Chair Kaʿanāʿanā thanked Rep. Onishi for his assistance and requested the he and Sen. Keohokālole take the lead on reaching out to the Congressional Delegation regarding this matter. Chair Ka'anā'anā  continued on with a suggestion that a needs list should be developed so that the counties and Congressional Delegation have an understanding of what the Commission requires.  Ms. Salā indicated that a list, as the Chair is suggested, would be helpful during briefings with the Mayor as well help to determine how others can get involved and provide assistance.  Chair requested Commissioners to identify areas of support that are needed. Ms. Bento asked if there are any grant opportunities currently available since the Festival is related to culture, the arts and education. Chair Kaʿanāʿanā asked if the Commission should request for a presentation from Kaʿānaniʿau regarding the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and funds availability.  If anyone sees other opportunities that are available, the application process can be reviewed at that time. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS Chair Kaʿanāʿanā invited the public to offer comments.  Hearing none, he continued with the Agenda.
NEXT MEETING
Chair Kaʿanāʿanā confirmed that the next meeting will be held on April 5, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ka‘anā‘anā adjourned meeting at 4:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, 04/05/2021 Chair Date