Mayor says despite his cuts, the music will play on

Hilo, Hawaii – Video by David Corrigan

Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason asked the mayor the burning question during Monday’s budget address before the Hawaii County Council: What about the Hawaii County Band?

The defunding of the band has become one of the more controversial parts of Billy Kenoi’s proposal, and the island has rallied around the musical tradition. Kenoi remains optimistic, however, that a resolution can be reached.

Naeole-Beason even recommends defunding the Kalapana lava viewing area instead, since there is no longer an active lava ocean entry to attract the large crowds to the southern end of her district.

Emily closes her time by asking akua for help in these hard fiscal times.