Honolulu Boy Choir Thanks Administration
The Honolulu Boy Choir thanked Governor Lingle and her Administration for their support and for taking the necessary steps to revitalize the program when it was in danger of dissolution due to financial difficulties two years ago.
Governor Lingle (pictured right) watches a performance by the Honolulu Boy Choir.
Calling the Honolulu Boy Choir a "testament to the power of passion – accompanied by action," the Governor highlighted the important role of collaboration.
"Everything worthwhile is the result of collaboration," she said. "This is true of an ensemble musical performance and of a thriving nonprofit organization."
In 2006, upon hearing about the financial difficulties and the possibility of the choir's dissolution, the Lingle-Aiona Administration worked to find an innovative way to help Honolulu Boy Choir regain its footing.
The choir fit the definition of a positive youth development program, and was, therefore, eligible for federal funds provided through the State Department of Human Services.
Through the grant, the choir received $149,834 per year for two years and an opportunity to "get back on [its] feet, reorganize and operate for another year," said Gary Saito, chair of the Board of Directors in 2006.
The choir was founded in 1974 and is comprised of boys ages 7 to 12 from more than 45 public and private O`ahu schools. The choir has performed for audiences around the world, including Tahiti, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China, Canada and many locations around the United States.
