Your Views for June 3

EHCC responds

This is a reply to the Sunday, May 22, Marc Murai letter that raised concerns regarding the East Hawaii Cultural Center.

The current EHCC crew of volunteers is motivated by a shared vision of an art and performance space that is transformative and serves the needs of an expanding community.

This motivation has driven the redesign of galleries, workshops, programs and includes attention to the overall appearance of the building’s facilities and landscaping. A positive energy is working to lift the EHCC out of a long period of decline. “Refresh/renew” has been a labor of love.

Marc Murai’s generous offer was attached to a long list of demands from the figure drawing coordinator that included a six-month lock on Tuesday evening dates.

Agreement with these demands would compromise our capacity to develop performance programming. Use of the theater for studio art also would continue a pattern of disregard for the Marley dance surface. The Marley is a specialty floor covering that should not be a drop cloth for drawing studio activity.

I understand drawing requirements and recommended the group propose a noncredit course offered through the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s College of Continuing Education and Community Service. In this way, their sessions could continue in an appropriate space.

The 2014 figures cited by Mr. Murai have no relation to the slim resources currently available to run the center. We assumed responsibility in January 2016 and have carried on by network and community partnerships with individuals who appreciate innovation and resonate with the “refresh/renew” concept.

I hope the views expressed by Mr. Murai will not discourage others from rediscovering the center. In the meantime, please browse the EHCC website for current information (www.ehcc.org).

Michael Marshall

EHCC volunteer, executive director