Mayor wants more
spent on sports
and film projects

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has proposed increased funding for sports and film development because they boost the economy for Oahu and the rest of the state.

Hannemann proposed a $10,000 increase to $55,000 from last year's appropriation for marketing for the Honolulu Film Office. He also recommended a $30,000 increase to $45,000 compared with last year's appropriation for the city's sports industry development under the Office of Economic Development.

Hannemann went before members of the City Council Budget Committee to present the budget for fiscal year 2006 for his office as well as the managing director.

More than $86,000 also was proposed for festivals and cultural events in the upcoming year.

Hannemann noted that Sunset on the Beach and Brunch on the Beach were removed from the budget as his administration moves toward financial support by the private sector.

"I think it's wonderful," said Budget Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi, who has been in support of privatization for the events.

Hannemann also proposed $20,000 for marketing of a small-business resource center to be located in Chinatown. Discussions have already started between the city and the state to open a business center with the federal government.

"I want to make Chinatown truly an arts center," Hannemann said.

A total of $100,000 was also proposed for Enterprise Honolulu, the Oahu Visitors Bureau and the Chamber Commerce of Hawaii.

Meanwhile, Sidney Quintal of the Department of Enterprises, which operates and maintains the Blaisdell Center, Waikiki Shell, Honolulu Zoo and municipal golf courses, projected $17.8 million in revenues and $16.8 million for the department's operating budget for fiscal year 2006.