Council confirms
Nakasone to lead band

Supporters of former bandleader
Mahi lose a last-ditch appeal

The City Council unanimously confirmed Michael Nakasone yesterday as the director of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

In a final attempt to hold onto former bandmaster Aaron Mahi, supporters said they were concerned the band could lose its Hawaiian identity.

"What's irreplaceable is a sense of Hawaiian heart and soul," Neil Hannahs testified. "That had to be, that should have been a real core requirement for this position, and it's painful to see that wasn't."

Those supporting Nakasone's confirmation -- including band members -- said that the band is already benefiting from his expertise. Nakasone is the former Pearl City High School band director.

"In this past month with Michael Nakasone as bandmaster, the Royal Hawaiian Band has performed better than ever," flutist Susan Gillespie said. "It is a pleasure to work harder than we have ever worked before."

Councilman Romy Cachola said he hopes that supporters of both Nakasone and Mahi will mend fences following the controversial confirmation process.

"Because we cannot let the community split, we cannot allow the Royal Hawaiian Band to split," Cachola said. "I can sense that the Royal Hawaiian Band without healing will not be the same."

The Council also approved the appointments of nine other members of Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Cabinet.