Actor Robert Redford, musician John Legend and actress Kerry Washington were joined yesterday by Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in an attempt to bring light on the funding cuts for next year, proposed by President George W. Bush, in the arts department.

The proposed 11 percent cut for the National Endowment for the Arts is considered completely unjustified especially since last year’s budget did not cover all aspects of the activities made. On this note, Hannemann and the others demanded a return to the 1992 funding figure of $176 million.

All the public figures involved tried to explain using their background and present occupation, the importance of arts and culture. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Hannemann, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors' committee on tourism, arts, parks, entertainment and sports, declared during Arts Advocacy Day in Congress:

"Living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the gateway to Asia and the other Pacific island nations, I can tell you firsthand how the culture and arts of our diverse communities are an integral part of our daily lives," and also that "Yet the arts are often pushed to the rear of our educational institutions throughout many cities and states. We need to change our preconceptions that arts are a 'nice to have' and proclaim that the arts are a 'need to have' in our communities." Actor Robert Redford approached the subject from a different point of view, stating that not long from now economy will enjoy a great boost from art related activities and that culture is a solid investment.

John Legend, a respected and accomplished award-winning R&B musician, explained that painting, singing and acting can help people perceive the world in a totally different manner and can help one grow as a person. "It can develop your heart and cultivate your soul, and I think provides us with a better understanding of our humanity," as quoted by the HA.