Aloha Brothers and Sisters,
It’s been a busy six months for our local. There have been numerous productions in the islands and we have held a variety of classes and workshops for members. Here are some of the things we have been working on.
• Hawaii’s Film Production Tax Credit bill, HB1328 HD1 SD1 (companion SB1253), Relating to Film and Digital Media Industry Development, did not pass this last legislative session. We are working with members of the industry and other unions to address the incentives for the next session.
• On April 13, Talk Story: Asian Pacific Islander Women in Film and Television, a free panel, Q&A and reception, was co-presented by our Hawaii Local and the SAG-AFTRA National Asian Pacific American Media and the National Women’s committees. It was well attended and we had a deep discussion on race and gender in film.
• A new SAG-AFTRA Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment has been published and released with policies to better protect all members. The Code of Conduct marks our rededication to upholding professional standards and addressing the toxic and often unlawful workplace culture that many of our members face on a daily basis. We also expect our members to live up to these standards, including in their dealings with other members and employees.
Your union is working on many fronts but we can’t do it without you. You are the union. As your humble servants, we welcome your ideas and support of whatever projects or areas of interest you may have. It continues to be an honor and joy to serve as your president.
In solidarity,
David C. Farmer