Local President’s Message

Aloha Brothers and Sisters:

Our little local in the middle of the ocean saw a lot of action this summer! Here are some highlights:

Multiple TV shows, film, and interactive media and new media projects have provided many opportunities for our members. Our dynamic Executive Director Mericia Palma Elmore made multiple official set visits on most of the projects, observing and reporting on the productions, connecting with many members and pre-members, and listening to any concerns on set.

In June, more than 40 people attended our new member meeting and information session. It was a lively affair, with new and seasoned members sharing stories and fellowship.

In an effort to connect with members across the entire island chain, Mericia conducted meet-and-greet events on Kauai, the Big Island and Maui. Members and pre-members at the Kauai event at the Ha Coffee shop in Lihue shared food, fellowship and lots of good coffee. Our members and pre-members at the Big Island event at the Honua Studios in Kona not only got a behind-the-scenes studio tour, they got a sneak peek of a feature film that was released later in the summer.

In addition to several very successful conservatory individual instructor workshops, some open to pre-members, we continued to offer new conservatory panel events every month, with topics ranging from Kick-Starting Your Imagination to Get the Part to On-Camera Techniques.

As a member in several national committees, I participated in webinars such as the President’s Forum and the Disciplinary Review and Background Actors committees.

We invite you to join us as a volunteer on a local committee to help with our local’s important work. Contact Mericia in the local office, any of the Hawaii Local Board members or me for more information.

In our current political and social environment, unions are often under intense attack. Our local members are diverse and talented; we need your engagement and enthusiasm now more than ever to stay relevant, visible and effective.

In solidarity,

David C. Farmer