National Board Member’s Message

Aloha Hawaii Local Members,

Thank you for electing me as your representative on the National Board.

For the members I have not met yet, I am an actor and director, born in Peru, to a Peruvian mother and Scottish father. I have lived in Spain, Trinidad and the U.K., where I worked mostly in theater and for the past 16 years have been happy to call Hawaii my home whilst working in film and television.  

As a first-time National Board member, I have enjoyed connecting virtually with board members from across the country and participating in decisions that impact our Local and the entire union. It is truly an honor to represent the Hawaii Local.

Also, I wanted to share some great news: In the spirit of President Fran Drescher’s Green Council initiatives for greater eco-friendly, sustainable and greener practices industrywide, we are happy to inform the membership that SCR 140 passed out of both the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives and it has has officially been adopted as a Senate Concurrent resolution. 

With widespread support from unions and individuals, this resolution urges the state sustainability coordinator to work with the state and county film offices to develop protocols to ensure that film and television productions in Hawaii are utilizing sustainable practices.  Specifically, we are encouraging the film and television industry in Hawaii to shift to alternatives to single-use plastics. This is consistent with the goals of the state’s 2050 sustainability plan.
I’d like to offer a warm mahalo all the members who submitted testimony in support. Also special thanks to Sen. Chris Lee, Sen. Mike Gabbard, Rep. Lisa Marten and all the legislators who supported this effort. 

In solidarity and with plenty aloha,

Ian Cusick