Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 283, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds the nominee to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Hawaii Television and Film Development Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

HEATHER HAUNANI GIUGNI is a Kamehameha Schools graduate. She is an experienced producer and director of multimedia programming. Since 1986, Ms. Giugni has created numerous media projects from conception to completion. She has extensive experience in camera operation, direction, editing supervision, and has produced award-winning, thought-provoking projects that have received local and national recognition.

Your Committee finds that the nominee possesses a strong commitment to the growth of Hawaii's film industry in a manner that provides both artistic and economic benefits to the industry. Through her twenty-five years of local production experience –- including twenty as an independent filmmaker –- she is fully aware of the obstacles faced in creating opportunities for Hawaii artists. These obstacles range from financing for smaller niche projects to nurturing the belief within Hawaii's film community that local talent and skilled professionals are available in the islands, making it unnecessary to reach outside Hawaii when planning productions.

Ms. Giugni has an equally strong commitment to encouraging indigenous filmmakers as a means of building the local industry. It is through their voices that she believes Hawaii's stories will be heard and noticed worldwide.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.