State of Hawai‘i Film Office
Donne Dawson has served as the Hawai‘i State Film Commissioner since 2001, heading the office that is the first point of contact for all film production—large and small—throughout the state. She and her staff provide coordination for all film and photographic use of state-administered parks, beaches, highways, harbors, airports, and other state facilities. The Hawai‘i Film Office facilitates film permitting and locations support for the state’s expansive jurisdiction across the Hawaiian Islands. Dawson also manages Hawai‘i’s refundable production tax credit program and oversees the Hawai‘i Film Studio at Diamond Head. She works as an advocate for filmmakers and the film industry and promotes Hawai‘i as a world-class filming destination. Dawson is native Hawaiian and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from California State University-Sacramento. She is active in many community organizations including the Protect Kaho’olawe ‘Ohana and is a lifelong student of hula and ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i. She serves on the Programs and Kama‘āina of the Year committees.