Board of Trustees

Donne Dawson serves as the Hawai‘i State Film Commissioner, heading the office that provides coordination for all film and photographic use of state-administered parks, beaches, highways and facilities. The Hawai‘i Film Office also facilitates film permitting and locations support for the state’s expansive jurisdiction across the Hawaiian Islands.  Ms. Dawson manages Hawaii’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.  Donne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from California State University-Sacramento.

Nicole Okuna is the Hotel Manager for the historic The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort in Waikīkī, where she leads hotel operations. She was previously the Resident Manager and operations leader for the historic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa known as The First Lady of Waikīkī. Other hospitality work has included Director of Sales and Marketing of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort and Account Director for the Sheraton Kona at Keauhou Bay. Mrs. Okuna holds a Master of Science in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a B.A. in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in mathematics from Pepperdine University. Her other community work includes serving on the Board of Directors for the TIM Alumni Association and former co-chair of the Kaua‘i Chapter of Hospitality’s Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

Chris Hong is a Principal at Chris Hong Design. He was formerly a principal with English Hong Architecture. Mr. Hong graduated from California Polytechnical Institute at San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Architecture. He is a licensed architect in Hawai‘i and Washington. He worked with the Seattle-based architecture firm NBBJ before returning to Hawai‘i to join G70, a local design and planning firm. After a time with Redmont Group as the president of architecture, Chris co-founded English Hong Architecture in 2019. His community service includes terms as director and president of the Hawai‘i Architectural Foundation, president of AIA Honolulu, and an active member of the Build Committee and Board member for Honolulu Habitat for Humanity.

Jeremy Baldwin’s roots on Maui and O‘ahu go back six generations.  He is manager and part owner of JKT Partnership which owns a number of historic buildings in Makawao Town on Maui. He has a BS in physics from Harvey Mudd College but has always been more interested in building and architecture.  Many historic properties of the family led to repairs and renovations relying on traditional methods and the making of many sash windows.  Single wall construction is the most fun to restore because it was often covered up and is more unique to the islands. He serves on the boards of Seabury Hall, Montessori School of Maui and the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation.

Barbara Shideler is a principal and historical architect with MASON. She has over 25 years of experience as a historic preservation professional. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Ms. Shideler values opportunities to protect and renew our community’s architectural treasures. She particularly enjoys the technical challenge of restoring Hawaii’s storied places and has designed the restoration of significant historic buildings and residences, including award winning projects at Shangri La, Kaumakapili Church, and the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. She is president of the Hawai‘i-Pacific Island Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology and is member of the American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter. Ms. Shideler is a frequent presenter and collaborator for Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s educational programs.

Dr. Chiu has a private medical practice in Kailua, O‘ahu and specializes in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and pediatric otolaryngology.  She is affiliated with Castle Medical Center. Dr. Chiu is an avid traveler and photographer, with an emphasis on learning about the histories and cultures of destinations across the globe. Her wide-ranging interests encompass photography, collectable figurines and graphic novel-themed art, and archaeology. Her community service includes medical missions to perform cleft lip, head and neck surgeries in Laos, The Philippines, Honduras and Mexico. She has served on the Boards of Directors for the Physician’s Exchange, the Ko‘olau Federal Credit Union and several healthcare associations.