Month: February 2012

Heather Haunani Giugni

We are very happy to be able to pass on the news that Ms. Heather Haunani Giugni was sworn in on Tuesday as the new Representative for House District 33 (‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Halawa Heights, Halawa Valley, and Red Hill)!

Congratulations, Rep. Giugni, and thank you for stepping up to serve our community!

The press release from Governor Neil Abercrombie’s office announcing Rep. Giugni’s appointment is listed below.

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Heather Haunani Giugni to the state House of Representatives for District 33, which includes ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Halawa Heights, Halawa Valley and Red Hill.

Ms. Giugni fills the seat left vacant by former Representative Tom Okamura who stepped down recently due to health reasons.

“Heather and her family have been part of the democratic story for generations,” said Governor Abercrombie. “The lessons she’s learned firsthand from Hawai’i’s leaders have helped define her strong commitment to uplifting young people and building a better future for this state. In addition, her skills and appreciation of modern technology and communication will be valuable assets to the legislature.”

With over 25 years of film and video experience, Ms. Giugni is the owner of Juniroa Productions and a founding member of ‘Ulu’ulu: The Henry K. Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai’i. She has worked on numerous documentaries that have highlighted history, culture and traditions of Hawai’i. Ms. Giugni has been a producer for the live broadcasts of the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest and the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. She is a producer and mentor for Hiki No, a PBS Hawai’i show produced by Hawai’i high school students.

“I look forward to serving the community and following in the footsteps of those leaders who represented this special district,” said Ms. Giugni.

Ms. Giugni is a resident of ‘Aiea. Her swearing in ceremony will take place Tuesday, February 21, when the House of Representatives convenes.

We are sad to report that Mr. Tom Okamura, the State Representative for Aiea and Halawa, has resigned due to health reasons.

Mr. Okamura previously served as a state representative for the Aiea area between 1980 and 2000, when he resigned for health reasons. He was recently reappointed as a representative by Governor Neil Abercrombie to replace Mr. Blake Oshiro, who Mr. Abercrombie appointed as his new deputy chief of staff.

We know that Mr. Okamura worked tirelessly for his community for several decades and we sincerely thank him for his hard work and wish him the very best.