Hawaii Film Commissioner Donne Dawson Retires After 25 Years of Service
Honolulu, HI – After a quarter-century of dedicated service, Donne Dawson is retiring as Hawaii State Film Commissioner, effective April 30, 2026. The announcement was made by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) on April 30, 2026.
A Legacy of Promoting Hawaii as a Filming Destination
Dawson has been instrumental in managing the Hawaii Film Office and the state’s film program for the past 25 years. Her leadership has helped to establish Hawaii as a premier location for film, television, and commercial productions. The DBEDT highlighted her contributions to the growth and diversification of the state’s economy through the film industry.
Impact on the Hawaii Economy
While specific economic figures related to Dawson’s tenure were not detailed in the announcement, the DBEDT emphasized the importance of the film industry to Hawaii’s economic landscape. The department serves as Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development, and foreign trade advantages, according to its official website. [DBEDT Website]
Recent DBEDT News
The announcement of Dawson’s retirement coincided with other recent reports from the DBEDT. On April 30, 2026, the department also reported that visitor spending and arrivals in March 2026 were impacted by Kona Low storms. [Hawaii.gov News] the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Tourism Authority announced a collaborative effort to restore coral reefs on Oahu on the same day. [Hawaii.gov News]
Looking Ahead
The DBEDT has not yet announced a successor to Dawson. The department’s continued efforts to support and grow the film industry will be crucial for maintaining Hawaii’s position as a leading filming destination. Governor Josh Green was sworn in on December 5, 2022, and continues to oversee the state’s economic development initiatives. [Hawaii.gov News]