"April's events have set the bar. This is the standard by which all others will be measured."
President Donald Trump
Then Owner of Miss Universe
"April Is A Game-Changer.”
Gregg Bonann
Baywatch Creator & Producer
It began with The Hollywood Reporter’s headline:
“Baywatch Is Going Downunder,” and April’s instantaneous response to reading it.
Specifically, call Gregg Bonann, Baywatch Creator and Executive producer (whom she did not know), and convince him to cancel his already planned move to Australia, and go to Hawaii instead.
Never mind that in Australia, Prime Minister Howard was featured on the front page, announcing Baywatch’s arrival.
Who cares if the scripts had been written, and the actors cast in Australia?
Behind the scenes, having never met in person, April won Gregg’s trust. Gregg’s flight arrived in Honolulu at 10am, and was having lunch at Washington Place with Governor Cayetano, Speaker Say, Senate President Mizuguchi, Mayor Harris, and HVCB Chair Tony Vericella by noon.
“Hawaii Wins the Battle for Baywatch”, proclaimed The Hollywood Reporter.
April had hijacked The World's #1 Action Adventure TV Series from Australia to Hawaii.
The announcement of Baywatch’s groundbreaking legislation followed quickly. First of its kind, the new law stipulated several key provisions, including hiring 80% local crew, adding “Hawaii” to Baywatch, and casting two Hawaii residents as the main lead characters.
The local lead law, caused April’s lead character Open Call and ….in walks Jason Mamoa.
"I can tell you from experience. Without fail, April always delivers."
Randy Bernard
Academy of Country Music Chairman and Garth Brooks Manager
From Miss Universe to Masini Day
First, April helped write the legislation. Then, she and her army of volunteers broke records and made history. Miss Universe proclaimed, “You have set the bar. This is the standard by which all others would be measured.”
Nick named’April’s Army’. 500 volunteers, with a purpose. They arrived with no experience and produced nine back-to-back world-class events. The media called it “Magic”. Miss Universe crowned Hawaii, “#1, “The Best of The Best”
Brook Lee’s homecoming, the largest weekday parade in HI’s history, featured 160 cars, 300 military, 98 delegates, 98 country flags, plus the ‘Official Contest Winner’ of each island. Miss Universe arrived. But seven of HI’s children stole the show.
Share Aloha with the World transformed a pageant into a learning experience; citizens into engaged participants; and airports into art galleries. 2,879 pieces of art remain showcased, and families still visit “their wall” to pose for photos.
Masini Volunteer of the Year Award, established by Honolulu Mayor Harris and twice Mayor, then City Council Chairman Hannemann, in recognition of April’s leadership by example and unprecedented impact on the city of Honolulu, and the state of Hawaii.
June 4 was officially proclaimed “Masini Day” by Governor Ben Cayetano for April’s unwavering dedication, selfless giving, and inspirational, impactful leadership to benefit Hawaii and its citizens.
"Almost single-handedly revived Hawaii's television and film industry."
Governor Ben Cayetano
Imi Loa Magazine
April's Agreement with Universal Gave Hawaii A Gift of A Lifetime. Literally.
Blue Crush remains the primary marketing footage used by the United States Department of Commerce to market Hawaii ever since.
Never before had a studio agreed to market the location its film had been shot, along with the actual movie. And, with April, Universal did.
Yet, pioneering the first-of-its-kind cross-promotion between a studio’s film and a state was not enough.
April’s contract with Universal went far beyond that.
Universal gave Hawaii perpetual usage rights to Blue Crush footage and marketing collateral, worldwide and royalty-free, in perpetuity.