"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 Masini Is A Game-Changer.
I'm Speechless."
Gregg Bonann
Baywatch Creator & Executive Producer
It began with The Hollywood Reporter’s headline:”Baywatch Is Going Downunder,” and April’s instantaneous response to reading it.
Specifically, to call Gregg Bonann, Baywatch Creator and Executive Producer (whom she did not know), convince him to trust her, forgo his six year contract, cancel Baywatch’s move to Australia, and relocate 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, contracts drafted, and actors cast in Australia?
Behind the scenes, April had won Gregg over. He was on the early flight to Honolulu. By noon, Gregg and April were having lunch at Washington Place with Governor Cayetano, Speaker Say, Senate President Mizuguchi, and HVCB Chair Tony Vericella.
Splashed across The Hollywood Reporter’s front page, “Hawaii Wins The Battle for Baywatch!”
April had Hijacked Baywatch, from Australia, to Hawaii.
The announcement of Baywatch’s groundbreaking legislation followed quickly. The new law stipulated several key provisions, including hiring 80% local crew, adding “Hawaii” to “Baywatch”, and casting two Hawaii residents as lead characters in the series. One was Jason Mamoa
"Almost single-handedly revived Hawaii's television and film industry."
Proclaimed June 4 "Masini Day"
Governor Ben Cayetano
Imi Loa Magazine
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.
"I can tell you from experience. Without fail, April always delivers."
Randy Bernard
Academy of Country Music Chairman and Garth Brooks Manager
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.
"April proved to be an extremely effective president"
Anthony Eames
Retired President & CEO of The Coca-Cola Company