Filmmaker Lee focuses efforts on 'ice' in Hawai'i
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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And she's got Hawai'i's broadcast media on her side: The five local affiliate stations have agreed to simultaneously show the film in an unprecedented commercial-free prime-time screening in August.
Titled "Hawai'i's Ice Epidemic," the program will examine the scope of methamphetamine or "ice" abuse and offer ways communities can help combat the devastation it causes.
Though the precise time and date are uncertain, KHON-2, KITV-4, KHNL-8 and KGMB-9, as well as PBS-Hawai'i-11, are considering the August airing. The PBS station also has committed to host a half-hour "town hall" discussion after the screening. Other stations may pick up that feed or present their own discussions afterward, Lee said.
"The cooperation exhibited by Hawai'i's major network affiliates agreeing to a prime-time simulcast makes us proud to be part of this industry," said Lee, who is known for her reflective films on paniolo, Papakolea and Waikiki.
She said the worsening ice crisis in Hawai'i was a challenge she had to acknowledge and investigate.
"The purpose of the film is to show how arts and entertainment can be used as an educational tool, too, for the entire public. If we can call attention — and TV is the best medium — to provide valuable information to help enforcement, and show how the private sector can get involved, we'll have succeeded," she said.
"It's often thought of as a problem only for the government or enforcement agencies. Absolutely not. It's everyone's problem."
Producer Jeffrey Mueller, who is partnering with Lee to launch the documentary, added, "With the highest rate of ice addiction in the nation, Hawai'i is in a state of crisis."
The show will offer more than facts and statistics, Lee said. "We'll offer options and resources for the addict, the friend and family member — and the responsible community member." The intent is to expose the real stories — of addicts, children of addicts and foster parents who care for newborns of women addicted to ice — balanced with prevention and rehabilitation information.
Commenting on how she got the affiliates to agree to book the film, Lee said, "It's not us, it's the subject matter.
"In briefly researching the project, my partners and I learned that almost 90 percent of kids in the hospital addicted to the drug are from teenage mothers and from families whose drug use may extend to the older generation.
"There is not a family member somehow (not) touched by this epidemic. It can be from having your car ripped off by an ice user, with your car insurance or your home insurance rates going up, or your kids being afraid of going to school because of the fear (of the drug). I think the TV stations didn't hesitate because of the discouraging numbers, even if it's a show they might have done themselves."
The producers have the commitment of educational, community and government officials who have been on the front line in the statewide drug war.
Kamehameha Schools president Michael Chun, Punahou School president James Scott and Iolani School headmaster Val Iwashita have agreed to be involved in the project. "We're trying to get Pat Hamamoto (state schools superintendent) too," Lee said, "because we know it's an issue with all schools, private and public."
Others aboard include Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. Aiona is expected to help launch a community outreach program that would make "Hawai'i's Ice Epidemic" available throughout the community. Grade-school and middle-school audiences would be able to view a special version aimed at the young.
Initial financing has come from corporate and community groups, but Lee said more money is needed. To contribute, call Lee's Film Works production line at 585-9005.
