What are you reading?

Most of my time is spent reading scripts, but I have a keen interest in nonfiction. I'm fascinated by Hawaiian history, and I'm part-Hawaiian myself, so I tend to really gravitate toward things that are going to increase my knowledge about Hawai'i's history and culture. I've recently bought what I think could be one of the best sources: "Hawai'i's Story" by Lili'uokalani. Not that long ago, I was out to grab lunch and saw a copy of the original book in the window of Hawaiian Island Stamp & Coin. It's a first edition, published in 1898, and in great condition. It gives me chicken skin reading this book.

Is the appeal both hearing Hawai'i's story through her voice and holding a relic of the past?

Absolutely. It really does come to life. ... The photographs are in amazing condition, and it may sound corny, but I love holding it in my hands. I probably shouldn't. I should probably keep it in a glass case somewhere and re-read the paperback, so I can dog-ear it, and mark it up.

As film commissioner, do you strive to find ways for more of Hawai'i's stories, like this one, to be recorded?

It is important to me, and in whatever small way I can, I'm always striving for authenticity in the telling of our stories and wanting to encourage those stories to be told. We're still waiting to see our version of "Dances With Wolves" or "Braveheart" or "Whale Rider" to be told in a way that is going to be meaningful to a global audience and not the stereotypical view of Hawai'i or its culture and its people. I'm a huge advocate of that.