Film on Kauai
Sandy Kaauwai’s journey is one of resilience, service, and full-circle connection to the film industry she now helps lead. Born and raised on Kauaʻi’s east side, Sandy’s early life was grounded in community values, with parents dedicated to public service.
After graduating, Sandy found her footing in hospitality and real estate. In 1991, while working in real estate, she was asked to oversee a property rented by a major film production—*Honeymoon in Vegas*. It was her first brush with the film world, foreshadowing a future leadership role.
After spending time in Los Angeles working in financial services, she returned home and joined the County of Kauai’s Housing Agency. There, she rose to eventually manage the County’s HUD Section 8 program, managing a multi-million-dollar budget and services for over 700 families. After a decade of high-pressure work, she transitioned into a more balanced role to prioritize family.
In 2018, Sandy was appointed Kauaʻi’s Film Commissioner. With few established guidelines, she continues to build her network, attending industry events and collaborating across islands. Sadly, just as momentum began to grow, the COVID-19 pandemic stalled global productions. Recovery brought new challenges—rising costs, union strikes, and increasing competition from overseas markets offering better tax incentives.
Despite this, Sandy has kept Kauaʻi on the industry’s radar. She’s cultivated a strong niche in commercial and photography projects. In 2022, tax credit-qualified productions generated millions in spending, underscoring the industry’s local value.
As productions consider returning to Hawaii, Kauaʻi is well-positioned—thanks to Sandy’s dedication, insight, and deep-rooted commitment to her island home.
– Larry Feinstein
