collage of councilmember tulba meeting Zachston and meeting with legislators.

September 2026: Community Highlights

Read about District 9's new Youth Commissioner and ways legislators are discussing film industry opportunities rooted from the west side.

Councilmember Tulba shaking hands with Zachston Marcellino.

District 9 Welcomes New Youth Commissioner Zachston Marcellino

The Honolulu Youth Commission welcomed its newest members during an official swearing in ceremony, including District 9 Youth Commissioner Zachston Marcellino

Zachstonʻs role is to bring the voices, ideas and perspectives of young people in Waipahu, ʻEwa and across the district directly to City government.

The Honolulu Youth Commission advises the Honolulu City Council and Mayor on policies, programs, priorities, budgets and other issues that affect children and youth across Oʻahu. The commission gives young people an opportunity to participate in local government and help shape decisions that affect their communities. 

“Zachston will bring an important perspective to City government,” Councilmember Augie Tulba said. “I look forward to seeing him represent the young people of Waipahu and ʻEwa, share their ideas and help create positive change in our community.”

Legislators at a roundtable discussing.

Building on a Vision for Hawaiʻi’s Film Industry

Councilmember Augie Tulba met with former state legislators who helped turn the vision for a film production facility at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu into reality.

The discussion highlighted the history, leadership and hard work that brought the project to this point. Hearing directly from the former legislators who helped advance the vision gave Tulba and his District 9 team a deeper appreciation for the effort behind the project and the opportunities it can create for Hawaiʻi.

The film production facility can help strengthen Hawaiʻi’s growing film industry while creating new opportunities for local students, filmmakers and businesses.

Tulba looks forward to building on the vision established by those who came before and moving the project forward.

“This facility represents more than a place to make movies,” Tulba said. “It can open doors for our students, create opportunities for local talent and bring new economic activity to our communities. We have a strong foundation, and now it is time to build on it.”

The project represents an investment in Hawaiʻi’s creative economy and its next generation of filmmakers, storytellers and industry professionals.

Cover Photo:

District 9 has a new Youth Commissioner and discussions on the west side explore film industry opportunities. Photos: Ryan Wilson/ Marcia Tagavilla

Cover Photo:

District 9 has a new Youth Commissioner and discussions on the west side explore film industry opportunities. Photos: Ryan Wilson/ Marcia Tagavilla

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