Sunday, January 28, 2007

Towill plays host to Morning crew

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

He may be the youngest member of the Morning Light team, but Punahou student and Kane'ohe resident Mark Towill has already impressed the film's executive producers with his surprising maturity.

"I call him an 'old soul,' " says co-executive producer Leslie DeMeuse. "I can't believe he's the youngest, because he seems to have the maturity of the oldest kids, so introspective and articulate."

Adds co-executive producer Roy Disney: "If I had a son like him, I'd be so proud. He comes from a great family, and it shows."

Considered one of the top young sailors in the Islands, Towill has blended well with his older teammates. During the team's two training stints here, Towill also assumed the role of official host.

"I was worried that we'd be staying in Waikiki and all they would see was the tourist side of Hawai'i," Towill said. "I wanted them to experience what real Hawai'i is."

And that, Towill concluded, had to include a meeting with Hokule'a skipper and Polynesian Voyaging Society president Nainoa Thompson.

"(Thompson) represents the old traditions of sailing, and what we're doing is the fully new, modern, super- fast side," Towill said. "Still, there are tons of parallel lines throughout."

Disney agrees, wholeheartedly.

"We just want to impart to these kids what Nainoa has already done," Disney said. "From the beginning, I felt something stitching through this film, and then I realized it was Nainoa. I don't know what it is about the guy, but there is a kinship between sailors."

Towill knows that the film could make him, like Nainoa, a symbol of Hawai'i for some people. And whether he likes it or not, he's ready for the challenge.

"In Hawai'i, there is a definitely unique kind of upbringing," Towill said. "I just hope that through this film, I can put Hawai'i in the best light possible."

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.