HONOLULU (KHON2) — Rescue: HI-Surf, the new action-packed lifeguard drama to capture the dangers of Oahu’s beautiful yet deadly coastline in North Shore will premiere Sunday.
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“The goal was to become certified as a lifeguard and learn what it’s like not just in the water, but also on the stand, on ATVs,” stated Arielle Kebbel, the lead actress who plays ‘Em.’”You name it. We trained it.”
According to the show’s producer, Brian Keaulana, its team hired over 90% local talent for its cast.
“This is not Baywatch. This is real about local families, about us as lifeguards, what we deal with on a daily basis, and the lives that we’ve changed, the lives that we saved,” said Keaulana.
The show is estimated to generate about $40-48 million per season, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT). Previous shows filmed in the state like Hawaii Five-O and Lost had “an incredible impact over a sustained period of time,” per DBEDT. This also includes feature films like the Jurassic Park franchise.