RELATING TO THE STATE OF HAWAII FILM COMMISSION.

HB1493

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1493

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to the state of hawaii film commission
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to part IX to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:

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"
�201-
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State of Hawaii film commission;
established; reports.
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(a)
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There is established a state of Hawaii film
commission within the creative industries division of the department for
administrative purposes only.

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(b)
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The commission shall:

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(1)
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Develop a five-year strategic plan
integrating workforce development business attractions and infrastructure
expansion;

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(2)
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Provide policy recommendations on
improving tax incentives and diversifying the State's film and media production
industry;

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(3)
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Establish partnerships with local
and global film media industries;

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(4)
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Serve as the coordinating agency
among state, county, and private entities to streamline the permitting and
production processes; and

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(5)
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Foster indigenous storytelling
initiatives in collaboration with the State's creative communities.

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(c)
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The commission shall consist of twelve
members, ten of whom shall be appointed an removed by the governor pursuant to
section 26-34, except as otherwise provided in this section, and two of whom
shall be ex officio members as follows:

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(1)
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One member from each of the
counties' film offices;

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(2)
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One member who shall have expertise
in indigenous and cultural storytelling;

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(3)
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One member who shall have extensive
global media production experience;

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(4)
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One member who shall have expertise
in studio development and infrastructure;

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(5)
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One member who shall be a
Hawaii-based producer with significant production credits;

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(6)
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Two members representing the labor
workforce in the film and media industries;

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(7)
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The chairperson of the board of land
and natural resources or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as an
ex-officio, voting member; and

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(8)
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The director of business, economic
development, and tourism or the director's designee, who shall serve as an
ex-officio, voting member.

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(d)
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The commission shall elect from among its
members, a chair, a vice-chair, and other leadership positions as it deems
necessary, including but not limited to treasurer and secretary.

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(e)
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The commission shall appoint an executive
director to oversee daily operations and report to the commission.
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The executive director may hire other
administrative personnel necessary to assist in the performance of the
commission's duties.

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(f)
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The commission shall prepare an annual budget
and allocate resources to achieve strategic objectives, including the
development of infrastructure and marketing material that promotes the State as
a premier filming destination.

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(g)
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The commission shall submit a report of its
finding and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the
legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular
session, detailing:

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(1)
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Progress in the development,
diversification, and promotion of the State's film and media industries;

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(2)
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Workforce initiatives, including the
development and implementation of the five-year strategic plan required
pursuant to section 201- (b)(1);

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(3)
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Tax incentive impacts; and

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(4)
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Revenue generated by film and media
production.

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(h)
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For the purposes of this section,
"commission" means the state of Hawaii film commission.
"

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SECTION
2.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $750,000 or so much thereof
as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and
operation of the state of Hawaii film commission, including the establishment
of:

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(1)
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One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE)
executive director of the state of Hawaii film commission position who shall be
exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

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(2)
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Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE)
administrative positions to support the state of Hawaii film commission who
shall be exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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The
sums

appropriated shall be expended
by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the
purposes of this Act.

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SECTION
3.
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New statutory material is
underscored.

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SECTION
4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1,
2025.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DBEDT;
CID; State of Hawaii Film Commission; Workforce Development; Film; Media;
Reports; Positions; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes
the State of Hawaii Film Commission within the Creative Industries Division of
the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support the
State's film and media industries.
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Requires reports to the Legislature.
�

Appropriates funds.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.