THE SENATE

THE TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE

REGULAR SESSION OF 2005

A G E N D A

This joint informational briefing will discuss the depth, breadth, and viability of the local film/media production industry, and address strategies for its growth. Although Hawaii logged a banner year for film and television production in 2004, our current range of media production incentives lag considerably behind most other states and leading production centers like Canada and Australia. This briefing will examine the steps necessary to grow Hawaii’s production levels, and be competitive with other regions.

Participants in this briefing will cover various segments of the industry and will include:

• Ted Liu, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
• Judy Drosd, Chief Officer, Arts, Film & Entertainment Division (DBEDT)
• Donne Dawson, State Film Commissioner, Hawaii Film Office (DBEDT)

The guest speakers will include:

• David L. Cunningham, Filmmaker (Director, "To End All Wars," "Beyond Paradise," and "Little House on the Prairie," a six-hour mini series for ABC/Touchstone Television)
• Jean Higgins, Producer, "Lost," ABC/Touchstone Television
• S. Kai Bovaird, Executive Director, Co-Founder, Cause & F(x) Pictures
• Brenda Ching, Founding Executive Director, Screen Actors Guild-Hawaii
• Candy Suiso, Searider Productions Program Coordinator, Waianae High School

The committees will also review industry perspectives on 2005 film/media production legislation (e.g. pending referrals on bills).

Persons wishing to testify should submit 45 copies of their testimony to the committee clerk, Room 216, State Capitol, 24 hours prior to the hearing. Testimony may also be faxed, if less than 5 pages in length, to the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 or 1-800-586-6659 (toll free for neighbor islands), at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. When faxing, please indicate to whom the testimony is being submitted, the date and time of the hearing, and the required number of copies needed for submittal.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, or parking designated for the disabled) please contact the committee clerk 24 hours prior to the hearing so arrangements can be made.

Public Folder. A folder labeled "Public Folder" containing the measures and testimonies for the hearing will be available for shared use by members of the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT 586-7135.