SB1641

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

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

(b) The commission shall:

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

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

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

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

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

(c) 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) 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

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

(d) 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.

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

(f) 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.

(g) 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:

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

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

(3) Tax incentive impacts; and

(4) Revenue generated by film and media production.

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

SECTION 2. 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:

(1) 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

(2) 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.

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

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1641
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII