HB 1926 Summary

• Transfers television and film industry activities, functions, and the special fund from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, establishing the Hawaii Film Office within the authority to serve as the central agency for coordinating film permits statewide.

• Authorizes the Hawaii Film Office to administer tax credit processing under section 235-17 and establishes a dedicated Hawaii Film Office Special Fund fed by appropriations, film studio rents, tax credit processing fees, donations, and grants.

• Amends the Hawaii Community-Based Economic Development Revolving Fund to require moneys be used for operational funding and staff costs of the community-based economic development program and enterprise zone program.

• Transfers the Small Business Regulatory Review Board from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, authorizing the board to employ a small business advocate and fund expenses entirely from the compliance resolution fund.

• Effective July 1, 2010; protects all transferred employees' tenure, salary, seniority, and benefits.