HI SB2624

Transfers film industry activities and responsibilities from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii Tourism Authority effective July 1, 2010.

Establishes the Hawaii Television and Film Development Board within the Hawaii Tourism Authority, composed of nine members including four governor-appointed members with film/entertainment industry knowledge and five ex officio members (Hawaii Tourism Authority executive director and four county film commission chairs).

Creates the Hawaii Television and Film Development Special Fund to support grants and venture capital investments for eligible Hawaii entertainment projects where at least 75% of production costs (excluding certain personnel and producer costs) are spent on goods or services from in-state vendors.

Authorizes the Hawaii Tourism Authority to process consolidated film permits for motion pictures, television productions, and other visual productions on state and county lands, with authority to approve, modify, and extend permits.

Amends the film production tax credit provisions in section 235-17 to require taxpayers to prequalify productions with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and establishes reporting requirements for production costs and local hiring numbers.