HI HB2338

Transfers film, television, digital, and new media development responsibilities from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Establishes a new Film, Television, Digital, and New Media Development Special Fund managed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to support eligible Hawaii projects through low-interest loans and grant programs.

Creates a consolidated permit processing system allowing the Hawaii Tourism Authority to coordinate film permits across state and county lands, with exemptions for temporary vessel use under specified conditions (maximum 14 hours/day, 5 days/week, 30 calendar days).

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to restructure debt service for Hawaii Convention Center obligations, with savings deposited into the special fund for fiscal years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.

Makes conforming amendments to tax code sections, including transferring film production tax credit registration and monitoring duties to the Hawaii Tourism Authority and exempting Hawaii film facility construction and operations from general excise tax under certain conditions.