HI HB698

Increases motion picture and film production income tax credits from 15-20% to 20-25% depending on county population, effective July 1, 2013 through January 1, 2018.

Adds two new temporary credits: a 5% work credit for productions filming at least 50% of principal photography in Hawaii, and a 10% infrastructure incentive credit for productions using qualified production facilities for minimum 1-2 weeks.

Establishes a qualified persons crew training and advancement program rebate equal to 50% of hourly wages for resident trainees, requiring productions to hire at least five trainees and reimburse up to 900 hours per worker.

Implements an application fee equal to the lesser of 0.5% of qualified production costs or $75,000, with funds supporting the crew training program and film commission administration.

Raises the tax credit cap per qualified production from $8,000,000 to $25,000,000 and requires nonresident crew wages to be approved by local unions and the Hawaii film office.