HI HB1500

Transfers film, television, digital, and new media development responsibilities from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, effective July 1, 2015.

Establishes a new Film, Television, Digital, and New Media Development special fund to support eligible Hawaii projects where at least 75% of production costs (excluding salaries for producers, directors, writers, and actors) are spent with in-state vendors.

Authorizes the Hawaii Tourism Authority to administer low-interest loans and grants for film and media production, manage consolidated permit processing for productions on state and county lands, and operate a Hawaii film facility.

Provides tax exemptions from general excise tax and use tax for materials used in constructing or operating a Hawaii film facility, and transfers film production income tax credit registration responsibilities to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Repeals former Section 201-14 regarding film permit processing within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and appropriates unspecified funds to the special fund for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.