HB 1493 Summary

• Establishes the State of Hawaii Film Commission within the Creative Industries Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, with administrative oversight and operational independence.

• Commission shall develop a five-year strategic plan, provide policy recommendations on tax incentives, establish industry partnerships, streamline permitting processes, and foster indigenous storytelling initiatives.

• Commission consists of 12 members: 10 appointed by the governor (including representatives from county film offices, indigenous storytelling, global media production, studio infrastructure, local producers, and labor representatives) and 2 ex officio voting members (Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson and DBEDT director).

• Commission shall submit annual reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before each regular session detailing industry progress, workforce initiatives, tax incentive impacts, and revenue generated.

• Appropriates $750,000 for each of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish and operate the commission, including one executive director position (1.0 FTE) and two administrative support positions (2.0 FTE), all exempt from civil service requirements; effective July 1, 2025.