HI SB3317

Establishes a Native Hawaiian Film and Media Development Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support Native Hawaiian-owned productions, studio facilities, workforce training, and apprenticeship programs.

Designates Hale Kapu Moolelo A Alii Ana, a Native Hawaiian trust operating Alii Ana Studios, as an eligible entity to receive support and develop film production infrastructure under the program.

Creates a full-cycle motion picture production income tax credit equal to 50% of qualified production expenditures for productions that use Native Hawaiian studio facilities, complete all production and post-production within Hawaii, and reinvest a portion of credits in local infrastructure and workforce development.

Appropriates $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027: $1,000,000 for studio activation, equipment, and workforce programs, and $4,000,000 for development and production of three independent Native Hawaiian feature films.

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with the tax credit applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.