Share Your Testimony for SB 33 SD1 By Sunday

Aloha Hawaii Local Members:

SB 33 SD1 - Relating to Economic Development - will be heard before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Technology at 3:15 pm, next Monday, Feb. 11 in room 414.  

The hearing notice can be viewed here.

As many of you may know, the film industry in Hawaii enjoys a 20-25% Motion Picture, Digital Media, & Film Production Tax credit. This credit is designed to encourage production in the state and it attracts productions that employ many of our members. 

Click here for more information on the tax credit. 

Two years ago the legislature imposed a cap on the credit. We are asking the Legislature to remove the ceiling for the Film and Digital Media tax credit.

Time is of the essence with regards to your testimony. The hearing notice was posted this morning, and the hearing is set for Monday. Testimony must be submitted by 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 to be considered at the hearing.  

Submitting testimony is easy.  Go to the bill’s status page, look in the upper right hand part of the screen and click on the blue “Submit Testimony” button.  

If you have not already created a login, you will be instructed on how to do so. After that, it is just a few clicks to have your voice heard.  

When submitting testimony, you need not write anything out, it is as simple as clicking the SUPPORT button. However, if you are so inclined to write more please consider: 

1. Asking that the ceiling be removed
2. Sharing a little about how you are connected to the industry (Actor/performer, BG performer, stunt performer etc.)
3. Stating that this incentive program creates jobs and generates revenue for the state

You do not have to go to the capitol to testify in person. Although if you would like to testify in person, please let me know.  If we can get a large number of testimony submitted via the capitol.gov portal in time for the hearing, it will send the message that this is important to our membership.

Thank you for your support and thank you for taking the time to read this email.  Please contact mericia.palmaelmore@sagaftra.org with questions.