A bill related to the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit is being heard in the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Testimony must be received by 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.
The hearing notice can be viewed here.
SB 3265 Relating to Film Industry Development: Establishes the Hawaii Film Advisory Council. Amends the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit to increase the annual cap to $60,000,000; extend the sunset date of the tax credit to January 1, 2039; clarify and amend the requirement for an independent third-party certification; and expand the definition of "qualified production" to include streaming platforms. Provides a tax exemption for certified development of film studio facilities. Establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) film industry development liaison within the Creative Industries Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.
Submitting testimony is easy. You can now testify in person, via Zoom, or submit online written testimony only.
Again, any testimony must be received by 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.
Go to the bill’s status page, look in the upper right-hand part of the screen and click on the orange “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.
Here are instructions on how to submit testimony.
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:
- Thanking the Legislature for supporting our members in Hawaii.
- Stating that you are supporting SB 3265.
- Mentioning that a robust and stable incentive program is not only good for our members, crew, technicians, and the creative industries, it benefits the whole state by creating living wage jobs and diversifying our economy.
- Sharing how you directly benefit from this film incentive program.
- Sharing any examples of the positive impact this program has had on your community, town, or neighborhood.
If you are interested in testifying in person, please contact mericia.palmaelmore@sagaftra.org.
Thank you for your support and thank you for taking the time to read this email. Please contact mericia.palmaelmore@sagaftra.org with questions.