Bills related to the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit are being heard in the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2022.
Written testimony must be received by 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.
The hearing notice can be viewed here.
- Clarifies requirements for film productions with production expenditures of $1,000,000 or more claiming the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit.
- Increases the annual cap from $50,000,000 to $75,000,000 for the total amount of the motion picture, digital media and film production tax credit.
- Expands the definition of qualified production for the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit to include streaming platforms.
- Establishes the Hawaiʻi Film Commission in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
- Extends the sunset date of the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit to Jan. 1, 2038.
- Transfers all rights, powers, functions and duties of the Hawaiʻi State Film Office to the Hawaiʻi Film Commission.
- Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent executive director position within the Hawaiʻi Film Commission.
Submitting testimony is easy. You can now testify in person, via zoom, or submit an online written testimony only.
Again, any testimony must be received by 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.
Go to the bill’s status page by clicking here for SB 1495 and here for SB 1237, look in the upper right-hand part of the screen and click on the orange “Submit Testimony” button. You need to do this separately for each bill.
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 1495 and SB 1237.
- 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.