HB 1576: DBEDT; BLNR; Film Permits; Tax Credit; Information; Public Notice; Film Studio; Public Lands; Exemption
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-07: Act 188, on 07/06/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1290).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to publicly announce when a film, TV show, commercial, or other visually recorded production gets a state permit or registers for or qualifies for the state film tax credit. DBEDT must post the production name and a contact person's phone, email, and mailing address on its website and let people sign up to get those notices by email or postal mail. The bill also removes the requirement that the Board of Land and Natural Resources approve land dispositions set aside for filming and film studio use.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive the public notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. (CD1)
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive the public notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1576 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
|
C.D. 1 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FILMING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§201- Production permits; production tax credit; information; public notice. (a) Whenever the department, pursuant to section 201-3(b) or 201-14:
(1) Issues a permit to; or
(2) Enters into a memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding with,
any person to film a motion picture, television show, television commercial, or other visually recorded production at state-administered locations under the department's film permitting authority, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within five business days; provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time the public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
(b) Whenever the department, in accordance with section 235-17:
(1) Receives registration for prequalification by a taxpayer pursuant to section 235-17(f); or
(2) Determines that a taxpayer qualifies for the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit,
the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within five business days; provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time the public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
As used in this subsection, "taxpayer" means a person subject to a tax imposed by chapter 235.
(c) The information provided by the department shall consist of:
(1) The name of the production; and
(2) The contact information of a designated representative for the production, including the representative's phone number, electronic mail address, and physical mailing address.
(d) Any individual may sign up with the department to receive the public notice required under this section. The department shall provide the public notice by electronic mail or, subject to any reasonable fee the department may assess to recover the costs of postage, supplies, staffing, and other related expenses, by postal mail.
(e) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or
purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the
department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of
the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the
city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in
managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in
the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable
permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as
may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the
same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of
public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject
to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions
granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require
(1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for
sealed tenders; [and] provided further that disposition of lands set
aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 and lands set
aside for filming and film studio operation shall not be subject to the
prior approval of the board. If at the
time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the
same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any
other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March
18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the
appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public
purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city
and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the
United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose
stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands
shall be returned to the department. The
governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of
land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department
or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision
of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose[,];
provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished, or
altered until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
DBEDT; BLNR; Film Permits; Tax Credit; Information; Public Notice; Film Studio; Public Lands; Exemption
Description:
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive the public notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1576 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FILMING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§201- Production permits; production tax credit; information; public notice. (a) Whenever the department of business, economic development, and tourism, pursuant to section 201-3(b) or 201-14:
(1) Issues a permit to; or
(2) Enters into a memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding with,
any person to film a motion picture, television show, television commercial, or other visually recorded production at state-administered locations under the department's film permitting authority, the department shall, within five business days, provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time the public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
(b) Whenever the department of business, economic development, and tourism, in accordance with section 235-17:
(1) Receives registration for prequalification by a taxpayer pursuant to section 235-17(f); or
(2) Determines that a taxpayer qualifies for the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit,
the department shall, within five business days, provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time the public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
As used in this subsection, "taxpayer" means a person subject to a tax imposed by chapter 235.
(c) The information provided by the department of business, economic development, and tourism shall consist of:
(1) The name of the production; and
(2) The contact information of a designated representative for the production, including the representative's phone number, electronic mail address, and physical mailing address.
(d) Any individual may sign up with the department of business, economic development, and tourism to receive the public notice required under this section. The department shall provide the public notice by electronic mail or, subject to any reasonable fee the department may assess to recover the costs of postage, supplies, staffing, and other related expenses, by postal mail.
(e) The department of business, economic development, and tourism may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or
purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the
department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of
the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the
city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in
managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in
the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable
permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as
may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the
same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of
public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject
to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions
granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require
(1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for
sealed tenders; [and] provided further that disposition of lands set
aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 and lands set
aside for filming and film studio operation shall not be subject to the
prior approval of the board. If at the
time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the
same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any
other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March
18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the
appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public
purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city
and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the
United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose
stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands
shall be returned to the department. The
governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of
land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department
or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision
of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose[,];
provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished, or
altered until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3050.
Report Title:
DBEDT; BLNR; Film Permits; Tax Credit; Information; Public Notice; Film Studio; Public Lands; Exemption
Description:
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive the public notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1576 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FILMING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§201- Production permits; production tax credit; information; public notice. (a) Whenever the department, pursuant to section 201-3(b) or 201-14:
(1) Issues a permit to; or
(2) Enters into a memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding with,
any person to film a motion picture, television show, television commercial, or other visually recorded production at state-administered locations under the department's film permitting authority, the department shall, within five business days, provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
(b) Whenever the department, in accordance with section 235-17:
(1) Receives registration for prequalification by a taxpayer pursuant to section 235-17(f); or
(2) Determines that a taxpayer qualifies for the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit,
the department shall, within five business days, provide public notification of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
As used in this subsection, "taxpayer" means a person subject to a tax imposed by chapter 235.
(c) The information provided by the department shall consist of:
(1) The name of the production; and
(2) The contact information of a designated representative for the production, including the representative's phone number, electronic mail address, and physical mailing address.
(d) Any individual may sign up with the department to receive the public notice required under this section. The department shall provide the public notice by electronic mail or, subject to any reasonable fee the department may assess to recover the costs of postage, supplies, staffing, and other related expenses, postal mail.
(e) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or
purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the
department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of
the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the
city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in
managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in
the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable
permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as
may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the
same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of
public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject
to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions
granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require
(1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for
sealed tenders; [and] provided further that disposition of lands set
aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 and lands set
aside for filming and film studio operation shall not be subject to the
prior approval of the board. If at the
time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the
same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any
other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March
18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the
appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public
purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city
and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the
United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose
stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands
shall be returned to the department. The
governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of
land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department
or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision
of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose[,];
provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished or altered
until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DBEDT; BLNR; Film Permits; Tax Credit; Information; Public Notice; Film Studio; Public Lands; Exemption
Description:
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail. Provides an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1576 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to filming.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§201- Production permits; production tax credit; information; public notice. (a) Whenever the department, pursuant to section 201-3(b) or 201-14:
(1) Issues a permit to; or
(2) Enters into a memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding with,
any person to film a motion picture, television show, television commercial, or other visually recorded production at state-administered locations under the department's film permitting authority, the department shall, within five business days, provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
(b) Whenever the department, in accordance with section 235-17:
(1) Receives registration for prequalification by a taxpayer pursuant to section 235-17(f;) or
(2) Determines that a taxpayer qualifies for the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit,
the department shall, within five business days, provide public notification of the information required in subsection (c); provided that during emergency situations, the department shall provide public notice of the information required in subsection (c) within fourteen business days.
The information required in subsection (c) shall also be made available, at the same time public notice is provided, on a publicly accessible part of the department's website.
As used in this subsection, "taxpayer" means a person subject to a tax imposed by chapter 235.
(c) The information provided by the department shall consist of:
(1) The name of the production; and
(2) The contact information of a designated representative for the production, including the representative's phone number, electronic mail address, and physical mailing address.
(d) Any individual may sign up with the department to receive the public notice required under this section. The department shall provide the public notice by electronic mail or, subject to any reasonable fee the department may assess to recover the costs of postage, supplies, staffing, and other related expenses, postal mail.
(e) The department shall provide public notice required under this section once per year per production.
(f) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Film Permits; Tax Credit; Information; Public Notice
Description:
Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jul 7, 2026 | Act 188, on 07/06/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1290). |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Act 188, 07/06/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1290). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 154-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 154-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) DeCoite, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Tam, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 11:30AM in Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 8:01AM in conference room 411. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-28-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 759). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-27-26 9:00AM; CR 411. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: DeCoite Chair; Wakai Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Ilagan, Hussey Co-Chairs; Tam, Gedeon. |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 588) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3702) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from EDT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3311) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDT were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) DeCoite, Wakai, Kim, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDT has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 1:04PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Re-Referred to EDT, WAM. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to EDT/WLA, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 22). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) Belatti voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Poepoe voting no (1) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 781-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 03-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 425-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Holt, Tam, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 02-06-26 8:30AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to ECD, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Prefiled. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism |
Passed |
|
| Mar 5, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi, Inc. | ** Support | |
| CARES | ** Support | |
| Directors Guild of America | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Fandom of Magnum | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Fandoms of Magnum PI | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Hawaii Media Inc. | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Hawaii Teamsters 996 | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Teamsters Local 996 | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Film Alliance | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| IATSE Local 665 | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Island Film Group | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Libertarian Party of Hawaii | *** Against | Apr 7, 2026 |
| SAG-AFTRA | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 781-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1576
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1576, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FILMING,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with the Department to film a visually recorded production at certain state-administered locations;
(2) Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website;
(3) Allow individuals to sign up to receive such public notice by electronic mail or postal mail; and
(4) Provide an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from the requirement to obtain prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Teamsters Local 996; Hawaiʻi Film Alliance; Island Film Group; Hawaii Media Inc.; Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi, Inc.; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1576, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 425-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1576
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 1576 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FILMING,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (Department) to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with the Department to film a visually recorded production at certain state-administered locations;
(2) Require the Department to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website; and
(3) Allow individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Film Alliance; Island Film Group; IATSE 665; CARES; and nine individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
Your Committee finds that timely and accessible information regarding filming activity and tax credit participation promotes transparency, supports community awareness, and improves communication between productions and the public. Your Committee further finds that the Hawaii Film Studio is an important asset for local productions seeking space for shooting, soundstages, and related activities; however, the Studio is currently subjected to unnecessary administrative burdens, including a requirement that the Studio receive approval of new tenants from the Board of Land and Natural Resources. This measure seeks to promote transparency and reduce administrative burdens in the film industry by requiring public notice and disclosure for certain film and production activity. Your Committee finds that providing an exemption for dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources will further streamline processes in the film, media, and other creative industries.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Removing the requirement that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism provide public notice once per year per production;
(2) Inserting a provision exempting dispositions of lands set aside for filming and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1576, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1576, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Technology,
|
|
|
____________________________ GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | HB1576_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | HB1576_HD1_TESTIMONY_EDT_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB1576_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-02-26_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2026 | HB1576_TESTIMONY_ECD_02-06-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
7MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
7MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
7MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
