HR 28: URGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO NOT CHARGE THE STATE RENT FOR THE USE OF THE KALAELOA FILM STUDIO LAND AND FACILITIES AND ENTER INTO A LONG-TERM LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE FOR SUCH USE.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

URGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO NOT CHARGE THE STATE RENT FOR THE USE OF THE KALAELOA FILM STUDIO LAND AND FACILITIES AND ENTER INTO A LONG-TERM LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE FOR SUCH USE.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's film and television industry has experienced substantial growth over the past two decades, driven in large part by state tax incentives that have attracted a steady stream of feature films, television series, and commercial productions to the State; and

     WHEREAS, this increase in production activity has not only elevated Hawaii's global visibility but also become a catalyst for the development of a highly skilled local workforce and a thriving ecosystem of service and equipment vendors; and

     WHEREAS, the film and television industry provides a significant economic lift for the State, as production companies spend millions of dollars on hiring local crew members and purchasing materials locally; and

     WHEREAS, central to this success is the work of the Hawaii Film Office, housed within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, which plays a key role in film permitting, tax incentive administration, and oversight of the State's studio assets; and

     WHEREAS, despite the long and successful history of film and television production in the State, all film and television productions filmed in Hawaii wrapped in 2025 and no new productions have taken their place; and

     WHEREAS, the high cost of film and television production in Hawaii has significantly contributed to the decline of the State's film and television industry; and

     WHEREAS, to ensure that Hawaii remains a competitive and attractive location for film and television productions in the rapidly evolving film and television industry, the State must develop a long-term strategic plan for its growth, modernization, and economic positioning; and

     WHEREAS, in 2021, the State opened the second of its managed sound stages—the Kalaeloa Film Studio, also known as the Kalaeloa Navy Stages, on the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point, as a satellite of the Hawaii Film Studio to provide facilities for up to two additional film productions on the island of Oahu; and

     WHEREAS, neither of these two sound stages meets the scale that most productions require, so many productions come to Hawaii for exterior shots but shoot indoor scenes on larger, soundproof stages outside of Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, ensuring the stability and viability of the State's film studios is critical to maintaining and improving the State's film industry; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that this body urges the United States Navy to not charge the State rent for the use of the Kalaeloa Film Studio land and facilities and enter into a long- term lease agreement with the State for the use of the Kalaeloa Film Studio land and facilities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is urged to:

     (1)  Develop a three-year business plan and a strategic vision for the Kalaeloa Film Studio;

     (2)  Consider the Kalaeloa Film Studio's long-term development and how the studio aligns with the State's broader film and television industry goals; and

     (3)  Submit its three-year business plan and strategic vision for the Kalaeloa Film Studio, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Commander of the Navy Region, Hawaii; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and Executive Director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

Report Title: 

Kalaeloa Film Studio; Economic Growth; US Navy; DBEDT