Bill > HB181

This bill requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to establish a system for collecting royalties when scenic shots of Hawaii's iconic locations are used in media productions. The bill recognizes Hawaii's unique and diverse landscapes, which have made it a popular filming destination often referred to as "Hollywood's tropical backlot," and aims to protect and preserve these locations while generating revenue. Under the proposed law, DBEDT must develop rules to determine the amount and duration of royalty payments, define what constitutes an "iconic location" and "scenic shot," and ensure that all royalties collected are deposited into the state's general fund. The legislation specifically exempts state and county productions from these royalty requirements, and the definition of "production" will be consistent with existing state tax law. The bill reflects Hawaii's desire to leverage its distinctive geographical features—which include eleven of the world's thirteen climate zones, active volcanoes, volcanic craters, snow-capped mountains, dense jungles, and world-class beaches—by creating a formal mechanism for compensating the state when these locations are featured in media.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=181&year=2026