Bill > HB882

This bill aims to stimulate Hawaii's motion picture, digital media, and film production industry by amending the existing film production income tax credit system. The bill increases the total annual tax credit cap from $50 million to $100 million and raises the per-production credit cap from $17 million to $25 million. It introduces a new 30% tax credit for productions that hire at least 25% local Hawaiian talent and crew, in addition to the existing 22% and 27% credits for different county population sizes. The bill also provides flexibility in how productions can market Hawaii, allowing alternative marketing opportunities approved by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in lieu of the traditional shared-card, end-title screen credit. Producers must still meet various requirements, such as having at least $100,000 in qualified production costs, making efforts to hire local talent, and providing detailed reporting on expenditures and hiring. The tax credit will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and is designed to make Hawaii more competitive with other states like Georgia, which has seen significant economic benefits from its film industry tax incentives.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=882&year=2026