Bill > HB882

This bill aims to stimulate Hawaii's motion picture, digital media, and film production industry by making several key changes to the existing film tax credit program. The bill increases the total annual tax credit cap from $50 million to $100 million and raises the per-production tax credit cap from $17 million to $25 million. It introduces a new 30% tax credit tier for productions that hire at least 25% local Hawaii talent and crew. The bill also modifies the requirements for qualifying productions by providing an alternative to the traditional shared-card, end-title screen credit, allowing productions to propose alternative marketing opportunities that offer equal or greater promotional value to the state. The legislation is motivated by the success of other states like Georgia, which has seen significant economic impact from its film tax credit program, including job creation and substantial return on investment. The changes are designed to make Hawaii more competitive in attracting film and digital media productions by offering more attractive tax incentives and providing flexibility in how productions can promote the state. The bill will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, giving producers time to plan and adapt to the new credit structure.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=882&year=2025