Hawaii offers bigger tax breaks for film crews hiring locals

Relating To The Film Industry.

Engrossed· 2025-03-04

Who's it for

Who's it for: Film production

What it means for you

4/10Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad ·

Cost shiftHeavily funded

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

If passed, film producers would pay less taxes and fees, and they would have to hire more local workers, which could create jobs but also reduce state tax revenue.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

The bill tries to bring more movies and shows to Hawaii. It cuts fees and taxes for producers, which can make filming cheaper. It also forces them to hire at least 80% local crew, which could give more jobs to Hawaiians. But the tax breaks mean the state collects less money, so taxpayers may feel the pinch. The extra credit and fee waivers could boost the local economy if jobs grow, but the cost to the state budget is a risk.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

Counties must waive permitting fees for qualified film productions.
Entertainment payroll companies are exempt from the gross excise tax.
Film productions can claim a tax credit of 22% or 27% of qualified costs.
An extra 5% credit is added if at least 80% of hires are local.
Credit cap is $50 million per year, decreasing by one‑sixth over five years starting 2028.
Productions must contact all local labor unions before starting work.
The credit also applies to broadcast and streaming projects.