Honolulu Film Office reports on Hawaii's thriving film industry and economic impact

The Honolulu City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss the current state and future prospects of Hawaii's film industry, featuring an update from the Honolulu Film Office. Valeria Constantino, a senior film industry development specialist, presented a comprehensive overview of the industry's economic impact and ongoing challenges.

Constantino emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Honolulu Film Office, which is one of five film offices in Hawaii, working together under the banner of Film Hawaii. The mission is to foster growth in the film sector, which is seen as a vital component of economic diversification for the state. She highlighted that film projects can generate significant economic activity, with budgets often reaching between $50 million to $100 million, primarily spent on local labor and services.

The presentation included data showing that the film industry has outpaced other sectors in growth, with a reported 16% increase in film-related economic activity compared to a 17% growth in the overall state GDP. Constantino noted that for every dollar spent on film tax credits, approximately $4 in GDP is generated, underscoring the industry's role as a catalyst for broader economic development.

Despite these positive indicators, the industry faces challenges, particularly regarding legislative measures affecting tax credits. A recent bill, Senate Bill 732, aimed at modernizing the tax credit system, did not pass, leaving stakeholders concerned about the future of film production in Hawaii. Constantino expressed hope that key elements of the bill could be revisited in a special session, emphasizing the need for business certainty to attract and retain productions.

The council members engaged in discussions about the cyclical nature of the industry, noting that while some television series have been canceled, there are still opportunities for new projects. Constantino reassured the council that the film industry is not in decline, despite perceptions to the contrary, and that Hawaii remains competitive on a global scale.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to support the film industry through legislative advocacy and to explore ways to enhance local workforce development in the sector. The Honolulu Film Office aims to continue its outreach efforts to attract more productions, leveraging Hawaii's unique locations and skilled workforce.