HB181 would require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish and collect royalties for the filming of scenic shots of “iconic locations” in Hawaii when those images are later used in media production. The bill is aimed at locations that help market Hawaii’s landscapes and natural features in films, television, and other media, and it directs the department to adopt rules to define key terms such as “iconic locations” and “scenic shots,” as well as to determine the basis, amount, and duration of royalty payments.
The measure exempts state and county productions from the royalty requirement. Any royalty payments collected would be deposited into the state general fund. The bill takes effect upon approval and would add a new section to chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, creating a new state-level royalty framework tied to the commercial use of filmed scenic imagery of Hawaii locations.
Impact
HB181 would amend chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by creating a new statutory authority for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to set and administer royalties for certain filmed scenic shots of Hawaii locations. It would affect film and media productions that use iconic Hawaiian settings, while excluding state and county productions, and would require administrative rulemaking under chapter 91 to implement the program. Collected royalties would become state revenue deposited into the general fund.
Sentiment
The bill’s framing is generally supportive of Hawaii’s film industry while also emphasizing protection and preservation of the state’s landscapes. The legislative findings present the measure as a way to recognize the value of Hawaii’s iconic scenery and ensure the state receives compensation when those locations are commercially featured in media. No committee transcripts or votes were provided, so there is no recorded public debate or formal vote history to indicate broader support or opposition.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is whether requiring royalties for filming scenic shots would discourage film and television production in Hawaii or create administrative uncertainty around what counts as an “iconic location” or a “scenic shot.” Another likely issue is the scope of the department’s discretion in setting royalty amounts and durations through rulemaking. The exemption for state and county productions may also raise questions about fairness or competitive treatment between public and private productions.