The Hawaiʻi Film Alliance
Uniting for Economic Impact
What We Do
Our coalition unites film pros, businesses, and community advocates to preserve this vital economic engine. Together, we transform the ecosystem and shape a secure future through unity and legislative advocacy.
The Hawai'i Film Alliance Coalition
Film Professionals
Producers, directors, camera, G&E, actors, casting directors, agents, and specialized crew across all production departments.
Production Companies
Industry Organizations
Local Businesses
The coalition connects Hawaiʻi’s film ecosystem, from county film commissioners to cultural consultants and community leaders. We represent the production pipeline and thousands of families and businesses benefiting from this industry’s economic impact on our islands.
Our Strategic Campaign Hub
Clear Messaging
Economic Data
Personal Stories
The hub is the center for all our work. It gives tools, tracks new laws, and helps connect people across all islands so we can work better together.
Current Climate of Hawaiʻi's Film Industry
Our numbers that speak
In 2024, Hawaiʻi issued an estimated $24.5 million in film tax credits. (hawaiipublicradio.org) This resulted in an estimated $20.2 million in tax revenue, $324.1 million in sales or economic activity, and $74.9 million in household income. (files.hawaii.gov)
Limiting growth potential
Current rate for productions
Sales and economic activity
Since the 2023-2024 Writer’s Guild and Screen Actor’s Guild strikes, Hawaiʻi has seen a concerning decline in productions. With facilities at Diamond Head and Kalaeloa sitting vacant, we’re losing ground to states offering more competitive incentives.
Help Our Film Industry Thrive
Hawaiʻi faces an exodus of productions to competing states and countries offering more compelling incentives. The economic stakes couldn’t be higher:
Exit Stage Left
Rescue: HI-Surf, NCIS: Hawai’i, Magnum P.I., & Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. have all exited our islands while production-friendly states like Georgia and New Mexico continue to lure new TV series with strategic tax incentives.
Despite being a Hawaiian story created and led by Jason Momoa, Chief of War filmed only about 30 days in Hawaiʻi, with the bulk of production—approximately six months—taking place in New Zealand, partly due to Hawaiʻi’s film tax cap.
The Impact of Just One Show
NCIS: Hawaiʻi, Season 2 alone generated:
- $79.4M injected directly into local spending
- $53.7M in wages supporting Hawai’i residents
- $25.7M distributed among over 800 local businesses
- 1,100+ quality jobs created or sustained
- $105M boost to state GDP
The ROI is Clear
- Every $1 invested in film incentives returns $5 in economic activity
- $324M in economic output & 2,247 jobs supported in 2024 alone
Our Mission: Sustaining Hawaiʻi's Creative Economy
Hawaiʻi's Film Industry Economic Impact:
Workforce Impact
Economic Contribution
Film productions generate a 4.6x multiplier effect on Hawai’i’s economy, with every $1 of tax credit returning approximately $3 in tax revenues and over $5 in economic activity, contributing significantly to our $95 billion state GDP.
Tourism Amplification
Film and TV productions drive an estimated 15-20% increase in tourism to featured locations, with 17.7% of visitors in a 2023 study citing movies or TV shows as influencing their decision to visit Hawai’i, generating an additional $1.3 billion in visitor spending.
Building on the global success of productions like “Moana,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Chief of War,” we’re fighting to ensure Hawai’i not only remains competitive but becomes a premier destination in the international production landscape. Research confirms that every major production creates ripple effects throughout our economy, from hospitality and transportation to local businesses and cultural preservation.
Hawaii's Legacy on Screen
Hawaii’s stunning landscapes have provided the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films and TV series that captivate global audiences. These productions generate significant economic impact while creating thousands of local jobs across multiple sectors. By showcasing our islands’ natural beauty to worldwide viewers, these projects drive tourism, promote cultural appreciation, and strengthen Hawaii’s standing in the entertainment industry.
Independent Film
Independent filmmaking serves as the creative backbone of Hawaii’s cultural landscape, amplifying authentic local stories and indigenous voices while creating opportunities for Native Hawaiian talent and preserving traditional moʻolelo (stories).
These productions fuel economic growth, showcase Hawaii’s authentic storytelling prowess, and earn accolades at global festivals—establishing Hawaii as a hub for diverse filmmaking that attracts worldwide audiences and cultural travelers.
