Mission Statement

Hawaii Film Alliance Charter

These guidelines are a starting point and may evolve as we continue developing our official bylaws and structure. We’re a growing organization, and as we get feedback from members and partners, some policies and processes will likely change. We appreciate your understanding and support as we build this together.

MISSION

The Hawaii Film Alliance unites film and television professionals, unions, and supporters across the islands to protect, strengthen, and grow Hawaii’s media industry through collective advocacy, data-driven solutions, and community action. We prioritize the well-being of local workers and the long-term health of Hawaii’s creative economy long-term health of Hawaii’s creative economy.

CORE VALUES

  • Unity: Bringing together diverse roles, unions, and perspectives under one purpose.
  • Transparency: Sharing knowledge, data, and processes openly.
  • Action-Oriented: Focusing on practical, measurable steps toward tangible goals.
  • Non-Partisan: Collaborating across ideologies and affiliations in pursuit of shared outcomes.
  • Respect: Ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

STRUCTURE & ROLES

  1.  Steering Committee: A rotating body of 5-9 members representing different sectors (crew, unions, producers, educators, community stakeholders). Responsibilities include setting meeting agendas, facilitating task forces, and representing the coalition in legislative settings.


  2. Task Forces:
    • Data & Testimony Task Force: Collects economic impact data, worker stories, and tracks job trends.
    • Public Engagement Task Force: Builds awareness campaigns, public education materials, and tools for public action.
    • Policy & Legislative Task Force: Monitors policy developments, drafts legislative language, and liaises with policymakers.
    • General Membership: Open to all workers, creatives, allies, and organizations in Hawaii’s film, TV, and media sectors who commit to the mission and values.

DECISION-MAKING

  • Consensus First: Strive for unanimous agreement when possible.
  • Majority Vote: If consensus fails, decisions can pass with a simple majority of the Steering Committee or relevant task force.
  • Conflict Resolution: A neutral moderator may be appointed when disputes arise.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR POLICY ADVOCACY

  1. Worker-First Focus: All advocacy centers on job creation, fair compensation, and industry sustainability for local workers.
  2. Data-Driven: Policy positions are grounded in evidence, experience, and economic impact.
  3. Cultural Integrity: Film must uplift, not exploit, Hawaii’s culture, people, and environment.
  4. Public Engagement: Community support is essential; we commit to educating and activating the public.
  5. Non-Endorsement Policy: The coalition focuses on issues and legislation, not political candidates.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

  • Engage in respectful collaboration with all industry partners, regardless of union, guild, or political affiliation.
  • Commit to the mission over personal or organizational agendas.
  • Actively contribute to at least one task force or ongoing initiative.

ECONOMIC IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS

  • In 2022, Hawaii productions brought in $333.65 million, with 35.4% of expenditures paid directly to Hawaii-based businesses.
  • The film industry contributed $1.0 billion in visitor spending, generating $1.16 billion in GDP, $543.6 million in earnings, and $121.6 million in state tax revenues.
  • Productions like “NCIS: Hawai’i” Season Two resulted in $79.4 million in spending, supporting over 1,100 full-time and part-time jobs across the state.

JOIN US

Together, we can ensure that Hawaii remains a vibrant hub for film and television production, providing sustainable careers for our local  workforce and showcasing our unique culture to the world.