Hawaii House Bill HR15

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/24
• Refer: 3/8/24

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Financial Audit Of The Hawaii Film And Creative Industries Development Special Fund.

Impact

The proposed audit seeks to analyze the current funding distribution of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to identify shortcomings and recommend necessary changes to enhance its effectiveness. By resolving existing issues, HR15 aims to bolster the state's creative industries, which are pivotal in generating economic benefits through job creation and tourist attraction to the numerous film festivals held in Hawaii.

Summary

House Resolution 15 (HR15), introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, requests a management and financial audit of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund. Established by Act 285 in 2000 and revised in 2022 by Act 193, this fund aims to support the development of film and creative media in Hawaii. However, recent discussions indicate that the fund has not been effective in awarding grants to local filmmakers, raising concerns about its operational efficiency.

Contention

Notably, the proponents of the audit highlight the potential for increased capital for local projects that support emerging talent in the film industry. However, it's essential to address that the effectiveness of such audits may lead to significant administrative changes within the fund's management and overall structure. The outcome of the audit could have lasting implications for how the state allocates resources to enhance and support the creative sectors in Hawaii.