Relating To The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism.
The bill allocates funding for one full-time equivalent (FTE) position for the state media industry development liaison, as well as an administrative assistant position within the Creative Industries Division. The appropriation of $60,000 for the liaison position and $33,600 for the administrative assistant position is intended to ensure effective execution of the media development strategy. This initiative reflects a significant investment in the state's media sector and aims to streamline efforts across departments and counties, fostering growth and collaboration in Hawaii’s media industry.
House Bill 1983 establishes a state media industry development liaison within the Creative Industries Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in Hawaii. This liaison is tasked with planning, developing, and implementing a statewide strategy aimed at fostering a collaborative media industry development program that encompasses all counties in the state. By prioritizing the growth of the media sector, the bill seeks to enhance the state's economic development through the promotion of its creative industries, particularly the film industry.
The sentiment surrounding HB 1983 appears largely positive among supporters of the media industry, including stakeholders and economic development advocates. They view the establishment of a dedicated liaison as a proactive step in addressing the unique needs of the industry and facilitating better coordination among different entities involved in media production. However, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness of the implementation and potential bureaucratic challenges, which could affect the anticipated benefits of the bill.
While the bill is primarily focused on development and economic growth, some contention may arise regarding resource allocation and priorities within the state budget. Stakeholders in various sectors may debate the appropriateness of investing in media development in relation to other pressing needs, particularly if competing sectors also seek state funding. Ensuring that the media industry's growth does not come at the expense of other vital areas could be a point of discussion as the bill is enacted.