Latest news with #Tulba
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawai'i film industry struggles, looks for higher tax incentives
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii film industry said it has reached its lowest point, with no major movies or shows being filmed in the state. Hawaii consumers urged to protect genetic data after 23andMe files for bankruptcy The entertainment industry is looking to become a major revenue driver for the state and one legislative bill could help kick start that. 'Out of the 40 plus years that I've worked in the industry, this is by far the worst, you know, as far as there's no productions going on,' said Brian Keaulana, who is a producer on two television series 'Rescue HI Surf' and 'Chief of War.' 'It's all going around the tax incentive, because the last two lifeline shows that are just waiting to see what's going to happen next are 'Rescue HI Surf' and 'Chief of War,' and if we don't get those two shows back, I don't think this industry going to recover for a long time,' Keaulana added. The current tax credit caps at $50 million and industry representatives want to see it raised. 'Chief of War' was briefly filmed in Hawaii before finishing production in New Zealand. Industry experts said bigger tax credits mean more production and more jobs with livable wages here at home. Many local people in the industry are currently seeking jobs outside of Honolulu Film Commissioner said roughly 2,100 local cast and crews have earned nearly $32 million in wages with 'Rescue HI Surf' and have helped support hundreds of local businesses investing nearly $34 million into the local economy. 'We're competing with Australia and New Zealand and Thailand and all of these other places,' explained Honolulu Film Commissioner Walea Constantinau. 'And we've been able to compete, all we're asking for is the ability to create the stability in the credit so that we can be competitive again.' Senate bill 732 would increase the tax credit, but the house finance chair hasn't set a date to hear the measure and the deadline is next Friday. 'That is going to help us get to becoming a billion dollar a year industry with money going into the economy, with jobs being created, and with the money broadly going out,' Constantinau added. Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed off on Bill 59 which provides property tax incentives for building film studios on Oahu. The bill was spearheaded by Councilmember Augie Tulba. 'Think about 'Chief of War' can you imagine if we did pre and post production here? Everything that whole funding would stay here in Hawaii but we're losing months of income,' Tulba said. He said he hopes Bill 59 shows legislatures how serious Honolulu is about investing in a profitable industry and keeping local people home. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'So we can develop infrastructure to create these jobs these kids have been waiting for and we know people want to come film here in Hawaii,' Tulba said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councilmembers hope for progress as Blangiardi set to start town hall meetings
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi kicks off his annual town hall meetings with the public Thursday night, focusing on the west side of Oahu. Councilmembers say it's no secret what their concerns are, and hope some progress is being made. Kīlauea eruption causing heavy smog Crime, homelessness and the cleaning of public parks. Those are the key issues councilmembers hope Mayor Blangiardi tackles in his first town hall of the year. 'So I know that some interaction was had about the crime but I do hope that we discuss that, because making sure that this is something that we're addressing long term is what the community's main concern is,' said councilmember Andria Tupola. Blangiardi and other city leaders are meeting with the public to answer questions, and brief residents about upcoming projects in their neighborhoods. The first meeting covers Ewa to Makaha. This is the third year in a row for these meetings. Councilmembers say the issues are well-known. And while they don't expect answers overnight, they do hope there's councilmembers Tulba and Tupola mention clean parks as a high priority to give families a safe place to play. 'That's what I get excited about, is the fact that, you know, when you come out to the fields out in Ewa, it's packed sometimes so much that, you know, we don't have time to rehab our fields,' said councilmember Augie Tulba. 'So the need to find more public spaces so that, you know, kids can thrive is so important.' A new growing issue – e-bikes and safety for both riders and drivers. Tulba prefers not to make new laws, but make sure everyone understands the current ones. 'I'm big on education,' said Tulba. 'I think we got to do more at educating the public, parents, right? If you're going to allow your children to get on these moving vehicles, then that's your responsibility to be aware of, you know.' No matter the issue, councilmembers just want everyone to be on the same page. 'I am concerned that we need to have a united approach,' said Tupola. 'So I do think that, you know, hopefully they're also there to listen, because I know that we can't have all the answers. So if we don't have all the answers then I hope we're there to listen and hear out the community.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Thursday's meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Kalanianaole beach park in Nanakuli. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
