Kealana: film incentive bill must be written to make Hawai‘i competitive

The host and Kealana discussed a pending bill repeatedly during the conversation; the host referred to “this bill, which is, $7.32,” and Kealana said the bill’s language will determine whether Hawai‘i can compete. “All we're asking is just to be on a competitive level,” Kealana said, stressing the need for clarity so the state can attract mainland productions without losing cultural safeguards.

Kealana described the rally at the Capitol as a mostly positive, nonconfrontational show of local faces and urged lawmakers to rely on industry data and union information when drafting legislation. He also recommended that any new state film commission include an advisory board of subject‑matter experts to speed decisions and reduce production delays.