Legislative Update

May 2, 2025, was the last day of the state’s legislative session, and it has been an eventful one. 

The good news first: HB 874 has now been enrolled to Gov. Josh Green and awaits their signature. HB 874 requires the parent or legal guardian of a minor in theatrical employment with a gross income of at least $5,000 on a project or $20,000 in a calendar year to establish a trust account for the minor with an independent third-party trustee. The minor’s employer is also required to deposit a portion of their earnings into the trust account until adulthood. The act also includes social media influencers. 
Passing this measure was an uphill battle. In the House of Representatives, it was triply referred by the Human Services & Homelessness, Labor and Consumer Protection & Commerce Committees; and in the Senate hearing, it was passed out of the Labor and Commerce & Consumer Protection/Judiciary Committees. 

In not-so-good news, SB 732 and SB 1601 failed to make it out of committee or conference. 

Unfortunately, HB 1378 ​is enrolled ​and has been transmitted to the governor. We opposed this bill as it would decimate funding for the arts. Senators Brenton Awa and Samantha DeCorte voted no on the final floor reading; Senator Kurt Fevella voted aye with reservations. House Representatives Diamond Garcia, Ikaika Hussey, Kim Iwamoto, Chris Muraoka and Elijah Pierick voted no on the final floor reading; Representative Della Bellai voted aye with reservations. 

In really bad news, HB 796 ​is enrolled ​and has been transmitted to the governor. We opposed this bill as it would sunset all tax credits,​ including Hawaii’s Film and TV Incentive Program, in the next ​​five years. ​The current Conference Draft 1 does make an exemption for tax credits filed on individual personal income tax and car safety restraints. At the final floor reading, Senator Joy San Buenaventura voted aye with reservations; Senators Awa and DeCorte voted no. House Representatives Darius Kila, Rachele Lamosao and Lisa Marten voted aye with reservations; Representatives David Alcos, Terez Amato, Belatti, Luke Evslin, Garcia, Andrew Garrett, Tina Grandinetti, Ikaika Hussey, Greggor Ilagan, Iwamoto, Jeanné Kapela, Mae “Trish” La Chica, Nicole Lowen, Lauren Matsumoto, Muraoka, Amy Perruso, Pierick, Mahina Poepoe, Julie Reyes Oda, Garner Shimizu, Kanani Souza and Adrian Tam voted no. This bill had 22 no  votes among the 51-member voting body. 

In hopeful news, we now have to get our message to Governor Green and ask that he veto these two problematic bills. Be on the lookout for more information about a call to action and mobilization efforts in the coming weeks.

Mahalo to all of you for your tireless advocacy and support. The union is only as strong as our members, and in Hawaii, we consistently show legislators, the community and our employers that we are strong and committed to sustaining our creative community and growing our industry.