We're the Gov's "Department of the Week"!

Hawaii Film Office staff, old and new: (standing:) Kevin Inouye, former film commissioner Georgette Deemer, former film industry specialist Sharon Clark, Donne Dawson, Sandi Ichihara, Brent Anbe, (seated:) Mynette Louie, and Chuckie Kwak [Not pictured: Tammy Hasegawa]

Governor Linda Lingle's office named DBEDT's Hawaii Film Office (that's us) the "Department of the Week" in her weekly E-Newsletter:

Governor Lingle joined the Hawai`i Film Office at a blessing and dedication ceremony for two newly constructed buildings at the Hawai`i Film Studio. The $7.3 million renovation project, which was completed this month, included new production offices and a technical building.

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's commitment to building a viable film industry, the Governor recently signed legislation to increase economic incentives for new film productions in Hawai`i. Starting July 1, the state will offer a 15 percent refundable tax credit for production on O`ahu and 20 percent on neighbor islands - a significant increase from the current 4 percent.

The Hawai`i Film Office, led by film commissioner Donne Dawson, manages the Hawai`i Film Studio and is the central coordinator for film and photographic use of state-administered parks, beaches, highways, and facilities. The office works closely with state agencies to assist filmmakers with acquiring film permits, and if necessary, directs them to the appropriate county and federal agencies. The office also provides location and production resource information to filmmakers, promotes Hawai`i as a filming destination and develops the local film and television industry in the islands.

>> Governor's E-Newsletter, June 23-30, 2006

RELATED POSTS:
>> Meet the Hawaii Film Office!
>> Come & Get This: 2006 Production Guide
>> Permits, Hawaiian Style
>> Film Studio Renovation Blessing
>> Hawaii Film Studio Renovation (Almost) Pau
>> It's Official: Hawaii Boasts 15-20% Film Tax Credit!