HONOLULU, April 30 (UPI) -- Hawaii lawmakers are considering a plan to increase tax credits for film and television production in the islands.
The proposal would increase tax credits from 15 percent to 35 percent on Oahu, and from 20 percent to 40 percent statewide.
The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday the adjustments were part of the last-minute crush of budget legislation in Honolulu but were expected to pass before the end of June. Gov. Linda Lingle has pledged to sign the measures.
The bill would also exempt long-term productions from paying hotel taxes and provide incentives for animation and visual effects produced by Hawaiian companies.
The Reporter said the adjustments would make Hawaii among the lowest-cost states in the nation for movie production.
