Recognizing the importance of Hawaii's film industry to the State economy, the Hawaii State Legislature established the Hawaii Television & Film Development Board in 2000 with the mission of growing the industry by providing support to Hawaii's local filmmakers. For more details on the statute that governs the board, go to HRS 201-112.

The board is administratively attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Board members include the DBEDT director or designated representative, Governor-appointed industry representatives (some of whom are nominated by the Senate President and Speaker of the House), and representatives from each of the four county film offices.

Currently the board is represented by:

• Ted Liu, DBEDT Director
• Brenda Ching, Executive Director, SAG-Hawaii
• Heather Giugni, Independent Producer, Juniroa Productions
• Art Umezu, Kauai Film Commissioner
• Walea Constantinau, Honolulu Film Commissioner
• Benita Brazier, Maui Film Commissioner
• John Mason, Big Island Film Commissioner
• Georja Skinner, DBEDT Creative Industries Division Administrator

The Legislature also established a Special Film Fund (HRS 201-113) for the board to administer, although to date, no monies have been appropriated for it. The legislative purpose of this fund is to create a grants program for eligible Hawaii film and television projects by local filmmakers.

Unfortunately, the board is currently inactive due to lack of funding. The Hawaii Film Office will, however, continue to explore sources of funding, including legislative appropriation.