Ask the Mayor: Photoshoots on Kāʻanapali Beach

Kāʻanapali Beach. PC: Kalani Prince.

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions.

Q: My husband has been asked by a friend to take some pre-wedding photos on Kaanapali Beach. Is this permitted?

A: It depends. If you are receiving compensation for these photos (as defined by the State
Department of Land and Natural Resources, compensation includes, but is not limited to,
monetary fees, barter, or services-in-kind), or if you are getting paid to take the photos or sell
the final product online or as a print to an individual or company, then YES, you need to obtain
a Standard Film Permit or Open and Accessible Film Permit (if applicable) to film on any state
property.

The State of Hawaii Film Office has a lot of resources and information on this topic, and helps
clarify the difference between personal use and commercial activity. For more information on
film permit procedures, visit https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/news/permit-procedures/.
If you have any questions or concerns about the state permitting process, contact the State of
Hawaii Film Office at (808) 586-2570 or [email protected].

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email [email protected].