#Creative Industries Division

Navy initiating return of nearly 44 acres to state on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi

Gov. Josh Green announced that the Department of the Navy is initiating the process to return nearly 44 acres of federal property to the state of Hawaiʻi. The proposed transfers include a 31.693-acre parcel at Kalaeloa and the Marine Corps’ 12-acre Molokaʻi Training Support Facility at Hoʻolehua.

State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson retires after 25 years

Hawai‘i State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson will be retiring from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism effective April 30, 2026, concluding 25 years of service managing the Hawai‘i Film Office and the state’s film program.

Call for submissions issued for Hawai‘i film and creative content funding support

The Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Creative Industries Division has released a request for proposals toward the development of small, mid-sized and microbudget film and creative media projects.

Hawai‘i hires on ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’ made $31M in wages; workforce training provided to local interns

A pulse-pounding new drama set on Oahu’s North Shore is contributing to the state’s economy in a big way. “Rescue: HI-Surf,” a co-production of John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment, hired over 2,100 local cast and crew to be part of the first season. Collectively, the hires earned more than $31.75 million in wages.

Sundance Institute wraps 2024 Mentorship Initiative with Native Hawaiian filmmakers

Advancing mentorship opportunities for emerging Native Hawaiian filmmakers currently living in Hawai‘i, the Sundance Institute’s 2024 Indigenous Program this month wrapped its short film-focused intensive earlier in Honolulu—the Sundance Indigenous Intensive x Hawai‘i.

Creative Industries Educator Externship shares skills with Hawai‘i teachers

Technical skill rotations were hosted throughout the day exploring topics such as fashion design process, 3D modeling, video pre-production and much more, along with networking sessions and informative panels from professionals in the creative industries. Attendees were provided with an overview of CID’s workforce initiatives, ways to maximize the ClimbHI Bridge portal, and insights into preparing students for successful careers within the creative industries.

Hawaiʻi film and creative media industry gets spotlight, backing as awards season nears

The Hawai‘i state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Creative Industries Division is supporting awards season marketing for local films. This is in an effort to reach global audiences and pave the way toward a more vibrant locally created media industry.

Open call for 2023 Creative Lab Hawai‘i music immersive program applications

CLMHI focuses on Hawai‘i singer songwriters looking to advance opportunities in licensing their works for global media and entertainment content. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 15 through Dec.15, 2022.