Bill seeks to facilitate more film productions on agricultural land – Hawai’i Public Radio

Report on Senate Bill 2156: Facilitating Film Production on Agricultural Land in Hawaiʻi

Introduction

State lawmakers in Hawaiʻi are advancing Senate Bill 2156, aimed at promoting film production on agricultural land. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by supporting economic diversification, sustainable land use, and rural development.

Objectives and Provisions of Senate Bill 2156

1. Support for Hawaiʻi’s Film Industry and Agriculture
   • Promote the film industry on farm land to provide additional revenue streams for farmers.
   • Enhance tourism through increased film production activities.
   • Stimulate rural economies on neighbor islands with abundant agricultural zoned lands.
2. Regulated Temporary Film Production
   • Allow temporary filming as an accessory use on agricultural land.
   • Ensure filming does not degrade soil quality or disrupt farming activities.
   • Limit filming activities to a maximum of 30 days per year.
3. Establishment of Oversight and Permitting Systems
   • Create a state-level film permitting system to streamline processes.
   • Form an Agricultural Film Production Land Use Oversight Committee to manage and oversee film activities on agricultural lands.

Current Challenges and Legislative Perspectives

• Presently, film production regulations vary by county and land ownership, leading to inconsistent processes.
• Senator Lorraine Inouye, Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, emphasized the need for a statewide statute to unify regulations and support the film industry effectively.
• She stated that the Legislature has historically supported the film industry and that a comprehensive law is “long overdue.”

Stakeholder Feedback and Concerns

• The Coalition of County Film Offices in Hawaiʻi expressed concerns that SB 2156 could introduce additional bureaucracy, potentially lengthening the permitting process.
• They highlighted the fast-paced nature of the film industry and recommended a more streamlined approach to accommodate temporary film productions.
• The coalition’s position underscores the importance of balancing economic growth (SDG 8) with efficient regulatory frameworks.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By fostering the film industry on agricultural lands, the bill aims to create new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The bill includes provisions to ensure that film production does not harm soil quality or disrupt agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land use.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Careful management and oversight of film activities on agricultural land help protect ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Establishing a state-level permitting system and oversight committee supports innovation in regulatory infrastructure.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 2156 represents a strategic effort to integrate film production with agricultural land use in Hawaiʻi, fostering economic diversification while emphasizing sustainability and responsible land management. Ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders will be critical to refining the bill to balance efficiency with environmental and agricultural protections, thereby advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses promoting the film industry on agricultural land to support Hawaiʻi’s film industry and create new revenue streams, which aligns with fostering sustained economic growth and productive employment.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The bill emphasizes that film production should not degrade soil or disrupt farming, indicating a focus on sustainable use of agricultural land.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Ensuring that film production does not compromise long-term agricultural viability relates to sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and land resources.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Stimulating rural economies and increasing tourism through film production contributes to sustainable economic development of communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
   • Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
2. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15 Targets
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
4. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8
   • Number of new revenue streams or jobs created in the film industry on agricultural land.
   • Increase in tourism related to film production activities.
2. For SDG 12
   • Extent to which agricultural land is preserved without degradation during film production (e.g., soil quality measurements).
   • Number of film productions adhering to the 30-day limit and oversight regulations.
3. For SDG 15
   • Measures of soil health and agricultural viability post-film production activities.
   • Monitoring of land degradation or conservation status in agricultural zones used for filming.
4. For SDG 11
   • Economic indicators reflecting rural economic stimulation due to film production.
   • Effectiveness of the state-level permitting system and oversight committee in managing land use.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hawaiipublicradio.org