HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 139 2014/03/18 (2012-2014) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: March 18, 2014 Re: Comm. No. 724/Res. No. 329-14
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 3:50 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 329-14, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 329-14, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford, via Communication
No. 724 dated February 28, 2014, authorizes the Department of Research and Development to
award funds to the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC).
This resolution authorizes the Department of Research and Development to provide a grant of
$113,000 to the HCEOC to supplement the creation of a Transmedia Accelerator Program. The
program encourages diversification, creates employment opportunities, and supports innovation in
the field of media production.
Research and Development Director Laverne Omori and Acting Film Commissioner Ilihia Gionson
came before Your Committee and gave a brief explanation of how the Department of Research and
Development plan to boost the Hawai`i Island's film industry. She stated that in FY 2012-2013, the
County only received $3 million of the State's $240 million film industry revenue due to lack of
infrastructure, labor, and equipment. Director Omori stated that the County has entered into a
partnership with the State of Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation(HSDC) and with private
entity, Global Virtual Studio (GVS), to build up the island's infrastructure in the areas of film and
media development. HCEOC Executive Director Jay Kimura will help the County to oversee the
investment. County grant funds totaling $113,000, with an additional $200,000 annually for the next
three years will supplement the creation of a Transmedia Accelerator Program (TAP), set up a
working studio with state-of-the-art production equipment and office space. This investment will
be the first of its kind in the State of Hawai`i.
Mr. David Cunningham, creator of GVS, provided a presentation, detailing the Transmedia
Accelerator Program. The goal of the program is to promote economic opportunities and to build
up the film and media industry in Hawai`i Island.
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 25, of the Hawai`i County Code (2005 Edition as amended),the
County may provide grant funds to 501(c)(3)nonprofit organizations providing programs and
services determined to be in the public's interest.
FC Report No. 139
FC-139 Page 2 March 18, 2014
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 329-14, and
recommends its adoption.
Sc
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EOFF X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
ILAGAN X
KANUHA X
KERN X
ONISHI X
POINDEXTER x VALERIE T. POINDEXTER, CHAIR
WILLE X FC REPORT NO.: 139
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: APR 0 1 2014