Gov. Josh Green signed two bills Monday intended to support Hawaii’s film industry and marine economy.

Senate Bill 2580, now Act 185, amends the state’s Motion Picture, Digital Media and Film Production Income Tax Credit by increasing base credits, raising program caps and adding incentives for local hiring, long-term productions and streaming projects.

Beginning with costs incurred after Dec. 31, 2025, the law provides an additional 5% credit for qualified productions with a workforce of at least 80% local hires. It also raises the per-production cap to $20 million, exempts productions with at least $60 million in qualified costs from that cap and sets the aggregate annual cap at $60 million.

“I’ve seen firsthand how film brings people together and creates unique avenues for our community,” Green said in a news release. “These measures are key to Hawaii’s long-standing vision of diversifying our economy by strengthening the film industry.”

Green also signed Senate Bill 2907, now Act 186, which establishes an Office of Marine Affairs and Marine Affairs Governing Board within the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., along with a Marine Affairs Coordinator position.

The law is intended to centralize marine-related policy and coordination and support Hawaii’s blue economy, defined as the sustainable use of ocean and aquatic resources to support economic growth and jobs while protecting marine ecosystems.

“It’s difficult to articulate just how important the ocean is to our people,” Green said. “That relationship is at the heart of Hawaii’s identity, shaping our communities in every way. Protecting marine health and utilizing resources sustainably and with intention is a necessary commitment to our past and our future.”