DBEDT/Creative Industries Division Update in the face of COVID-19
FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY
Aloha Mai Kākou,
Due to this unprecedented national health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus, we want to inform you of steps we’re taking at the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Creative Industries Division to ensure the safety of business operations in our island community.
We understand that these are extraordinary times. In alignment with directives set by Governor David Ige, as well as precautions set by other Hawai‘i government agencies, the following changes will be effective beginning Friday, March 20 through Friday, April 3.
OFFICES:
The Creative Industries Division (CID) and the Hawai‘i Film Office will be closed to the public beginning this Friday. CID staff will be working remotely in accordance with the State’s telework policy for its employees to ensure continued services to the public. Hawai‘i Film Office staff will also work remotely to provide its statutorily mandated services of film permitting and tax credit management. The tax credit program will continue uninterrupted.
FACILITIES:
In alignment with precautions set by the University of Hawai‘i, the Entrepreneur’s Sandbox will be closed to the public starting Monday, March 23. All main doors to the facility will be locked and there will be no access to CID’s Studio Space or CoWorking space. This closure will remain in effect until Monday, April 6. The Hawai‘i Film Studio at Diamond Head and the Kalaeloa Studio facilities are closed until further notice.
FILM PERMITS:
The Hawai‘i Film Office will not be accepting film permit applications until Monday, April 6 for filming activity scheduled to take place no sooner than Monday April 20. Open and Accessible ePermits are also on hold until the week of April 6. For more information on film permits, visit https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/news/film-permit-application/
For updates, please visit our respective websites at:
cid.hawaii.gov * filmoffice.hawaii.gov * creativelab.hawaii.gov
The COVID-19 global crisis is constantly evolving. We remain hopeful that these measures to temporarily shut down public places, practice social distancing and effective personal hygiene, while allowing our employees to work at home, will lead to a dramatic drop in new cases. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update our plans based on what is best for the health and safety of our employees, community and industry.
We appreciate your understanding.
Georja Skinner, Chief Officer
Creative Industries Division, DBEDT
