Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Hawaii's Film Industry Faces Challenges After Show Cancellations
The film industry in Hawaii is struggling.
Several shows, including NCIS: Hawai'i and Rescue HI-Surf, have been canceled.
A new 9-1-1 spin-off is now filming in Nashville instead of Hawaii.
High costs and budget cuts are making it difficult for shows to stay in Hawaii.
The governor plans to veto a bill that could impact tax breaks for film and TV, which could make the situation even harder.
NCIS: Hawai'i actor Jason Antoon shared a video of the show's vacant studio lot.
CBS canceled NCIS: Hawai'i after three seasons due to cost concerns.
Fox's Rescue HI-Surf was also canceled after one season.
The next 9-1-1 spin-off will film in Nashville instead of Hawaii.
Hawaii's governor plans to veto a bill that could impact film/TV tax credits.
- Who
- Jason Antoon, Governor Josh Green, and film/TV production companies
- What
- Decline in film and TV industry, with show cancellations and filming relocation.
- When
- Following the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i and Rescue HI-Surf.
- Where
- Hawaii
- Why
- Due to high costs and potential loss of tax credits.
Legislature
Governor
Film Tax Credits
Legislature
Bill HB796 sunsets tax credits after 5 years.
Governor
The Governor intends to veto the bill as it supports economic development.
- Canceled Shows
- NCIS: Hawai’i, Rescue HI-Surf
- New 9-1-1 Spin-off Location
- Nashville, TN
- NCIS: Hawai’i Viewership
- 7.8 million linear viewers, 10M multi-platform viewers
- Rescue HI-Surf Cost Per Episode
- $4 million
- Tax Credit Bill Number
- HB796