Permits
The Hawai‘i Island Film Office (HIFO) is available to help you navigate the permitting process and set your production up for success! When bringing your production to Hawai‘i Island, there are four permitting categories to be aware of depending on which location you are using:
• County
• State
• Federal
• Private
Our locations database will help you easily navigate what kind of permit you need for your location. No matter what jurisdiction a location is under, Team Aloha can help answer your questions and guide you along the way.
Contact Team Aloha
COUNTY
If you are shooting on a Hawai‘i County location, HIFO is available to happily assist you with processing your permits.
Hawai‘i County Parks
A general open and accessible permit from the Hawai‘i Island Film Office is available to low impact productions using county parks. There is no fee for this permit. A list of county sites covered under an open and accessible permit can be found here. This list also includes sites that require a permit from the State Film Office.
If you are interesting in filming at a county park not on the open and accessible list, just enter the name of the specific location in the ‘Filming Location’ field on the form. All fields must be filled out or we will not be able to process your permit.
Hawai‘i County Building Permits
County Building Permits are required on a case-by-case basis.
Hawai‘i County Traffic Services
County Traffic Services requires a permit when intermittent or traffic stoppage is involved. Off-duty officers are required starting at $36/$40/hour plus administrative fees. This permit is obtained through the Hawai‘i County Police Department.
Contact The Hawai‘i County Police Department or call (808) 961-2226
Public Works Permit:
A Public Works permit is available for productions shooting on streets and sidewalks that are County of Hawai‘i property. There is no fee for this permit. All fields must be filled out or we will not be able to process your permit.
Insurance For Hawai‘i County Locations
Insurance is required for both the County Parks Permits and the County Public Works Permits.
In the “description of operations/locations/vehicles/special items” section please submit:
“The County of Hawai‘i, including all of its departments and attached agencies, their officers, employees and agents are named as additional insured with respect to the named insured’s filming activities.”
In the “Certificate Holder” section:
Hawai‘i Island Film Office
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Research and Development
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Please email the completed COI to:
Justin.Finestone@hawaiicounty.gov
or fax to 808-935-1205
Have Questions?
Contact HIFO
STATE
If you are looking to permit a location under State jurisdiction (ie: State Parks, Airports, Harbors, etc) The State Film Office administers a one-stop permit process for all State owned locations and properties, and also administers the 25% refundable production tax credit.
FEDERAL
There are four National Parks on Hawai‘i Island. Permits can be obtained directly from each park:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Website
(808) 985-6018
Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Website
(808) 328-2326
Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Website
(808) 882-7218
Kaloko Honokohau National Park
Website
(808) 329-6881
PRIVATE
HIFO has a wide network of relationships with “film-friendly” landowners all over the island. For productions that involve private property, Team Aloha is available to help you as a liaison with the local community to secure the location you need!
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