On Friday a bill that could have revived Hawaii’s struggling film and TV industry quietly died in committee — and with it, the hopes of hundreds of local workers who built their careers on the islands.

The bill, which sought to expand Hawaii’s film tax credit program by raising the annual cap, adding incentives for local hires, and supporting streaming productions, had strong support from the Senate and industry leaders. But political disagreements with the House ultimately stalled the measure, despite widespread testimony in its favor. No major organizations opposed it. Not one.

For workers like Ralph Malani, who has worked on more than 40 productions — including Lilo & Stitch and Rescue: HI-Surf — the failure of the bill isn’t just disappointing. It’s devastating.

“This is where I’m from,” Malani said. “It’s just so sad that the powers that be don’t seem to care that local people are losing out big time.”

Hawaii’s production industry once thrived, attracting major projects that showcased the islands’ landscapes and culture to the world. Today, there are zero active productions across the islands — the first time that’s happened in over two decades. Crew members are being forced to leave the state, sell their homes, and seek other work, with some even turning to food banks to survive.

And it’s not because the talent isn’t there. Hawaii has a deep bench of highly skilled, highly trained film and TV professionals. Local crews have long delivered world-class work on everything from Hollywood blockbusters to critically acclaimed series. But without a strong, competitive incentive program, productions are taking their money — and their jobs — elsewhere.

It’s not just Hawaii. Across the country, states that once invested heavily in their production sectors are seeing similar setbacks as lawmakers hesitate to maintain or expand tax credits. Meanwhile, states like Georgia and New Mexico, which offer aggressive, well-structured incentives, are reaping the rewards: billions of dollars in economic impact, thousands of new jobs, and a thriving, growing film ecosystem.

The story unfolding in Hawaii is a microcosm of the larger national fight for production dollars. It’s a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Infrastructure, political will, and smart policy decisions matter — and without them, even the most beautiful backlot in the world can be left empty.

Producers like Eric Hays, who moved to Hawaii after filming NCIS: New Orleans, now face tough choices. “We could put $60 to $80 million into the economy in one year,” he said. “But if it’s not financially viable to shoot here, we’ll have to go back to New Orleans or somewhere else. It’s heartbreaking.”

Hawaii’s beaches, mountains, and rainforests are iconic. But it’s the people — the camera operators, grips, electricians, production designers, and hair stylists — who bring the stories to life.