• Keep in mind that your application is transferred to various State agencies for approval. If your application is not legible, or incomplete, you will be asked to resubmit it.
• For water filming please indicate the area to be used as: “Waters off of (location).” A certified water safety professional must be hired when there is water activity. See Water Activity requirements here.
• We can only process Film Permit Applications that list specific locations (other than DLNR Open/Accessible Sites). Locations listed as “TBD” cannot be processed.
• On the Specific Information Sheet(s), list only the activities related to that specific location.
• Location Scouts with groups larger than 10+ crew or special requests of any kind will require a Scouting Permit. You may submit your scouting request using our Standard Film Permit Application

Step 1:Click on the “General Page” button to download and fill out the “GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION” form of our Film Permit Application( you can reference the example here). Be sure to provide all statistical information requested. Use the second page of the General Information section for additional locations that do not fit on the first page. NOTE: this acts as a cover page or a running list of locations for your project. Each time you add a new location, update the General page and send along with the rest of your documents.

Step 2:Click on the “Specifics Page” button to download and fill out the “SPECIFIC INFORMATION SECTION” form for EACH location requested ( you can reference the example here). You must sign each “Specific Information” sheet you submit. The activity described in Section 8 on your Specific Information sheet refers to how your production will interact and occupy the requested location /space.

A generic description of your photoshoot concept is NOT acceptable.

Example: I will take photos of the couple at sunset – this is too vague.

The more detail the better so the agencies will understand what and how the photoshoot/filming will take place.

Example: My crew (4) and couple (2) will park in the public parking stalls and walk down to the shore line and take photos in the area indicated on the map only. We will not ( or will) be getting in the water).

Step 3:Fore each location, please provide clear detailed map(s) to expedite the approval process. Maps MUST be submitted in a PDF format only( no jpg, png etc.) A satellite image or aerial view map (i.e. a screen shot from this map) is preferred.  Please circle and mark the areas of intended filming and include descriptions + annotations. The map acts as a visual to support all of the described activity in Section 8 on your Specific Information sheet.

Click on the “Detailed Map” button to view an example.

Step 4:Attach a Certificate of Insurance at the end of your film permit application. Prior to submittal, you must read our insurance requirements here & review the example COI here. You may also view required Auto Liability fulfillment options here.

** If you do not meet our requirements your application will be on hold and considered incomplete until this is received .

1. General Liability ($1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate)
2. Automobile Liability: *preferred ($1 million bodily injury per person, $1 million bodily injury per accident and $1 million property damage per accident)

Resource: Insurance Brokers

Step 5:Once you have filled out and combined all required documents, you may send your completed application to the State of Hawaii Film Office via e-mail at: [email protected]

All documents MUST be submitted in PDF format.

To submit your application, combine all of your files into a single PDF in the following order : 1.General Page,2. Specifics Page, 3. Corresponding Map, 4. COI

**If your project includes DRONE or WATER ACTIVITY you will need to submit additional documents with your application.

Note: prior to combining, all files must be printed to a PDF so that they are NO LONGER in ” fillable” format to avoid formatting errors.

Once approved by the proper state agencies, your film permit will be emailed to the contact e-mail address listed on your “General Information Section” form.   A copy of the permit should be with the production at all times while filming on the approved location.  Although hard copies are preferred, digital copies on a phone or tablet are accepted. The contact person listed on the application will be responsible for ensuring that the production abides by the conditions of the permit.

Use the “ADDENDUM” form only if you need to make changes to an already approved location on your film permit application. Be sure to include your FIPAC#+ letter ( FIPAC#22-123a) and always submit along with your existing approved permit for reference. If you want to simply add a new location to your existing project, please list it under #7 on your “General Information Section” form and resend it together with a new “Specific Information Section” form with corresponding map for that new location. Again, be sure to include your existing project FIPAC#+letter.