Bill Would Ban Hawaii Film Officials From Appearing In Films …A Maui production’s controversial casting of the county film commissioner in a television movie has prompted an attempt to ban such hires.
A Hawaii lawmaker is trying to crack down on what he says was improper behavior by the Maui County film commissioner, who accepted a substantial part in a television movie being shot on the island, despite the commissioner’s involvement facilitating the industry.
Rep. Sean Quinlan’s bill would prohibit movie and television producers — at least those getting big cash incentives from the government — from hiring state and county employees “whose official capacity is related to motion picture, digital media, or film production.”
In an interview, Quinlan said the bill was prompted by Maui County Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett, who raised concerns from the actors’ union, among others, when he accepted a role in a Hallmark TV movie called “Maneater” despite having no acting experience.
