Kauai’s scenic beauty as a popular backdrop among Hollywood producers is fueling a move to build a creative technology hub for filmmakers as well as the community.
The proposed Kaua‘i Creative Technology Center would help California producers by providing a facility for use on location, and would also be a place for students interested in a career in filmmaking — offering experts from the industry who could hold educational sessions while they are on the island, said George Costa, director of the county’s Office of Economic Development.
It’s also envisioned as a site for job training and workforce development for films.
The cost to build the center is estimated at $15 million to $20 million, and investors are being sought to support the project.
"People are really excited," Costa said.
Organizers are working to identify a location — ideally in Lihue — and have targeted opening in 2018.
The center would house a commercial film studio, state-of-the-art media equipment, high-speed Internet connections and videoconferencing capabilities. It also would include a small theater to seat approximately 80 to 100 people which could be used for screenings.
In 2010 the county and a nonprofit group, the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, developed a feasibility study for the center. Costa said the study resulted in expanding their focus to incorporate studios for music and sound.
With the project underway, the Kauai Film Commission, meanwhile, is gearing up for the summer premiere of "Jurassic World," a sequel to the "Jurassic Park" movies.
Film Commissioner Arthur Umezu said he also looks forward to a year of more film productions on the Garden Isle. In 2014, Kauai generated more than $4 million in revenues from "Jurassic World," the NBC show "The Biggest Loser," commercials and catalog and magazine photo shoots.
Airlines, hotels, food establishments and helicopter and rental car companies benefited from film production in Kauai, Umezu said.
Kauai has had a long relationship with Hollywood, dating back to 1933 when "Cane Fire" became the first movie filmed there. The movie’s name was later changed to "White Heat."
More than 70 films, reality shows, music videos and commercials have been shot on the Garden Isle — among them "Blue Hawaii," "South Pacific, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "The Descendants."
