The Senate committee on the arts is evaluating a bill to convince more people to shoot films and TV shows in Hawaii.

Sen. David Ige introduced the proposal that would extend and increase tax credits for the film industry.

The Senate committee on economic development approved an amended version of Ige’s proposal Wednesday.

Ige says the high cost of shooting films in Hawaii deters moviemakers from coming.

He says tax incentives could help filmmaking grow to be a billion dollar industry in the state.

Opponents of the bill say Hawaii’s uniqueness is enough incentive to attract filmmakers.

They say the state can’t afford to give the movie industry more tax breaks.

Hawaii has been the site of several popular TV shows and movies including “Lost,” ”Hawaii Five-0″ and “The Descendants.”