HONOLULU (KHON2) — Governor Josh Green signed a new law June 4 that ensures young entertainers in Hawaiʻi can protect and access their hard-earned money when they reach adulthood.
House Bill 874, now Act 173, requires parents or guardians of child performers to set up a trust fund before the child starts working in the entertainment industry. Employers must deposit at least 15% of the child’s gross earnings into the account.
8-year-old actress Maia Kealoha, who stars as Lilo in Disney’s live-action film “Lilo and Stitch”, joined Governor Green for the bill signing and shared why the new law matters.
“Hi everyone, I’m Maia Kealoha, and I’m so proud to be in the ‘Lilo and Stitch’ movie,” she said. “It’s a dream come true, and I’m so honored to be here and watch Governor Green sign this amazing bill for all the keiki. When they earn money, they can save it for their future, buy some stuff or maybe a house. Or maybe some wonderful stuff for their kids. I’m so proud to be here, it’s such an amazing thing.”
Green says the protections set out in the law go beyond the entertainment world.
“While it focuses on the entertainment industry, it could also be a model for protecting minors in other areas like sports or social media, which is a big deal right now,” Green said.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Mike Lee, noted that many other states have similar laws in place, and Hawaiʻi is catching up to ensure financial safeguards are in place for working minors.
In addition to signing the bill, Green voiced continued support for Hawaiʻi’s film industry. He said he plans to veto a separate bill that would end the state’s $50 million film tax credit.
The law takes effect immediately.