**Economic Blow: “NCIS: Hawaii” to End After 3 Seasons**
The news of “NCIS: Hawaii” coming to an end after three seasons has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving actors, crew members, and fans reeling.
With some 400 people employed by the show, the cancellation is not just disappointing for fans but also deals a significant blow to Hawaii’s economy. Eugene Price, owner of Honolulu Design Firm “PD Technologies,” revealed that the show brought in $50,000 for his business last year alone. “We were very, very surprised. They are valuable to Hawaii… they employ so many people,” he remarked.
Rachel Whitley, the casting director for all three seasons, emphasized the show’s role in creating jobs beyond just actors, including stand-ins and stunt doubles. Despite “NCIS: Hawaii” averaging over five million viewers, casting director Katie Doyle highlighted that financial considerations have become paramount. She estimated that CBS spent $75 million per season on the show, making Hawaii less competitive as a filming location compared to other places offering more attractive incentives.
While the state provides tax incentives, industry insiders argue they aren’t sufficient to retain productions. A petition with over 15,000 signatures urging CBS to reconsider its decision reflects the widespread disappointment, but it may not be enough to reverse the cancellation.
As the community grapples with the loss, plans for a state-of-the-art film studio in West Oahu offer a glimmer of hope for the future, although it remains years away from completion.