Drosd, in an address yesterday at a Hawaii Venture Capital Association luncheon, said the state lacks a variety of tools needed to foster new and existing production including more studio space and skilled workers and tax incentives aimed at making Hawai'i a competitive location.

"We have four television series" this year, Drosd said. "By summer, it's going to be a mad house.

"Of course it's going to be difficult. There's no question we're going to have growing pains going through this process," Drosd added. But, "right now is when people should feel confident to invest in Hawai'i's film industry."

Apart from supporting expanded tax incentives for film and TV production, the private sector could help pump money into a TV and film development fund created about three years ago, Drosd said. That state fund was never provided money, she said. However, the Hawaii Tourism Authority recently agreed to provide $100,000 to fund local film projects showcasing Hawaiian culture for the visitor industry, Drosd said.

Apart from providing financing, businesses could play a more active advisory role to the fund's board, she said.

"I think that it's time for the private sector to become involved in policy setting and decision making that goes on in the film industry," Drosd said. "I really think that the time has come, if Hawai'i is serious about film industry development for the private sector to step up to the plate and become involved in the process."

Apart from TV shows now in the works by Fox, NBC, ABC and the WB networks, several potential movie projects remain on the back burner including feature films reviving Hawai'i icons as "Hawaii 5-0" and "Magnum, P.I.," Drosd said. Still other projects are waiting on the sidelines because activity is so high now. "We have this circling effect going on," Drosd said. "This is an amazing moment in our history."