Representatives from NASA, defense and technology companies, and government are gathering in Honolulu this week to discuss ways to boost the state's fledgling aerospace industry.

Developing Hawai'i's high-tech sector, including the aerospace industry, is part of Gov. Linda Lingle's goal of transforming Hawai'i's economy away from land development and toward innovation. In a major step in that direction, Lingle last year signed a bill providing $500,000 to revive and rename the Hawai'i Office of Aerospace Development.

Jim Crisafulli, the director of the Office of Aerospace Development, is one of more than 30 speakers and panelists attending the event Thursday at the state Capitol auditorium.

"The main thing about the conference is to paint a big picture. Because of our strategic location, Hawai'i has the potential of nationally and globally networking in the aerospace industry," Crisafulli said.

"By using our current resident experience we can create a natural catalyst for international collaboration for future space programs. There are four goals with this initiative. To provide a test bed for an eventual deploy of technology, to train aerospace professionals, which creates more career opportunities, to teach aerospace education, and to be the catalyst for future space projects," he said

One of Hawai'i's higher-profile aerospace projects already in existence is PISCES, an international research and education center dedicated to the development of new technologies needed to sustain life on the moon and beyond.

It was created in March 2007 as an official center at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and was funded by the Legislature in June 2007.

Hawai'i also is home to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, a Navy-run installation on Kaua'i that is a vital piece of President Bush's controversial missile-defense system. John Benzie, technical director at the missile range, is a panelist in a conference program titled, "Innovating the Next Frontier: Dual-Use Applications in Aerospace." Dual use refers to technologies that can have both commercial and military applications.

Conference attendees will discuss the potential impact on Hawai'i's economy of aerospace initiative, such as developing systems to track global climate change and creating a space tourism business.

Other organizations and businesses represented at the conference include: NASA, the Space Foundation, the University of Hawai'i, Raytheon Co., Boeing Co., OCEANIT, Trex Hawaii, and Rocketplane Global.

Rocketplane Global, an Oklahoma aerospace company, wants to use Hawai'i as a base to take thrill-seeking tourists to the edge of outer space in a rocket-packed jet plane by 2010.

Currently the state has made the initiative to apply for needed licensing from the Federal Aviation Administration to make Hawai'i available for commercial space flights.

State lawmakers say developing a vital aerospace industry will provide an important engine of economic growth.

"This is an exciting venture for Hawai'i, especially for our young people," said Sen. Carol Fukunaga, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Taxation.

"Take our emerging robotics programs. Our children will be able to compete on a global level with the proper tools and skills set. With Hawai'i emerging as a regional leader in robotics competition, it's a natural step towards future careers in aerospace industries," she said.

Rep. Kyle Yamashita, chairman of the House Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns, said he was encouraged by the potential for growth in the state.

"Hawai'i has unique advantages that we should build upon to develop a viable aerospace industry in the state. The industry has a distinguished history here, but new technology makes it possible for Hawai'i to play a larger role. The potential is unlimited," Yamashita said.