A Jerry Bruckheimer-produced series that's based in Honolulu is being planned, with A&E Television giving the go-ahead for work on the new drama's pilot show.

The cable television network announced it has given the green light to the show, tentatively known as "Cooler Kings," about an ex-Honolulu cop who meets a mysterious crew of detectives and is offered a chance at redemption.

Production details for the one-hour show are still being worked out, including whether the pilot will be filmed here. Both Bruckheimer and Warner Horizon Television, which is working with the well-known producer, have filmed in Hawai'i in the past.

"We'll do everything we possibly can to get it here especially since the storyline is set in Hawai'i," said Donne Dawson, head of the Hawai'i Film Office, adding the state hopes its 15 percent production tax credit for O'ahu and 20 percent credit for the Neighbor Islands will make a difference.

"That would obviously be a tremendous incentive to get them here along with the amazing locations Hawai'i has to offer."

A spokeswoman for Warner Horizon Television said it is hopeful about placing the show in Hawai'i and is in talks with the film office.

The show might have a different flavor if it's not shot here, since A&E announced the drama takes place in Hawai'i. A&E's announced storyline for the show mentions Honolulu as a one-time paradise that's now a boomtown for problems, including vice, corruption, betrayal and murder.

"This surf-noir crime show is about a cop saving a world — his world, his paradise — one case at a time," A&E said in its announcement.

The show, if picked up as a series by A&E and filmed here, could help bolster the state's film and television production business as the blockbuster show "Lost" heads into its final season.

That show is scheduled to wrap up filming in the spring of next year, and no other series are on tap for the state.

"Lost" is among the most popular television shows ever shot in the state. Among other shows here, "Magnum P.I." and "Hawaii Five-0" also had solid followings and were popular shows at the time they were produced.

"Hawai'i has been very, very fortunate (with 'Lost')," Dawson said. "I can't overemphasize that."

Warner Horizon previously had such shows as "High School Reunion," "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" shot here.

Bruckheimer has done multiple television and films here, including "Pearl Harbor" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

His television productions include "CSI," "CSI Miami," "Cold Case" and "The Amazing Race."

Dawson said "The Amazing Race" twice has come to the state, including this season's final installment that took place on Maui.

"They were pretty incredible productions in terms of what they were able to do out here," Dawson said.

Hawai'i's film and television industry had its fourth-best year in 2008, though spending was down significantly from 2007's record as a writers strike and a slowing economy took its toll on projects.

The state Film Industry Branch said direct expenditures totaled at least $146 million last year as dozens of projects were shot here. That included feature films such as "The Tempest" starring Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren and 20 episodes of the television game show "Wheel of Fortune." There were also nearly 50 television commercials shot here.

The total was down 36 percent from 2007's $229 million of expenditures, when the state was able to attract several films that did most of the production work here.