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Tank damages
spur L.A. shoot

Producers of "Lost" had hoped to film in the Hawaii Film Studio's water tank (built for "Baywatch Hawaii" at state expense for about $300,000), but the pool's cement enclosure has deteriorated so badly that it couldn't be filtered sufficiently to allow for clear filming. Sources said the tank needs to be resurfaced and repainted. That meant the production, including an actor, had to travel to Los Angeles for the scene.

A "Lost" production team has visited the state-owned film studio twice in recent weeks and seems interested in renting it if the current occupant, Fox's "North Shore," is canceled. According to a source, "Lost," under those circumstances, might repair the tank at its expense.

There's also chatter on the set over whether "Lost" will stay in Hawaii for a second season or relocate to Australia or Los Angeles to save money. ...

Stuntman Bob Apisa, who began his career here with "Hawaii Five-0," hopes to produce a motion picture about Chang Apana, the legendary HPD cop who was the inspiration for Charlie Chan. Apana served from 1889 to 1932. The project would be financed by Asian and Hawaii investors, with a budget in the $50 million to $100 million range. Apisa hopes to begin pre-production here and in Asia by late summer. ...

Sources say Bunim-Murray Productions ("The Real World," "Road Rules") may bring "The Simple Life," starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie, to Hawaii early next year. Scouting is expected to begin next month.

Hilton is a frequent Maui visitor. ...

Hawaii law firm Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel -- the state's leader in attracting productions looking to qualify for Act 221 investment credits -- is a minority partner in Hawaii Film Partners, which will co-executive produce "29 Down" for NBC and The Discovery Channel. Hawaii won out as a location over less-expensive locales Australia, Mexico, the Bahamas and Florida. ...

Since Fox has eliminated "North Shore's" 22nd episode (the season finale) producers plan to create a new finale -- not the cliffhanger that had been planned.

Viewers may never see the drama's final two episodes -- only 4.16 million viewers on average have tuned into the series since the fall season began. ...