William R. Finnegan, a television and film producer who worked on CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" for four seasons at the height of its prime-time success in the 1970s, died Nov. 28 of Parkinson's disease at his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y. He was 80.

"Bill was very much of a hands-on producer — he made sure everything was running smoothly," said James MacArthur, who played Dan Williams, the "Danno" of that iconic "Book 'em, Danno" catch phrase regularly uttered by series star Jack Lord, who played Steve McGarrett.

"Bill was the facilitating producer on the Island, the one who kept the show's wheels rolling," said MacArthur, who heard about Finnegan's death when he was reached by phone for comment at his daughter's home in Bel-Air. "I'm sorry ... the old gang is going."

Eddie Sherman, former Advertiser and MidWeek columnist who wrote extensively on the hit show and did frequent "Five-0" roles, recalled Finnegan as a take-charge producer "who reported under Leonard Freeman (the show's creator). He was low-key, well-liked, a guy who never threw his weight around, who knew exactly what he was doing. Everybody liked him."

Doug Mossman, who portrayed Lt. George Kealoha in the first season of "Five-0" and later Frank Kamana in the seventh season, recalled a 1974 incident in which Finnegan brought a guest to the set, infuriating Lord and leading to a brief shutdown.

"He was a good, strong producer, with a great feel for utilizing the right people. But this fallout with Jack happened when Jack was not just acting his role but directing, and Jack could be a little more difficult while directing. The argument got very animated and the show was shut down for a while."

Wally White, a veteran set decorator here, got his first job on NBC's "Big Hawaii," another of Finnegan's Island shows, in 1977.

"He was a wonderful man, with great humor — and emphatic about sticking to the budget, though he wanted beautiful and outstanding, without spending money, often saying this with tongue in cheek," White recalled.

White also was set decorator for two other filmed-in-Hawai'i projects produced by Finnegan, "North Shore" and "Vacation in Hell."

The movie "North Shore" featured Gregory Harrison and Nia Peeples, and included such local surfers as Gerry Lopez and Laird Hamilton. "Vacation in Hell" was an ABC film with Priscilla Barnes and Maureen McCormick and local actor Ed Ka'ahea.

Before "Five-0," Finnegan had a varied career, working on "Hawaii Calls," a variety show based at the Moana Hotel, and produced a 1968 TV pilot, starring Richard Boone, shot on the Big Island.

Finnegan was born in Kansas City, Mo., and was married for 57 years to his wife, Patricia, who, with Sheldon Pinchuk, formed the Finnegan-Pinchuk production company, which specialized in supplying movies for network and cable stations in the 1980s.

Besides his wife, survivors include four children, William, Kevin, Colleen and Michael; and three grandchildren.

Private family services will be held in New York, with a West Coast memorial also planned.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 21 East 90th St., No. 10 A, New York, N.Y. 10128.