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Local fashion magazine
readies for SMART debut

Surfer Malia Jones graces debut issue of SMART Magazine.

THE free inaugural issue of SMART Magazine hits the big bookstores and a reception at the W Hotel on April 1. The local take on national magazines "Lucky" and "Allure" focused on fashion, beauty and lifestyles. SMART will cost $3.50 for each subsequent monthly issue.

The trio of local ladies launching the magazine includes Molly Watanabe, Sarah Honda and Amy Alston.

Honda spent several years in New York City working as a talent manager for recording artists such as Gangstar and Beanie Man, but she returned home in December. Alston, a former manager at BCBG, is "all about fashion retail, understanding consumers and that sort of thing," Watanabe said. Amy's husband Rob is also part of the brain trust. Watanabe's background is in public relations and marketing.

It is difficult to attract advertisers to a product with no track record of success, but Watanabe said, "We did pretty well, considering it was our first issue." An Armani Exchange ad appears on the back cover, because the New York City-based ad buyer believes Hawaii needs a publication for 18-to-34-year-old women who love to shop.

Adasa Hawaii Ltd. is another advertiser. "Myself, my wife and my stepdaughter who do the decision-making here, all first really liked the people involved (in the magazine)," said Jered Cargman, president. Adasa sells apparel and other wares from a Kailua boutique and online. "We're all for it. It's the kind of magazine that suits our demographic the most," Cargman said.

Texas Hold 'em here

A Texas Hold 'em poker tournament will be a big draw at the upcoming 2005 Party Expo at Blaisdell Center.

A November request for an indoor tournament by expo organizer Brandy Perry was rejected by the Honolulu Liquor Commission because Blaisdell is governed by a liquor license. She explored outdoor possibilities, checked out legalities and presented her findings to Blaisdell officials, who approved her arrangements last week.

"I'm so proud I figured out a way," Perry said.

Hopeful players can win a seat and perhaps the grand-prize trip to Las Vegas by entering at Carquest locations or at www.island985.com. KDNN-FM 98.5 was only too eager to join the game. Texas Hold 'em is obviously a craze, "when mainstream stores like Sears and Costco and Sports Authority are selling -- and selling out of -- poker accessories," sales manager Jovi Santiago said.

A random drawing will select 80 players who will use tables and other de rigueur accouterments provided by Hold'um Hawaii LLC. The company was formed by KDNN ad executive Todd Yorimoto and three partners in September to produce a local TV show. Hold'um Hawaii hopes to have an air date in time for the tournament, he said.

The expo featuring party services companies runs April 1 through 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3, or free for children 6 and younger.