---

'Diver' pursues sharks

"Hawaii Skin Diver" will be presenting a shark special at 10:30 p.m. Monday on OC16. Host Merlinda Garma will bring viewers an up-close view of sharks and share the miraculous story of a shark-attack survivor.

The special will air 15 times in March.

---

OC16 You've got 15 chances to watch the shark special by "Hawaii Skin Diver" on OC16 this month. The first showing airs 10:30 p.m. Monday.

---

Pledge time at PBS

PBS Hawaii, like public television stations across America, is hosting its first on-air pledge drive of the year through mid-March.

"The nature of public broadcasting, whether it's radio or television, is that viewer contributions comprise our single largest revenue source," said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer of PBS Hawaii.

Pledge programs provided to PBS affiliates are produced especially for these periods and are not part of the regular programming, according to Ed McNulty, vice president of programming for the station.

"The upside is many of the programs we air during pledge are produced especially for this purpose and are of a variety that otherwise wouldn't be available during our regular schedule," McNulty said.

Here's a look at some of the stellar fare viewers can expect:

Today: "Great Performances: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival," 7 p.m., and "The Life and Times of Foster and Allen" (Irish performers), at 10 p.m.
Tomorrow: "My Generation -- The '60s Experience," at 7:30 p.m. Repeats at 9 p.m. March 19.
Tuesday: "Great Performances: Concert for George," 7:30 p.m.. Repeats at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Thursday: "The Best of Na Mele: Traditions in Hawaiian Song," 7:30 p.m. Repeats at 7 p.m. March 19.
Saturday: "Great Performances: One Night with Rod Stewart," 7 p.m. Repeats at 7:30 p.m. March 14.
Next Sunday: "Lawrence Welk: Precious Moments," 7 p.m. (repeats at 4:30 p.m. March 20), and "My Music: Funky Soul Superstars," 9 p.m. (repeats 7:30 p.m. March 15)
March 16: "Get Down Tonight -- The Disco Explosion," 8 p.m.
March 17: "Celtic Woman," 7:30 p.m.; and "Daniel O'Donnell: Encore in Branson," 9:30 p.m.

---

Deals on dining

A free appetizer at Hy's Steak House; a 2-for-1 entree at Prince Court. A few dollars off on gas; discounted dry cleaning.

The Hale Aina Ohana is offering a discount coupon book, with a portion of proceeds going toward its mission of supporting culinary training in the state's community colleges.

"Simply the Best" is a collection of coupons offering savings primarily at restaurants but also at museums, theaters, golf courses, spas and more.

Use them all and you'll save $2,000.

The book costs $20, with $8 going directly to the benefit cause. It is available at Times Super Markets, Fujioka Wine Merchants and the American Express Travel Office. Order online through www.gourmetcookinghawaii.com or call 941-9088 to place an order of 25 or more (discounts available).

---

STAR-BULLETIN Sales of "Simply the Best" coupons benefit community college culinary programs.

---

Coffee cocktails

A cocktail party centered on Starbucks Coffee Liqueur will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Morton's the Steakhouse.

Sample a coffee-flavored Mochatini, Cafˇ con Leche or other drink, along with appetizers, in the private boardroom.

Cost is $25. Call 949-1300.

---