GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM Fans poured out their adulation for local music sensation Jasmine Trias during a CD kickoff party at the Aloha Tower Marketplace last night.

Fans pack autograph sessions with the
beloved former "American Idol" contestant

Passing rain showers did little to dampen the return of "Jasmania" yesterday, as Jasmine Trias took the biggest step yet in her musical career with the release of her self-titled debut album.

Trias was adamant about kicking things off in Hawaii.

"I wanted to be here (for the release)," said Trias, who stopped at several locations to greet her fans. "Hawaii gave me so much support, I just had to have it at home."

More than 50 people were waiting inside Tower Records Aiea at 10 a.m. for the first of four autograph sessions. With her parents, little sister and personal assistant in tow, Trias huddled under an umbrella with her father before hustling inside and greeting fans with an enthusiastic "Thanks for coming" and flashing a big smile.

"She's so sweet," said Joanne Saber from her position near the front of the line. "We came all the way from Connecticut to see her."

Along with husband Chuck and daughters Jilian, Jocelyn and Jana, the Sabers took a break from their vacation to see the singer after reading about her appearances in Monday's Star-Bulletin.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Jasmine Trias signed Jilian Saber's T-shirt yesterday during an autograph session at Tower Records in Aiea. Saber, who was visiting from Connecticut, says she'll never wash the shirt.

"We just adore her," she continued, as her daughters clutched copies of Trias' CD and nodded in agreement.

At a Borders bookstore in Waikele, a variety of fans stood in line to meet last year's "American Idol" third-place finisher and have her sign various items.

There were too many digital and cell phone cameras to count when Trias arrived at Borders. When she began to sign autographs a few minutes later, flashes went off repeatedly as others strained to get a glimpse from the line that snaked through Borders' book stacks.

Waipahu resident Peresita Balictar and her daughters, Jasmine and Theryl, made the quick trip to Waikele after taking pictures with Trias in Pearl City. They had all purchased a second copy of her album and were waiting for autographs.

"I can't get enough of her," said 15-year-old Jasmine. "Plus, she's a Filipino!"

Mom looked almost as excited as her daughter. "We're so proud of her," she said. "All of us were dialing in (during 'American Idol') ... she gives us inspiration."

It wasn't only ladies getting starstruck during the meet-and-greets, either. Clad in a spaghetti-strapped brown top and form-fitting jeans, Trias appeared at ease with her progress from wholesome teenager to stylishly sexy young woman.

Guys who couldn't stop staring while in line suddenly forgot how to make eye contact when they reached the autograph table. One 20-something couldn't stop his hands from shaking long enough to get the shrink-wrap off a CD he'd just bought.

Even Trias seemed a little overwhelmed when she took a moment to reflect after the day's final autograph session. Less than an hour before the start of her official CD release party at Kapono's, she expressed gratitude for all the support.

"I had so much fun today," she said. "I'm not so much nervous, but more excited now that I have an album out."

After two more days of personal appearances in Honolulu, she'll head to the mainland for a month before returning home. The rest of the year will see her promoting and performing in California, Oregon, Nevada and Canada.