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Hawaiian affairs

COURTESY KA PA HULA HAWAII Kaha'i Topolinski is looking for new dancers.

Next week's Native Hawaiian Conference offers an eclectic mix of events from cultural to political, from business workshops to discussions on federal legislative initiatives, to a banquet honoring last year's Grammy Award nominees.

The fourth annual conference, Tuesday through Sept. 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki, is expected to bring together more than 200 organizations and 600 individuals.

Cost to attend all events is $480; fee for one day is $160. An ala carte rate for dining events is $40 for lunches; $75 for dinners. Scholarships are available.

Call 521-5011 or visit the Web site, www.hawaiiancouncil.org, for a full schedule of events and registration forms.

Key events:

Poets speak

Re:VERSES, held on the last Tuesday of each month, next week will feature young poets from Youth Speaks slam teams, Aymin of Providence, R.I., and Hawaii's Marika.

They'll be joined at the ARTS at Marks Garage by Darron Cambria, educator and First Thursdays performer ; Gary Cordova, of Stanford University's Creative Writing Program; Xeriscape artist Dark Sevier, open-mic host at the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Sustainability Courtyard; and yoga instructor-guitarist Kai White.

Event co-creator Travis T., along with fellow Hawaii slam team member Selah, and Allison Francis from Chaminade University, will be the evening's hosts.

Five dollars gets you into this all-ages event, and BYOB. Call 753-4661 or visit the Web site, www.artsatmarks.com.

Hula classes offered

Ka pa Hula Hawaii is accepting applications from men and women interested in learning ancient and modern forms of hula. The school, directed by kumu hula Kaha'i Topolinski, is offering hourlong classes in both forms for those 14 years and older, beginning Sept. 10.

Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Nuuanu Elementary School, 3055 Puiwa Lane.

Classes are on Saturdays, at 8:30 a.m. for women and 10:30 a.m. for men at the school. Cost is $50 per month.

Call: 695-8942 or visit www.kapahulahawaii.org.

Vegan wit may win a trip to Kauai

The authors of "Vegan World Fusion Cuisine" (Thousand Petals Publishing, $24.95) are sponsoring a unique essay contest asking contestants to address the topic of "Why a vegan diet is good for you and the planet."

Mark Reinfeld and Bo Rinaldi, who just won the 2005 Nautilus Book Award for Best Small Press publication, also are co-owners of Kauai's gourmet vegan restaurant, the Blossoming Lotus.

The author of the winning essay will receive a weeklong vacation for two to Kauai, including airfare, hotel, car, massage and meals at the Blossoming Lotus.

Deadline is Sept. 30, but entrants must register online by Sept. 1 at www.happycow.net. Essays must be less than 1,000 words and will be judged on originality, creativity and inspiration. See the Web site for complete rules.

Author Reinfeld will be in Honolulu for book signings: 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Borders Express Kahala Mall, noon Sept. 24 at Borders Waikele, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Borders Express Windward Mall and 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Borders Ward Centre.

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