Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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FAMILY
Getting technical has never been such fun

Are you Mr. Gadget? Ms. Techno-Whiz? Get a look at the latest high-tech whiz-bang gee-gaws for home or office at the first-ever Home Entertainment and Technology Expo Thursday and Friday at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

The expo will cover computers, SMART homes, home entertainment, computer gaming, broadband Internet access, wireless communications, digital television, and E-Ride cars -- those electrical automobiles that can be plugged into a 110-volt outlet.

Entertainment will be continuous, along with demonstrations and seminars.

Bonus extra: the 2006 Asia-Pacific Cyber Games, featuring a $5,000 "Halo 2" Tournament.

Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $3, but you can download one for free at www.HomeEntertainmentandTechExpo.com.

Call 947-3101.

FREEBIES
Old-style celebration marks queen's birthday

Back in the day -- and this would be WAY back in the day -- the queen was honored on her birthday with music and song. The Washington Place Foundation rekindles the tradition on Sunday, celebrating the 168th anniversary of the birth of Queen Lili'uokalani with an open house.

Take a guided tour through the home, which will be decorated in the style of the period, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Musical selections, some of them Lili'uokalani's own compositions, will be performed. Admission is free. A photo ID and bag search will be required.

An Organ Recital and Choral Evensong follows at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Cathedral, with special guest Nalani Olds presenting the queen's songs. Admission is free, with donations accepted.

Call Washington Place, 586-0240, or St. Andrew's Cathedral, 524-2822, Ext. 223.

ON TV
More 'Entertaining'

"Entertaining in Paradise" began taping a new season Monday with a new host, former local news anchor Malia Mattoch-McManus, back on the small screen after taking time off to focus on family. Also new to the show is Michael Miyashiro, who will regularly provide floral expertise, with T.C. Chun continuing segments on crafting ideas. "Entertaining" earned two national Telly awards under its former host, local country songstress Dita Holifield, who has passed on the mike to concentrate on her music, said producer Susanne Kurisu. The 30-minute program is filled with how-to tips that inspire a discriminating Hawaii lifestyle. The season begins at 9 p.m. Sept. 17 on OC16.

HOME & GARDEN
Home Depot offers building workshops

Home Depot presents these free do-it-yourself clinics at neighborhood stores:

» 9 a.m. to noon Sunday: Kids workshop on creating a birdhouse
» 7 p.m. Thursdays, except Sept. 21: Latest in flooring solutions
» 10 a.m. Saturdays, except Sept. 23: Innovative paint applications
» 1 p.m. Sundays, except Sept. 24: Simplify landscaping

Other workshops:

» 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Quick bathroom updates
» 10 a.m. Sept. 23: Create a fun, kid-friendly room
» 1 p.m. Sept. 24: Enhance kitchen functionality

Call 800-430-3376 or visit www.homedepot.com.

Bonsai club to host show at Okinawan fest

The Hawaii Bonsai Association presents its annual islandwide exhibit at the Okinawan Festival this weekend at Kapiolani Park.

The free show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Cultural Tent and includes demonstrations on the art of bonsai as well as a benefit sale.

Course covers basics of organic farming

Network with organic farmers and learn the basics of organic farming concepts at a two-day workshop presented by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

The workshop, Thursday and next Friday, will cover the basics on building soil quality, pest management, cultural management, marketing and more.

Both sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and run though 4:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch at noon.

The course is recommended for new farmers interested in learning organic techniques, conventional farmers looking to transition into organic farming, and agricultural professionals seeking to work with organic farmers.

For information, visit the Web site www.ctahr.hawaii. edu/organic/events.asp or call Hector Valenzuela, 956-7903, or e-mail hector@hawaii.edu.