The Hawaii Democratic Party has added its own Washington, D.C., inaugural week party to celebrate the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president.

Democrats are hosting a $250-per-person gala on Jan. 18 at the Hay Adams Hotel's rooftop terrace. Only 200 tickets will be available.

The Hawaii State Society's presidential ball to be held on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, has already sold out amid speculation in the Washington Post that Obama might stop by.

“;There were lots and lots of people who wanted to have some fun and celebrate, but they couldn't sign up in time for the Hawaii Society event,”; said Chuck Freedman, Hawaii Democratic Party executive director.

“;I think there is just so much demand from people from Hawaii,”; Freedman said.

People wishing to go to the Democrats' gala can get additional information at http://www.HawaiiforObama.org. The event is being sponsored by Obama for Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the law firm of Winer Meheula & Devens and InspirePolitics.com, a civic-involvement Web site.

Sponsors of the Democrats' gala say the tickets are not transferable. In Washington, people wanting to go the Jan. 20 Hawaii Ball are offering up to $1,000, according to postings on Craigslist. Tickets to that event originally sold for $200.

If you cannot fly to Washington to celebrate, the Democrats are also planning a local event to be held on Jan. 20 in Hawaii, but details have not yet been arranged, said Brian Schatz, Democratic Party chairman.