AFTER nine months of planning and a series of production delays, the hui behind Hawaii's newest publication is finally ready to introduce themselves.

Contrast Magazine is already up and running online at www.contrastmagazine.com, and publisher Race Skelton expects inaugural copies to be available at Aloha Army, Fitted Hawaii and In4mation by the end of December. The quarterly “;avant garde lifestyle publication”; will feature a mix of art, fashion, music and local culture targeted towards 18-to-35 year-olds.

“;There's so much talent here and no magazine was as good as (those) we saw abroad,”; Skelton said. “;We see what other kinds of magazines are out there ... (and) Hawaii has the potential to have a magazine like that.”;

Skelton and editor-in-chief Daniel Ikaika Ito are the only two out of seven founders with actual publishing experience. Marketing director Jason Shibata introduced them to creative director Mark Kushimi, global editor Zen Yoshifuku and photo editor Lance Arinaga as they brainstormed ideas for a book. CPA Scott Saito was enlisted to handle business development.

“;Jason Shibata was the link,”; said Skelton. “;He knew both parties and said, 'Why don't we do a magazine that implements both (photos and lifestyle)? That was when we got all the pieces together.”;

In June, three months after Shibata made the first introduction, the group set out to produce their debut issue. On Dec. 12, they'll celebrate with a party at thirtyninehotel.

“;The Get Go”; will feature live performances by Tassho Pearce, Hidden Habitats, Anti Social and The Malcognitas, with DJs Kavet the Catalyst, Toad One, Jim-Browskee, Eskae and Kause on the decks from 8 p.m. You can attend for free by e-mailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ...

HOT IMPORT NIGHTS rolls back into town this weekend with a full complement of import models and after-parties, despite word the actual car show is set for just one night this year.

That means you might be forced to choose after the Blaisdell on Friday. The official post-party is at E&O Trading Co., with DJ Idle and appearances by Christine Mendoza and Nikki Sotelo.

But the O Lounge aims to keep the car show going with “;Hybrid,”; an indoor/outdoor party with rides on display in the parking lot and DJs Schwin, Flip and Spikeboy. California-based import models Kat Gutierrez and Nina Kay will be the featured go-go dancers.

In Waikiki, Francine Dee and Tia Tanaka will be the main draws during “;Models and Bottles”; at Zanzabar. Both this one and “;Hybrid”; are open to those 18-and-over ...

FRIDAY'S PICKS: California dance crew Kaba Modern returns to Honolulu with Kallusive Clothing for a party at the W Honolulu. DJs Betty and Mixmaster B will team up with guest go-go dancers Sasha Singleton, Lisa Kaye and Thuy Li ... Hawaii hip-hop lands at the Loft for a post-First Friday bash with Creed Chameleon, Meiso, The Spacifics and DJs Byron the Fur and Kittylee. Get there before 10 p.m. and there's no cover ... Virgin Isles reggae band Bambu Station is set to play an 18-and-over show at Pipeline Cafe, with an opening set by Dubkonscious. Tickets are $25; doors open at 9 p.m. ...

SATURDAY'S PICKS: Mastermind Entertainment returns with another “;Black and White Party”; at Fashion45, starting at 10 p.m. ... Double D Productions introduces “;Sexy Saturdays”; at 4Play Nightclub. The new monthly is billed as the “;craziest lingerie party on the island,”; and those who wear their “;sexiest sleep attire”; will get a drink for just $1 ... Support local music at Boardriders Bar and Grill, with live sets by Ill Valley and Black Square starting at 10 p.m. ...

COMING UP: John Brown's Body kicks off a three-island tour on Dec. 11 at Pipeline; tickets are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets ... Get a preview of SIQ Records' latest project, Murder Mainstream, at the Loft on Dec. 12. This might be the sleeper hit in Chinatown that night if the Contrast party gets too wild ... After moving to the Bay Area in January, Maria Remos is back for the holidays. She'll perform at Indigo on Dec. 17 ...

I'M TAKING another short break this month; “;In the Mix”; will return to HiLife on Dec. 26 with my picks for New Year's Eve. Visit my blog for updates while I'm gone ...