A new year, a new beginning, and for those headed for President-elect Barack Obama inauguration events Jan. 20, that also means this is not the time for business as usual, aka Hawaii casual.

If you're heading out to Washington, D.C., please, please don't embarrass the rest of the state.

Celebrity Tuxedos is coming to the rescue by offering a $44 Inaugural Tuxedo Package which includes everything you need to dress the part: select styles of coat, pant, basic shirt, bow tie, cumberbund, studs and cufflinks. The only thing you'll have to provide yourself are the shoes (I suggest a visit to Leather Soul at Royal Hawaiian Center).

For those heading to D.C., Celebrity Tuxedos is waiving its extended rental fee up to 10 days.

The deal also applies to local inaugural events, excluding the extended rental fee waiver, although they will also work out an extension for neighbor island celebrants.

Celebrity Tuxedos can be found in Sears stores at Pearlridge (3rd floor, 487-4341), Ala Moana Center (mall level, ewa side, 947-0397) and Windward Mall (2nd floor, 247-8390).

In addition to the official Hawaii Democratic Party inauguration party taking place at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, tickets are on sale for an Inaugural Party for Barack Obama hosted by Business Plans Hawaii as a food and fund drive for Hawaii Foodbank, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. Tickets are $50 ($65 after Jan. 5) and parking will be $5. Visit www.InauguralPartyforObama.com for details.