The Republican National Committee hosted an “;Island Summit”; for local GOP members and potential candidates yesterday but barred the news media from the meeting and a luncheon speech by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Lingle's press office said inquiries should be directed at Hawaii National Committeewoman Miriam Hellreich, who did not return phone calls yesterday.

LeRoy Coleman, RNC director of communications, said the GOP routinely closes its summit sessions.

“;All of our summits are closed to the press because we want to encourage a comfortable and open exchange between our speakers and attendees,”; Coleman said.

Jahan Wilcox, RNC regional spokesman, said the meetings “;are training summits designed to educate and invigorate our grass roots, so there is no role for the press.”;

Jonah Kaauwai, Hawaii GOP chairman, said the summit held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village drew about 300, with about 200 of them from Hawaii.

“;We had quite a few who were candidates, at least two dozen,”; Kaauwai said.

Lingle talked about winning elections and emphasized the importance of having campaign volunteers “;dedicating themselves to delivering the message,”; Kaauwai said.

Asked about why the meeting and speech were closed, Kaauwai said the meeting was controlled by the Republican National Committee, adding that portions of the meeting included “;Republican sensitive numbers and campaign strategy.”;

Yesterday evening, Lt. Gov. James “;Duke”; Aiona held a campaign $150 a ticket fundraiser at the Hilton. Special guests included Michael Steele, GOP chairman, Jan Larimer, GOP national co-chair, and Lingle. An Aiona campaign spokesman said the GOP candidate for governor had attracted a crowd of more than 150.