By Esme Infante Nii
Advertiser Staff Writer
 Korean-style kites may look odd to most U.S. kids: For starters, a traditional Korean kite typically has a large hole in its middle and a bevy of slender bamboo sticks that cross in the hole’s center.
But you and your kids can judge for yourselves whether the differences make Korean kites cool by attending the Korean Kite Festival on Feb. 17 at Hawaii’s Plantation Village. The event is free to the public.
The history of Korean kites is as colorful as the eye-popping geometric designs they often sport. Some were used for warfare. "By the choice of color or certain symbols, they would be able to say when and where to launch an attack," said Eva Laird Smith, the park’s director.
Attendees should find lots of high-flying fun:
 Jim Won Lee, principal of the Kusan Middle School in South Korea, will demonstrate kite-making from 9-11:30 a.m.
Kids ages 9-14 are invited to join in the kite-making competition 9-11 a.m. Entrants should bring their own materials. Kites can be built in any style and will be judged for originality and creativity. There is no entry fee. Prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.
Youngsters will get a chance to fly their creations in groups from noon to 2 p.m.
The festival is presented by the Korean Heritage Group and Hawaii’s Plantation Village. For more information, call Smith at 677-0110.
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