"I kept avoiding finishing the record," said Roland. "Some of the songs were OK, but I didn't feel there were even four good tunes. Then Robert got down, cutting the list, eliminating songs."

The self-editing paid off, with the Caz one of five acts nominated for the first-ever Hawaiian Music Grammy.

"Losing still will be great," said Robert, "because this is going to do great things for Hawaiian music."

"It was only after we rehashed the album, adding new songs, that we were able to finish up the session," he said.

"Life is really uncertain. You never know when you may be singing your last song. So you need to give your best shot."

The brothers are hoping a Hawaiian Grammy award resonates with local musicians, sparking them to pursue Hawaiian music and, perhaps, withdraw from the Jawaiian sound that has permeated the Island music scene for a couple of decades.

"I hope this new award category will inspire kids in Hawai'i to embrace Hawai'i rather than how we have been influenced by others, like the people of reggae," Robert said. "I don't see anyone on the other side of the world wanting to learn 'Kaulana Na Pua,' so I'm hoping for change."

A small party of supporters is heading to Los Angeles with the Caz, but the brothers are leaving their instruments (fiddle bass for Robert, guitars for Roland) behind.

Should they win Sunday, they will speak in English (Roland) and Hawaiian (Robert). As Robert said: "Three of the acts, at least, are capable of speaking Hawaiian."

New markets are already opening. They expect to expand their Mainland touring, while maintaining their usual Wednesday night gig (7 to 9 p.m.) at Chai's Island Bistro.

They're even planning a new album.