WASHINGTON — Only 150 tickets remained late yesterday for the Hawai'i State Society's first presidential inaugural ball to celebrate the swearing in of the state's native son Barack Obama as the nation's next president.

Thomas Penland, chairman of ticket sales for the Washington-based society, said the $200 tickets for the Jan. 20 gala at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Washington were selling fast. About 450 tickets had been sold by late yesterday.

"My phone hasn't stopped ringing and the FedEx hasn't stopped coming because of the people who want tickets," said Penland as a messenger came in with money for four tickets. "I think we will be sold out in the next couple of days."

The ball will feature Island entertainers, including Raiatea Helm, Kohala, Eddie Kamae and the Aunty Genoa Ohana Ensemble, plus a Washington-area group with Island roots called The Aloha Boys.

"We're working through the presidential inauguration committee to get the president here," said Penland, who retired from the Federal Aviation Administration about 18 months ago. "It's exciting because we — the Hawai'i State Society — have never taken on anything like this."

The state's four-member congressional delegation and Gov. Linda Lingle are acting as honorary chairs for the event.

Penland, who lived in Kane'ohe, said the event is black-tie although formal Island attire also can be worn.

Tickets may still be available — but for much higher prices — after the society sells out. For instance, the Internet site www.Greatseats.com is offering tickets to the Hawai'i ball for $1,245 and to an Illinois ball for $2,249.

The society's Web site, www.hawaiistatesociety.org, has details on purchasing tickets. People also may contact Micah Kohono Mossman with the society at 202-510-3021 for more details.