Mayor Mufi Hannemann is singing a new tune — actually two of them — as part of the Royal Hawaiian Band's first Christmas recording in its 170-year history as a municipal band.

The crooning politician takes the mike now and again at gatherings and can hold his own as a baritone. On the disc, he joins local entertainers Iva Kinimaka and Nephi Hannemann, the mayor's brother, in an original composition called "Christmas Time Again, Aloha."

That's a festive if somewhat random concoction of Island holiday memories that include: beef stew simmering, auntie doing hula and a tipsy-sounding uncle snoozing in the corner.

And Hannemann also sings along with the group Pali in "Do You Hear What I Hear." And no, the sound he hears is not that of a transit train. It's the traditional holiday tune.

"Christmas with the Royal Hawaiian Band and Friends" goes on sale tomorrow. Hannemann press secretary Bill Brennan said the proceeds go to the Royal Hawaiian Band Music Society, a nonprofit organization that supports the municipal band and is selling the CDs.

French horn player Eric Kop directed and produced the digital recording of 16 tracks. The disc — which will retail for $16.98 — turns out to be an eclectic mix of local-kine holiday memories.

Several songs are in Hawaiian — including "Silent Night" by Nalani Olds, and "Auld Lang Syne." Other performers include: Puamana, Nina Kealiiwahamana and Karen Keawehawaii. There also are classic band renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Joy to the World."

Hannemann will be signing copies of the CD from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Borders Pearlridge, and from 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at Borders in Ward Centre.

SAMPLE THE CD