The 2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations were announced today, with newcomers Hoku Zuttermeister and Maui's Napua Grieg leading the pack with eight and seven nominations, respectively.

Both vocalists are competing for album of the year and most promising artist of the year.

For album of the year, Zuttermeister's "'Aina Kupuna" and Grieg's "Pihana" are up against Raiatea Helm's "Hawaiian Blossom," Barefoot Natives' "SlackKey Circus" and The Hawaian Music Hall of Fame production "Na Lani 'Eha."

Other multiple nominees include Nathan Aweau and Helm, both with five nominations.

Aweau is last year's winner for best male vocalist and is again vying for that award, as well as the award for Hawaiian album of the year.

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Art's 31st annual competition is scheduled to take place June 17 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Academy members will vote in 20 of the 21 categories. Public voting will begin next week at statewide Borders Books & Music and Borders Express stores to decide the winner in the favorite entertainer of the year category.

The formal dinner and gala event will pay tribute to this year's lifetime achievement award recipients Edna Bekeart, Jimmy Borges, The Brothers Cazimero, Olomana and the late Cyrus Green.

Tickets to the event are $125 and can be purchased by calling 593-9424.

For a complete list of nominations, visit: http://sceneit.honadvblogs.com/2008/05/02/na-hoku-hano-hano-award-nominations-announced/