It's not all "rocket science" at science fairs nowadays.

Projects ranging from "Communication Patterns Between Adolescents and Bathroom Bacteria" to "The Role of HIV-1 LTR Variants in HIV-1 Induced Neuropathogenesis" are among the wide range of projects at the 52nd Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair.

More than 500 students from Hawaii public and private schools grades 6-12 are presenting the 382 projects open for public display on Wednesday, April 8, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

The event kicks off tonight with an opening ceremony at The Queen's Conference Center at 5:30 p.m. tonight. Science fair participants, members of the Legislature, City Council and Hawaii congressional delegation as well as other leaders of the community are invited.

Celebrity judges this year include U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair has been organized and supported by the Hawaii Academy of Science since 1958, making it the oldest science education program in the state.

The Academy is affiliated with the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair. The winners from this event, along with the winners of the Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Windward and Leeward district fairs attend the International Science and Engineering Fair.

This year, approximately 20 to 25 Hawaii students led by Academy staff will head to ISEF in Reno, Nev., in May.

All projects will be judged by scientists and science professionals from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, however the projects are not open to field trips and the public until Wednesday.

Admission is free.

Also on display are exhibits from science and technology groups in the community.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is displaying Earth science with an interactive Magic Planet and the new Eluminati Dome.

Also on display is a full-size model of the space shuttle cockpit hosted by the Air Force Association.

The Awards Ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. April 8 in the Pikake Room at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. More than 100 organizations contribute scholarships, travel and cash to certificates of merit. Every award recognizes the fact that the students and teachers have put forth their best efforts in scientific process.