The organizers of what's believed to be the first presidential ball in Hawai'i hope that President-elect Barack Obama videotapes a greeting to the state, which would be shown at the Aloha Inaugural Ball at The Royal Hawaiian hotel on Jan. 20.

"We are hoping for a special message from him," said Emme Tomimbang, a television producer and host who is helping to coordinate the program.

At the very least, the ball will feature highlights of the inauguration day festivities, including Obama's swearing-in ceremony, which will take place about 7 a.m. Hawai'i time.

The Aloha Inaugural Ball also will include an all-star lineup of Na Hoku and Grammy Award nominees and winners from Hawai'i that will be known for one night as the "Aloha Obama Yes We Can Band," Tomimbang said.

She would not identify any of the performers but said they will come together as a nine-piece band and a vocalist who will perform everything from Glen Miller to rock to Hawaiian music.

The band will be in addition to scheduled entertainers Jimmy Borges and Willie K.

The details were unveiled yesterday at a rare gathering of former Hawai'i first ladies Vicky Cayetano, Lynne Waihee and Jean Ariyoshi, who are joining to co-chair the ball, along with their husbands.

Organizers hope to draw 600 people and have sold more than 400 tickets so far, Cayetano said.

The ball will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian hotel's Monarch Room.

Cost is $250 per person or $1,000 for VIP tickets.

To order tickets or for more information, call 596-2980 or visit www.hawaiidemocrats.org.