Playwriting contest focuses on Pacific

Playwrights from Hawaii or with an interest in Hawaii, the Pacific or the Pacific Rim may enter the 2011 Kumu Kahua/University of Hawaii-Manoa Theatre Department Playwriting Contest.

Prizes are awarded in three categories. Entries in the Hawaii category must be set in Hawaii or "deal with some aspect of the Hawaii experience," according to contest organizers. The winning playwright will receive $600.

Plays in the Pacific/Pacific Rim category "must be set in or deal with the Pacific Islands, the Pacific Rim or the Pacific/Asian American experience." The prize is $450.

The resident category is open only to Hawaii residents, with no restriction on topic. The winning script will earn $250.

All plays must be original and may not involve adaptations of copyrighted works. They also may not have been previously published.

Entries must be postmarked no later than Jan. 2. Call Kumu Kahua at 536-4222 or visit www.kumukahua.org.

Hotel rappelling benefits Special Olympics

Special Olympics Hawaii is once again inviting 120 thrill-seekers to rappel down the 31-story Sheraton Waikiki on Nov. 5 as part of its third annual Over the Edge of Waikiki fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event will support Special Olympics Hawaii’s Holiday Classic, held in December.

To reserve a rappelling spot, individuals or groups must commit to collect at least $1,000 in donations for Special Olympics Hawaii by Nov. 5.

Those who raise more than $1,500 will also get a $50 Sheraton Waikiki gift card, and those who raise more than $2,000 will receive a one-night stay at the Sheraton Waikiki the night of the event.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and weigh less than 300 pounds.

Call 943-8808 or register online at www.specialolympics­hawaii.org.