Hilo’s Figueroa competing for Top Model Hawaii title

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The heat is on for a Big Island man and other finalists as preparations are underway for the second annual Top Model Hawaii competition Feb. 12 at the Koolau Grand Ballroom in Kaneohe, Oahu.

The heat is on for a Big Island man and other finalists as preparations are underway for the second annual Top Model Hawaii competition Feb. 12 at the Koolau Grand Ballroom in Kaneohe, Oahu.

Eleven women and eight men, including Hilo native Tevin Figueroa, are vying for the chance to be named Top Model Hawaii 2016. Contestants will compete in three phases of competition: swimwear, casual wear and formal attire.

“Every single finalist is really giving it their best shot,” said the show’s executive producer, Keikilani Ho. “They all want this title and the professional opportunities that it comes with so much. At the same time, we all see each other as family and are very supportive of each other and that makes this competition even more exciting to watch.”

This year, Top Model Hawaii is upping the ante by sending one male and one female to London to represent Hawaii and the U.S. at the Top Model Worldwide Finale in April at the Hilton London Metropole.

Preparation for the competition includes: self-branding workshops led by Valerie Joseph; body image, exercise and nutrition seminars hosted by Suzanne Adonis Lanting; and runway and modeling coaching by Rhonee Rojas.

Top Model Hawaii does not charge an entrance fee and workshops are provided at no cost.

The show starts with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can purchased online at www.topmodelworldwidehawaii.com/#!hawaii-finale/czuj.

For more information and images, visit Facebook or Instagram @topmodelhawaii or topmodelworldwidehawaii.com.