Amid blustery and chilly conditions at Kalani High School yesterday, high school swimmers from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and O'ahu Interscholastic Association took to the pool for the 32nd Annual Kalani Invitational.

The meet, which concludes with today's finals, is the final preseason tune-up before each league's regular season begins next week.

For most it meant a last chance to compete against swimmers in a different league.

"We get a chance to swim against other schools and see some new and different faces so it's fun," Punahou coach Jeff Meister said. "The only downside is there aren't any Neighbor Island schools this year."

The meet usually draws about 36 schools, including a few from the outer islands, according to Mililani head coach Wesley Endo.

"It's not as big this year as the last couple of years, but it's still like a mini-state championship," Endo said. The Kalani Invitational, considered by many the top preseason meet, helps to establish the top contestants in each event.

"I think it's a really big deal, we get the best feel for our competition (at this meet)," Mililani junior Kiana White said. "I definitely use it to my advantage."

Her teammate, senior Kent Yamada, agreed: "We want to see where we are in the state and this meet has really good competition," he said.

While the ILH — namely Punahou — has dominated prep swimming for years, Yamada said the meet helps to bridge the gap between the public and private schools.

"We really want to be able to compete with the ILH schools," said Yamada, last season's OIA Western Division male swimmer of the year. "It feels good to stay with them during the relays, too."

The Buffanblu have won the past two boys' state titles and the previous three girls' state crowns.

The last public school to win a state title was the Waiakea (girls) in 2003 and Baldwin (boys) in 2000.

Despite losing several state champions to graduation, Endo said Punahou is again the front-runner in the team competition.

"You know, with Punahou and 'Iolani, it's the same thing every year," Endo said.

Mililani, the defending OIA boys and girls champion, along with 'Iolani and Kamehameha also figure to be in the mix.

Today's finals begin at 2 p.m.

Next week the ILH season begins with Friday's meet at 'Iolani while the OIA Relays will take place Saturday at Kalani.