A Hawaii barbecue operation is building out the islands' competitive barbecue scene, good news for local food fans and for tourism tied to the event.

• HI Barbeque cooks Kansas City-style barbecue — sweeter and saucier than the salt-and-pepper Texas approach — with a local twist.
• The team runs the Curly Q Classic, an officially sanctioned contest held the last Saturday of every July, next set for Pearl Harbor.
• Certified judges and top cooks fly in from California, Texas, Kansas City, Louisiana, Iowa and Washington, drawn partly by the chance to visit Hawaii.
• Competition ribs are trimmed down to St. Louis style, coated with a mustard binder and rub, then smoked four to six hours and sauced.
• Between contests the operation sells at football and baseball games and a weekly Tuesday takeout spot.

Outlook: The Curly Q Classic returns to Pearl Harbor on July 31, with more mainland teams expected to make the trip.