Whitney Wiser took first place in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International bikini contest at the local finals Aug. 25 held at Coconut Bay Cafe.

Observers packed the parking lot on a summer Saturday night, and though rain showers temporarily delayed the proceedings, the crowd would not have to wait too long. Though Wiser has no other modeling experience other than appearing in last year’s Hawaiian Tropic contest, her poise and beauty led the judges to select her as the best of the six finalists.

“If I know I have to get onstage in a bikini, it helps me with my goals as far as working out and eating right,” Wiser said.

She will go on to compete in the regionals Sept. 14 – 15.

The Coconut Bay contest raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, which has special meaning for Wiser since her mother is a cancer survivor.