AP: Hawaii giddy to have Obama home on the island

[Pirate Smile]

ON SANDY BEACH, Hawaii – When many islanders look at Barack Obama, they see not only the next president, but a skilled bodysurfer, a man who flashes the "shaka" or hang loose sign, and someone who wears the same rubber slippers they do.

Hawaii is overflowing with pride that a son of the islands who shares their culture and traditions is going to the White House. Now that Obama is back in the islands for the winter holidays, the state is giddy.

-snip-
Christian De Quevedo, who was in the crowd around Obama outside Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks last weekend, spoke to the future president as though he was just another island surfer.
"I was like, 'Ho, Barack, are you going to Sandy's?' Cause last time he went down there. It's like his favorite place ever. He's like 'Oh no, they don't let me anymore,' " De Quevedo told KITV. "It's exciting. He's just like right over there."

Obama didn't say who prohibited his surfing at Sandy's on Oahu's south shore. But given that Sandy's is also known as "Broke-neck Beach," the Secret Service may have determined it was too dangerous. The popular spot, which attracts dozens, if not hundreds, of people at a time, may also be too difficult for the agents to secure.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081231/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_island_son;_ylt=AkvEj0S7ueYH8MSz3xNf856yFz4D

[Clio the Leo]

1. Sigh ..... all we have left is memories....

:)

[dkf]

2. What a nice happy piece on Obama.

I wish there were more celebrating our win. I'm just glad Obama had a true vacation before entering office.