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Hawaii-born president jokes about wearing a suit during his visit

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
U.S. President Barack Obama waves to the audience before participating in a discussion at the APEC CEO Summit, a gathering of business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

Although he was born in Hawaii, President Barack Obama professed a little bit of discomfort being in the islands as he spoke at the CEO Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.

 “In all my years of living in Hawaii and visiting Hawaii, this is the first time that I’ve ever worn a suit,” Obama told the business leaders gathered at the Waikiki Sheraton. “So it feels a little odd.”

Obama and his family have traditionally vacationed in Hawaii since even before he was elected in 2008. The 1979 Punahou School graduate has continued that tradition as president, spending the holidays in Hawaii for golf, basketball , barbecues, beach time and, of course, shave ice.

During a question-and-answer session with Boeing Chief Executive Officer James McNerney, Obama even took a jab at the “birthers,” those who believe he was born outside the United States and is therefore ineligible to be president.

“As many of you know, this is my birthplace,” he began. “ I know that was contested for a while, but I can actually show you the hospital if you want to go down there.”

Obama was born at what is now Kapiolani Medical Center for Women Children. Earlier this year, he released copies of his long-form birth certificate in an attempt to put the issue to rest.

 

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