Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
If all went according to plan, President Barack Obama is now in our midst, having returned to his Honolulu hometown in the wee hours of this morning.
It’s become an annual holiday tradition for the president, his family and close pals to spend about two weeks here, soaking up the sun and the laid-back lifestyle.
In his annual year-end presser before leaving D.C. Friday, Obama closed out a tumultuous 2015 and vowed to use his remaining year in office to push forward longstanding goals.
He also cited a “high note” with Congress’ passage of a major bipartisan budget package, and pointed to a potential criminal justice overhaul and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal as areas ripe for cooperation.
Add in Syria, ISIL and other foreign affairs; the closing of Gitmo; and, oh yes, the 2016 election for his successor.
It’s sure to be another lively year for our homegrown leader — so for now, Mr. President, aloha and enjoy.