Obama talks of his Hawaii ties, climate change at East-West Center speech
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama greets people in the audience after speaking to the 2016 Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders at the East West Center today.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama speaks to the 2016 Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders at the East West Center today.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama waves as he arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam today.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
President Barack Obama arrived aboard Air Force One at Hickam Air Force Base at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam tonight. Before he gets into his car, he walks over to shake hands with 1st Lt. Kaitlin Dadddona, left, 2nd Lt. Liz Andreas Feeney and Technical Sgt. Terri Paden.
President Barack Obama returned home to Hawaii this evening for a short trip to stress the importance of addressing the dangers of a rapidly changing climate.
Obama arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam aboard Air Force One before 6 p.m. and was greeted by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of Pacific Air Forces. After greeting some members of the military on the tarmac, Obama then took the short motorcade trip to the East-West Center at University of Hawaii at Manoa, where crowds lined the street.
A group of protesters chanted that the military needed to leave Hawaii: “People of the world, scream and shout. U.S. military get the hell out.”
At the center, the president spoke for about 12 minutes during a combined reception for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders and the East-West Center Sustainability Summit. There were about 200 invited guests in attendance.
“Welcome to Hawaii. Aloha,” he said. “It’s not often that I get to welcome folks to my home state.”
Before delivering his prepared remarks, the president noted that Hawaii was facing the threat of two hurricanes and urged the public to be prepared and to listen to the instructions of local and state leaders.
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He then turned to the theme of his two-day visit, fighting climate change.
“No nation, not even one as powerful as the U.S. is immune from a changing climate,” he said.
He referenced conditions in Alaska where the “sea is already swallowing villages” and glaciers are melting at an unprecedented pace in modern times, as a “preview of our future.”
He also highlighted his administration’s strides in encouraging the adoption of more clean energy, which has become economically competitive with dirty energy sources. “So there is no conflict between a healthy economy and a healthy planet,” he said.
He spoke about his latest environmental accomplishment: quadrupling the size of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to cheers from the audience.
“Thanks to the hard work of many people in this room, including Sen. Schatz, I created the world’s largest marine preserve,” he said.
Obama closed by saying how his visit at UH Manoa’s East-West Center was “especially meaningful,” noting that “a lot of my life started within a mile radius of here.”
He said his mother and father met “probably a couple hundred yards” from the East-West Center. He went to school about a mile from UH’s campus (at Punahou School), and he was born about a mile away (at Kapiolani Hospital).
He also noted that he brought his children to Hawaii for Christmas vacation every year. “I want to make sure that when they are bringing their children here or grandchildren that they are able to appreciate the wonders of this island,” he said in closing.
The president departed the UH-Manoa campus in his motorcade at about 7 p.m. to dine at Morimoto Waikiki.
On Thursday, the president is scheduled to take a trip to Midway Atoll in Papahanaumokuakea. Air Force One will depart in the morning, so motorists can expect more traffic delays and rode closures as his motorcade travels from his rental home in Kailua to Hickam.
On Friday, Obama leaves Hawaii for China where he will attend the Group of 20 major economies summit and meet with China’s president. Before returning to Washington, Obama will also visit Laos.
Previous coverage
Update 7:10 p.m.
After speaking at the East-West Center, President Obama’s motorcade departed from the UH-Manoa campus and headed toward Waikiki.
Update 7 p.m.
President Obama’s speech lasted less than 15 minutes. “No nation … is immune to a changing climate,” he said. The president spoke of the expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the importance of addressing climate change, and his administration’s accomplishments on environmental issues. He also noted his close family ties to Hawaii and even the area where he was speaking. He said his parents met nearby while at UH-Manoa, he went to school nearby (at Punahou), and his grandparents lived a few blocks away.
Update 6:45 p.m.
President Obama began his speech at the East-West Center by welcoming the attendees to Hawaii followed by an enthusiastic “Aloha!” Before giving his prepared remarks, he noted that Hawaii was in the path of two hurricanes and he urged the public to listen to state and local officials and prepare for the storms. He also said the local government officials were working with FEMA to respond to the storms.
Update 6:30 p.m.
President Obama arrived at the East-West Center in Manoa where he will give a speech to attendees of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders and of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress, which kicks off tomorrow. Obama is expected to talk about his decision last week to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
After his arrival, Honolulu police reopened H-1 eastbound and overpasses.
Update 6:10 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of Pacific Air Forces, greeted the president after he exited Air Force One shortly after landing. The president briefly shook hands with members of the military gathered to witness his arrival, and took a photo with Caldwell at the mayor’s urging. Obama then departed in a black SUV as his motorcade headed to the East-West Center on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The ride promises to be quick with the eastbound H-1 and other roads on the way to Manoa closed to all traffic.
Update 6 p.m.
President Barack Obama arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam aboard Air Force One just before 6 p.m. and Honolulu police were shutting down H-1 eastbound and overpasses. The president will be traveling by motorcade to the East-West Center in Manoa where he will give a speech at 6:30 p.m.
Previous coverage
President Barack Obama left Lake Tahoe, Nev., for Honolulu this afternoon for a quick visit that will include an East-West Center speech on protecting the environment, a day trip to Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and traffic … lots of traffic.
Rush hour came early as commuters left work early ahead of the president’s motorcade. From about 3 p.m. until after 5 p.m., traffic backed up on the freeway and surface streets in town as commuters tried to get to where they were going before the chance of a freeway shutdown starting as early as 4 p.m.
Instead, they got caught in a massive traffic jam that cleared before the president’s plane arrived.
City officials at 4:30 p.m. said surface street traffic was heavy, and mauka-bound traffic was “very heavy” on Ward Avenue from Kapiolani Boulevard to Prospect Street. Officials said they are adjusting traffic light timing and warned motorists to avoid blocking intersections.
Earlier Tuesday, city officials had warned the public to avoid traveling between Aiea and Manoa today from 4 p.m. into the evening, or risk the possibility of spending hours stuck in traffic.
Motorists responded by hitting the roads early, with jammed roads and gridlock reported after 3 p.m. from Pearl City to Kahala. A tweet from the state Department of Transportation reminded commuters to use the bathroom before hitting the road.
Remember to use the restroom before leaving work and starting your afternoon commute today #HItraffic
— Hawaii DOT (@DOTHawaii) September 1, 2016
Air Force One was expected to land at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam just before 6 p.m.
City officials had said eastbound lanes along the president’s motorcade’s route from the airport to Manoa could be closed from about 4 p.m. until Obama arrives at the East-West Center, where he is scheduled to speak at about 6:30 p.m.
Obama plans to formally announce the historic expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument at his speech to attendees of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders and of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress, which kicks off tomorrow.
When Obama departs UH-Manoa, westbound lanes along the route that the president takes to his rented home in Kailua will also be closed, Assistant Honolulu Police Chief Clayton Kau said at a news conference Tuesday. “Probably until 7, or 7:30, just to be sure,” he said, reiterating that all times are dependent on the president’s schedule.
“Drivers are advised to expect significant delays,” Kau said.
City acting Transportation Services Director Mark Garrity said the Department of Transportation will be monitoring traffic cameras and make adjustments to signal-timing where needed. “But we do anticipate major impacts to traffic so we want to apologize in advance and we appreciate people’s patience,” he said.
On Thursday, Obama plans a day trip to Midway Atoll in the national monument where he will take a tour and receive a briefing on the monument from U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials.
The president flies out of Marine Base Hawaii in Kaneohe in the morning, so there shouldn’t be an impact on the morning commute.
He returns from Midway to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Thursday night at around 9:15 p.m. and will spend the night again in Kailua.
Obama is slated to leave Honolulu for China on Friday, but is expected to leave during non-rush hour times, Kau said. In China, Obama will attend the Group of 20 major economies summit and meet with China’s president. Before returning to Washington, Obama also was to become the first sitting president to visit Laos.
Earlier today, Obama gave a speech on conservation and climate change at the 20th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit in Stateline, Nev.
“From here, I’m going to travel to my original home state of Hawaii, where the United States is proud to host the World Conservation Congress for the first time,” Obama told the summit. “Tomorrow, I’m going to go to Midway to visit the vast marine area that we just created and to honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. Then I head to China, with whom we’ve partnered — as the world’s two largest economies and two largest carbon emitters —to set historic climate targets that are going to lead the rest of the world to a cleaner, more secure future.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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Remarks by President Obama to leaders from the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Aloha! You know, it’s not often I get to welcome folks to my home state. But it’s always wonderful to be here, even if it’s only for a day. It’s even rarer that not one but two hurricanes are set to pass through the islands over the next few days. So we’ve been working with the Governor and FEMA to make sure Hawaii’s got everything it needs to keep our folks safe. And, in the meantime, I’d just ask the people of Hawaii to listen to your state and local officials, and make sure you and your families are prepared for the storms. But the Governor says he’s got it all taken care of. He’s pushing them all south.
I want to thank East-West Center President, Charles Morrison, for hosting all of us this evening. I want to recognize, in addition to the Governor, we also have Senator Brian Schultz — Schatz here. Where is Brian? There he is. I want to thank the 8,000 delegates from more than 180 countries who will share their expertise here at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, including President Zhang Xinsheng and Director General Andersen. To the world leaders and ministers who are here from the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders, thank you for joining us tonight. And I know many of you will be in Washington next month when Secretary Kerry hosts our 2016 Our Oceans Conference.
But today, the United States is proud to host the IUCN Congress for the first time. I just came here from another beautiful place — Lake Tahoe, Nevada. And in my address there I talked about climate change and conservation, and how those two things are inextricably linked. Few people understand, I think, the stakes better than our Pacific Island leaders, because they’re seeing already the impact. Rising temperatures and sea levels pose an existential threat to your countries. And while some members of the U.S. Congress still seem to be debating whether climate change is real or not, many of you are already planning for new places for your people to live. Crops are withering in the Marshall Islands. Kiribati bought land in another country because theirs may someday be submerged. High seas forced villagers from their homes in Fiji.
And no nation, not even one as powerful as the United States, is immune from a changing climate. I saw it myself last year in our northernmost state of Alaska, where the sea is already swallowing villages and eating away at shorelines; where the permafrost thaws and the tundra is burning; where glaciers are melting at a pace unprecedented in modern times. And it was a preview of our future if the climate keeps changing faster than our efforts to address it.
And that’s why I’ve devoted so much of my time and my energy to making sure that we get this right while we still have time. I spoke about this at length in a speech earlier today, but over the past seven and a half years, America has worked to generate more clean energy, use less dirty energy, and waste less energy overall. And it’s made a difference. Our investments have tripled wind power, multiplied solar power thirtyfold, and, in many places, helped clean energy become cheaper than dirty energy. And we did all of this while fueling the longest uninterrupted streak of job growth on record.
So there’s no conflict between a healthy economy and a healthy planet. And that’s why I’ve committed, along with Canada and Mexico, to get 50 percent of U.S. electricity from clean sources by 2025. And with many of our biggest businesses switching to clean energy, I’m absolutely confident that we can meet that goal.
But that’s not all. I’ve also made sure we’re better prepared for the impacts of climate change, because even as we need to hit the brakes so that we don’t go over the cliff, we’re not going to come to an immediate stop. We know that there is still going to be an inevitable impact as a consequence of rising temperatures. And that means conservation has been a cornerstone of my presidency.
Since taking office, I’ve protected more than 548 million acres of our lands and waters for our children and our grandchildren. I have to say that Teddy Roosevelt gets the credit for starting the National Parks system, but when you include a big chunk of the Pacific Ocean, we now have actually done more acreage than any other President. We’ve designated national monuments from Maine to Ohio to California. And just last week, thanks to the hard work of many people in this room, including Senator Schatz, I created the world’s largest marine preserve — (applause) — quadrupling the size of our monument at Papahanaumokuakea. This is an area twice the size of Texas that’s going to be protected, and it allows us to save and study the fragile ecosystem threatened by climate change.
Tomorrow, I’m going to travel to the Midway Atoll to see it for myself. Seven thousand species live in its waters, a quarter of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Ancient islanders believed it contained the boundary between this life and the next. Hundreds of brave Americans gave their lives there in defense of the world’s freedom. So this is a hallowed site, and it deserves to be treated that way. And from now on, it will be preserved for future generations.
So I’m very proud of these achievements, but we always have to remind ourselves no nation can do this alone. We’re going to have to tackle climate change together. Nations like many of yours obviously feel a special urgency about this. The biggest emitters, like my country and China, have a special responsibility to act to make sure that countries willing to do their part move past the dirty phase of development to move into a clean energy strategy. That was a key principle in the Paris agreement. And I was mentioning to the leaders here, we could not have gotten a Paris agreement without the incredible efforts and hard work of the Island nations. They made an enormous difference, and we’re very proud of the work that they did.
And this is why we’ve been working to accelerate public, private clean energy innovation, making sure that resources will be there for countries that need help preparing for the impacts of climate change that we can no longer avoid. It’s also why, tonight, I can announce more than $30 million in new commitments for our friends in the Pacific — funding for investments like stronger infrastructure, more sustainable development, and safer drinking water.
From here I’m going to be traveling to China, where we’ll be meeting for the G20 Summit, and climate will be a centerpiece of our agenda. Joint U.S.-Chinese leadership on climate was part of the reason that we were able to get Paris done, and I’m going to push to build on that record as long as I occupy this office and probably even after I leave it.
There’s an old Hawaiian proverb that loosely translates to: “Unite to move forward.” It seems simple enough, but the natives used it as a reminder that if you want to row a canoe, every oar has to be moving in unison, otherwise, I don’t know, you go in circles. You just go around and around. Your pace slows, you drift. You get caught up in the currents, and you get off course.
Well, when it comes to climate change, there is a dire possibility of us getting off course, and we can’t allow that to happen. That’s why our united efforts are so important. Government has a role to play, but so do scientists and inventors and investors, all working to revolutionize clean energy production. Entrepreneurs and academics and leaders in this room are collaborating across continents. And everyday citizens of the world are going to have to push their own communities to adopt smarter practices, and to push those of us in positions of power to be less concerned with special interests and more concerned about the judgment of future generations.
And that’s why we’re all here. That’s what this is all about. And for me, this is especially meaningful. I was telling my staff, a lot of my life started about a mile radius around here. My mother and father met probably a couple hundred yards from here. It’s true. I went to school about a mile from here. I was actually born about a mile from here. My grandmother and my grandparents lived most of their lives a short way away from here.
And so since Malia was born, since my oldest child was born, I’ve brought them here every Christmas for the last 18 years now. And I want to make sure that when they’re bringing their children here, or their grandchildren here, that they are able to appreciate the wonders and the beauty of this island and of the Pacific, and every island.
So I know you have the same feeling, and that’s why we’ve got to “unite to move forward.” We have to row as one. If we do, we might just save the one planet that we’ve got.
Thank you very much, everybody.
148 responses to “Obama talks of his Hawaii ties, climate change at East-West Center speech”
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Wouldn’t even think of it.
Remember all the fabricated “outrage” because President Obama didn’t visit Louisiana during their flood rescue operations? Louisiana’s Governor didn’t want him to come because OF THIS!
fire the head of the Hawaii Tourism authority –
This meeting should never have been scheduled in Hawaii…
It is bad for business – bad for tourism, bad for the residents living in the state of Hawaii –
The people in charge of tourism have no idea what they are doing
they are costing the taxpayers money and affecting the quality of life of people in Hawaii both residents and visitors…
What benefit to Hawaii did the APEC conference in Hawaii provide except the death of a Hawaii resident and a Federal agent forever labeled as a murderer?
“Remember all the fabricated “outrage” because President” Bush didn’t visit Louisiana (Katrina) during their flood rescue operations? Louisiana’s Governor didn’t want him to come because OF THIS!”
….yeah but who was out front bashing him? The MSM and yours truly…….President Obama.
SAME Scenario Bro.
We just are inconvenienced when he or his family come here. Our only benefit is spending our own money on his security, etc. This doesn’t happen in D.C.
Since we earned the $$ that pays for his trips, shouldn’t Obama be urged to avoid us, the work force that supports his anointed one habits?
Look for Obama on SA site, log in, then go, WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH, WAAAAAAHHHHH. MOMMY.DADDY,WAAAAAHHHHHHH.
Is Barry the monkey here yet?
not nice!
Grow up.
Go pick,up,your mom at Rock Za.
Unfortunately yes, he and his entire entourage’s here… AGAIN !!@!
We earned $$?????
Don’t come! avoid 4 pm till the evening? How the heck are we suppose to go home from work. And don’t tell us to take vacation for this. Ugh.
Why can’t this inconsiderate man take a helicopter, or wait until midnight so as to not so inconvenience his subjugated subjects?
The East-West Center has a helipad now? Wait until midnight for an event that is scheduled by organizers — not President Obama — to start in the early evening? Your stup!d is showing….
Jefferson Hall, a resident facility right next to EWC, could have been prepared to let the president rest after an off hours arrival, giving him leisure until the evening event.
UH Manoa has large open fields such as the Clarence Ching Field, the Les Murakami baseball field or the Cooke grass practice fields in which a helicopter can safely land
The guy has no aloha for the people here and he calls himself local. Good the library will be in Chicago, otherwise he’d be coming here all the time. I hope he stays in DC for Christmas. We have Obama fatigue from all these visits here. He doesn’t need to be here if blocks the entire workforce from using the roads at rush hour. The guy nevah do anything for us guys anyhow. How about get us some federal money for the rail project if he really one local guy? Shame on to the mayor and governor for rolling over and letting a major traffic disruption like that go off at rush hour. They have the authority to not allow it.
Yup. Yet one more way obama and his family “stick it” to the people of Hawaii.
Let’s hope he changes his mind and decides to stay in DC instead.
Please read below for a listing of a bunch of thankless, non-aloha, negative bums. You, as a crowd, have managed to put a sour face on all our islands.
Welcome back Mr. President! Thank you for putting our Papahanaumokuakea on the map!
BIG Aloha to you from a real Kama’aina
Why should we be thankful? I have yet to see anything good that obama has done since taking office. Once he’s done, he will probably be far worse than Carter. HUGE disappointment!
you buttslapped buddy silly!
HRS134,
IMHO, Carter was one of the most terrible presidents but I think he’s redeemed himself in his post-president life. Look at all the volunteer, community projects where he physically participates.
Yes. After January 2017, obama will take Carter’s place as THE worse person to hold the office. Gotta hand it to him, at least he excels at something. Maybe in time obama will redeem himself as well. Right now, January 2017 cannot come soon enough!
Hail to the chief! Let’s not forget he’s a local boy (even if some are disappointed about not getting the presidential library, aw).
Short-sighted people might not appreciate the positive attention Hawaii gets when Barry visits. When he continues to visit after leaving office, there’ll be a little less free publicity, but a lot less traffic slowdown.
We’re lucky he is gracious enough to return to a place that didn’t notice him until he became nationally prominent. Had he run for mayor of Honolulu, would he get even 5% of the votes? Would YOU have voted for him?
We are lucky to have him – I don’t agree with everything he has done, but he has probably more Aloha for us then our own politicians.
Go Obama, Go Puns, Go Bows!!
He hasn’t done anything for us.
Agree 100% buddy. No Hawaiians No Aloha.
BS
If Barry really cared about us he would catch a helicopter from the airport to UH. Plenty of places to land there. Instead HE is the one with NO Aloha for not caring about those who live in the area and have to work for a living. He is now elite upper class who was never taught the true meaning of Aloha.
Amen! Right on ! I’ve admired much about Obama and his Ohana, but he is very thoughtless when he visits. Never ever expressed appreciation to us for all the inconvenience we put up with so he can holiday here.
He’s not Local get that through all of your heads…
I wish they would use a helicopter, but none of the other presidents did either – when Reagan was in office, the freeway was shutdown even when his people traveled, and they closed the whole thing down, not in stages
Memories are short!
Not true. Vaguely remember one US president, I think it was Reagan who used a helicopter for some of his travel on Oahu.
Actually, Reagan used a helicopter to go to KMCB (now called MCBH)on one of his trips here…just clarifying.
UH Manoa has large open fields such as the Clarence Ching Field, the Les Murakami baseball field or the Cooke grass practice fields in which a helicopter can safely land
Waaahhhhhhh. Mommy,mommy my helicopter please. Huh? No! Waaaaahhhhhhhhh.
Now that’s the nanakuli babooze we know and love
Hey buddy it’s not about our Aloha…its Obama’s lack of consideration for working people, students, and everyone who has to deal with traffic every day…what exactly is the benefit to us that the traffic congestion causes because Obama schedules his arrival to occur in the most crowdeded part of town in the middle of rush hour? Answer that! If Obama really cares about his image to the regular people of Hawaii he would know to avoid making our lives more hectic and disruptive…..but like you, he is clueless!!!!
Or have his press conference at Ford Island (short distance from the airpor) or even in Kailua (cut across traffic)….Why have the press conference at the East West Center which forces shutting down traffic across the busiest traffic cooridor?
NOAA is based on Ford Island and has a sparkling new facility.
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is a branch of NOAA.
Uh, maybe he has other things to attend to, like national affairs and international diplomacy, that prevent him from coming at a time more convenient for you? Maybe, unlike W., he works all day?
We are honored to have Obama here. Think, people – our island is so badly run that one big accident, or a Zipper lane that doesn’t work shuts down the entire island. This is for a real reason. If you are conservative, think of this as the leader of the free world here. If you’re liberal, it’s your man Obama. Either way, our little island gets a positive spotlight for once.
Honored, my a$$! I am more concerned about getting home from work today than any spotlight
That’s the sort of long-range, big-picture thinking that got Hawaii where it is today – a place that can’t handle anything.
Always thinking about yourself. Hawaii = Aloha
Excuse me, please amend my prior note to say “SEE ABOVE”
HRS134 already buttslapped you..you luv punishment?
Why don’t they come up with a better plan to accommodate the working people rather than shut down lanes and entire streets.
#workinglivesmatter
O wants to make a GRANDIOSE ENTRANCE…attention never gets old for O.
OBAMAGEDDON!
If we had rail a private car could be set up to take him (or future presidents) directly to the UH or Waikiki. Oh wait . . . Well maybe they can just go to Foodland instead!
How about make a “Presidential Car” that can take Pres. Obama in luxury–to Middle Street. That’ll get the right attention to this mess we’re buried in.
Next thing you know, another $5 billion (that’s what it’ll take to complete and run the rail) comes in from the Feds, Cladwell gets yanked, and traffic is slightly improved. Win-win for all! Hail to the Chief!
All peasants kneel before King Obama
Look … anyone who thinks he’s important enough to shut down the only major freeway serving a million people during peak rush hour traffic is IMO, unfit to serve as President, or in any other elected office.
My guess is this type of local concern isn’t considered or even part of the discussion when O and his peeps plan their schedule. That tells you everything you need to know about him and his peeps.
Grow up.
Yeah, we should stop living.
Why doesn’t he take a helicopter?
He can’t afford the cost of carbon credits from goldman sachs.
This is ridiculous… I’ll wait to add more until I encounter the “significant delay” I’ve been promised or, God forbid, just stay home as I’ve been advised to do, along with Caldwell’s disgusting apology in advance.
Sorry Obama, you lost me here.
I agree. If Caldwell approved this, I am voting for Djou!
There was a time, not long ago in our history when our president used to answer the front door and the telephone of the White House. A time when, though we knew this person was an important part of our government, even the great personage whoever it may have been realized that they were elected officials at the end of the day. Passing the Blaisdell late this evening made me think that the arrival of our president is akin to a Roman Triumph.
Your regular person traveling from DC to HNL has to get to one of the DC airports around 2:30 AM local time to catch a flight that will get them into HNL about 3:30 in the afternoon. Then wait for luggage and sign the paperwork for a rental car.
That puts them on H1 inbound to, say, Waikiki smack during the heart of the same afternoon rush hour, where it’s guaranteed to be bumper-to-bumper. This is the common experience of any visitor from DC. But I never see anyone in here apologizing for our rush hour mess being their first taste of Aloha. Guess it really is “all about us”.
But the tourists keep on coming in record numbers. Why are you in Hawaii if you feel that way? Move to Alaska where you only have to worry about being mauled by a bear.
True… here you can be mauled in Waikiki by homeless drunk.
Waaaaaahhhhhhh. Ah Waaaaaaahhhhhh. Mommy,mommy,waaaaaahhhhhh.
Stay home!
Shoot !!! We were praying the hurricane would keep him AWAY !!!
If he has to spend more taxpayer’s money, he could arrange his flight to arrive around 2AM and spare us taxpaying residents the grief.
Then leave around 2AM for the same reason.
It will not happen that way because the POTIS ego. Must show off to the pesants. Great timing, right as other roads are being shut or restricted. It seems that it expected that the residents are supposed to roll over and croak.
PMINZ – I LOVE that one! POTIS!! President of the Ignorant States
To disrespect the POTUS is like sitting for the National Anthem. Unpatriotic! Please leave the country till Jan.2017 and ask Hillary for forgiveness. After Trump kiss as in Mexico today, they will except Americans for the taco factory.
BS. Respect is earned and Obozo is a complete failure.
This man is the President of the United States and was born in this state. The comments on this page against him are disgusting, degrading, and shameful. Whatever happened to civility. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
buck opala
Obama can visit but come between 11pm – 2am when traffic is light or hardly any. He should know how it is here by now.
He’s not Local, He don’t and can’t understand the traffic we endure…. POTUS is more like POS….
He could have arranged his schedule so his arrival (and departure?) would have been less disruptive. No class and no respect for the people of Hawaii. He knows how bad the traffic is here.
I find it unconscionable that Obama would schedule his arrival knowing about pau hana traffic, knowing that 2 storms are almost upon us, and people will be rushing about to stores. Not very respectful of locals but then again, he was never a local. Hope he stays at home (Chicago).
Is his visit really necessary? I respect his position as President, but his timing is horribly bad.
Obama!!!! you are not welcome. Go somewhere else. The Hawaii tax payer gets stuck with the cost of protecting him and his cronies.
Of course he’s welcome. This state voted overwhelmingly for him. He grew up here. He is by FAR the most illustrious Hawaii resident ever. He has family here. He is our president. We can rearrange our lives for a day.
Thank you.
I am glad that I will already be in Kailua by the time the President lands.
Worst one I ever saw was when the Reagan motorcade shut down the H-1 forever.
I remember that one also, I got stuck on Queen Emma St just before I could Cross over the Freeway, A Block away from my Home, on Punchbowl slopes. HPD would not even let us walk across the Overpass. Set In the Hot Sun for over an hour on my Motorcycle.
Ever since the President has been spending the holidays I’ve wondered why he doesn’t stay on Kaneohe Marine Corps Base? What better security force than the United States Marine Corps, he visits the base gym daily, and would even have easy access to Klipper Course. He could go running/walking on base with no worries too. I heard there are also some good fishing spots on base.
They have an airfield there but not sure if it can accommodate Air Force One and also don’t know if they have suitable quarters for his family though.
Another question I’ve been pondering. Wouldn’t it have been more significant if he announced the expansion of the monument at the NOAA facility on Ford Island? (Note: National Marine Monument is part of NOAA.)
Short drive from Hickam to Ford Island, can take the “short cut” through Pearl Harbor Naval Base, exit by Halawa Gate, then only have to close a short section of Kamehameha Highway.
Just my two cents.
Clinton stayed there and I believe that the runway is big enough for anything that flies.
Because he has to get in golf time with long time friends Greg O. and Bobby T.
Marine Base doesn’t have suitable dwelling for him.
He should stay on his plane.
Talking to yo self.
Kaneohe marine corp base don’t want him there, because when he got off the helicopter coming back from marthas vineyards he did not salute the marine that is standing there, that evey president has done.
To ask people to avoid travel between Aiea and Manoa between 4 pm into the evening is like asking everyone to just use their vacation time (which not everyone has) and take a hit in the wallet because Obama couldn’t just arrive a couple hours earlier. I know his time is valuable but starting at 4 pm? Could you have picked a worse time?
….and we were not given enough notice to plan a vacation day..totally sucks!
we do have helicopters
Put him in an Osprey and hope it doesn’t crash
I hear Obama is not too keen on helicopters.
Great publicity for Hawaii! Our local boy, Barry Obama, US President visiting Hawaii and most of the World’s TV news carry this story. Traffic jam? What’s the big deal? The freeway got flooded in the recent Darby storm. Lighten up people and enjoy the day!
Since he’ll be here he can “tour” any areas damaged by the hurricane(s).It will be a great photo op.
Non Local Boy can’t even be considerate for local who actually is Local… Everytime he comes its the same old shenanigans… Traffic, Dollars for his trip,Major Burden on all of us… Thank god he only has 4months ….
StarAd story updated 10:25 PM last night. please don’t travel between Aiea and Manoa from 4 PM to 7:30 PM I won’t be on the road, however, couldn’t find this article in todays paper, if tomorrows paper—warning too late. way to go HPD. of course, this news could of been on TV news.
Traffic mess could have been mitigated if obama landed at MCBH and the motorcade passed through Waimanalo and East Honolulu. Air Force One can offload at MCBH then fly to Hickam and stage the aircraft there. Instead, he allows his arrival to mess up traffic even more than it already is. Seems as if obama doesn’t care about Hawaii. BTW, He’s far from “local”. May have lived here for a bit, but in no way “local”. He knows very little about our islands. Seems like all he knows is what he can find on Yelp and Wikipedia. 🙁
why doenst his majesty land on Kaneohe Marine Base and drive over Pali to town against traffic?
I’ve been in NYC numerous times when the United Nations has been in session. During those times heads of state travel through the city constantly. They do so with police escorts with sirens blaring, cutting through traffic like an ambulance. This is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. Why can’t we do that here?
Don’t you just love the aloha spirit here on these forums! Me me me me! Nooo! traffic will be hell! All these people think only about is themselves.
True leo. And they also have time.in the middle of the day to cry. Wow. Makes you wonder if these richfatrepugs even drive?
What is wrong with Obama. Coming to Hawaii, in the midst of hurricanes, disrupting rush hour traffic. For what? He could have flown directly to Midway instead of inconveniencing us. Is another Hawaii visit on our tax money so important? Or another snow cone or stay in Kailua? We’ll never see his sorry arse again after he’s out of office once he has to pay his way.
This happens with any President. I was in Bismarck, ND once — a place with no traffic to speak of — when Pres George Bush the First made a visit — and the area between downtown and the airport was INSANE.
Coming in this afternoon. Sleep over at Kailua tonight. Leaves for China on Friday (When, what time?). What is he doing tomorrow?
Seriously??? Really??? We have 2 hurricanes/tropical storms coming our way and Obama decides to land during peak commuter traffic hours knowing they’ll be more people on the roads doing last minute preparations. A serious lack of pure common sense.
thanks, now i have to use vaca and leave at 1:30 p.m., i don’t mind this time around…good riddens….
Get this one I finish work at 3:30 pm and others get off at 5:00 pm I live on the West side. My boss tells us that we can leave today at 3:30 pm WTH if doesn’t benefit me. Unreal I tell you and to top it off I going get stuck in traffic because my bus comes at 4pm smh
Try to ainokea, lol.
Good luck, traffic is already bad. Once more people take off at 3:00, going to be gridlock.
This too shall pass………….
and so will he, but not fast enough.
Hey, hey, hey. What’s all the fuss about? Cut the guy some slack. After all, he lowered your health care costs while at the same time allowing you to keep your doctor. Aren’t you all getting pay raises left and right? Didn’t he bring about racial harmony? He brought peace to the middle east and defeated Islamic terrorism, didn’t he? And isn’t he the smartest man to ever occupy the oval office?
Thanks. I needed a good laugh.
Show some respect folks, this is one of the best presidents since Lincoln, and he’s one of ours. And let’s reminds ourselves, this is the POTUS, so yeah you’re going to be inconvenienced, show some patriotism and let’s also show each other some aloha as we sit in traffic, this is 808, not the mainland.
Your deluded.
“You’re”
Yup. The mainland wouldn’t put up with his cr@p. Worst president ever.
Best president ever.
Go back mainland sarge..
I want to know what fool planned this and what type of action we, citizens can take against them! The should not be allowed!
probably the same ones who taught you grammar?
I have a BA in English, from Duke, thank you! This board does not let you correct typos!
I hope you got a refund hehe
Go Blue Devils!
Run for cover. Stay in your houses. Stock up on toilet paper, water, food, etc. You can’t drive while he’s here golfing with his Punahou pals or going to fancy restaurants.
110 comments and i’m not reading any of it because i bet most of it will be negative. Just think this is his last visit here and he will be gone in two days.
Are you sure he will never come here again? When he’s out of office, he will still block the roads.
Not sure why he needed to be here to make this announcement. But if so, why not have this event on Hickam AFB. Invite everyone there.
honestly………..who cares
Stop whining!!!
You created the marine area to honor yourself.
Wrong title for the article: motorists didn’t clog the roads, Obama did! Come on SA, you can do better.
Barry could care less about the working folks on Oahu. As many have already commented, why not a helicopter to UH and USMC Kaneohe instead of disrupting all traffic for his nonsense motorcade. I’m convinced the less we see of his sorry black arse, the better.
Be careful man. Barry has away of unleashing his IRS on those with whom he disagrees with politically.
Political? Nothing political as to what I and most folks believe. He has no common sense!
Thanks for the 2 hour drive home that normally takes 30 minutes.
one demented commie talking to other commies at the commie east- west center
Watch for Kirk and Obama’s picture to start to appear on Kirk’s campaign adds
Leave and don’t ever come back Obama
Regarding:
“…President Barack Obama returned home to Hawaii…”.
LOL !!!
Psssst… it ain’t home” to him, Chicago is his home town.