Hawaii happy and proud of skilled bodysurfer who’s made it to the Oval Office

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.

On Tuesday, supporters squealed, screamed and shouted “thank you” when he visited the Honolulu Zoo with his daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.