And, Obama himself has credited his upbringing in the islands with shaping his character and values, saying, "What's best in me, and what's best in my message, is consistent with the tradition of Hawaii." However Obama's ties to Hawaii are measured, his impact on isle tourism - especially during one of the darkest times in Hawaii's visitor industry - is worth more than peanuts to the state's lead industry. Full Article at Honolulu Star-Bulletin