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Hawaii Tries in Vain to Cash In on Obama Fame

Obama tour operators say business is slow

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2008 4:04 AM CST

(Newser) – The Hawaii tourist trade is doing its best to spin some dollars out of Obamania, Politico reports. Tour companies are hyping visits to the president-elect's old Honolulu neighborhood, and the Baskin-Robbins where Obama worked as a teen is selling a new "Swirl of Change" flavor: chocolate, caramel, and nuts in vanilla ice cream.

But Oahu looks unlikely to develop a presidential tourism trade to rival that which sprang up near President Bush's Crawford ranch. Obama tour operators say business has been pretty slow, with the likes of Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor providing stiff competition among vacationers who say they've had enough of politics for now—especially those who voted for that other guy.

Tour guide Jack Christenson leads a tour through the neighborhood where President-elect Barack Obama grew up in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

The Baskin-Robbins shop in Honolulu where President-elect Barack Obama once worked is now offering a new "Swirl of Change" flavor. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

President-elect Barack Obama arrives to play golf in Kailua, Hawaii Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

President-elect Barack Obama walks back to his motorcade after his workout at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base in Kailua, Hawaii, yesterday. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

President-elect Barack Obama practices on the driving range in Kailua, Hawaii, Sunday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Hawaii Tries in Vain to Cash In on Obama Fame

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Barack Obama • tourism • Hawaii • Honolulu • holiday • President Obama • Obama in Hawaii

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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