Organizers hope Obama exhibit grows into something more permanent

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An exhibit at Honolulu Hale created by the Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum has glimpses of President Barack Obama's childhood to his days at Punahou School to his first public speech at Sand Island in August 2008.

That was three months before he was elected as the first African-American President and the first from Hawaii.

Obama supporter Sharon Yarbrough got emotional thinking of Obama's impact in the islands and the world.

"What comes to mind is love. What comes to mind is peace and inclusiveness," she said.

Artist Kimberly Keys painted this portrait of the First Lady Michelle Obama.

"Absolutely amazing. It is a dream come true for me," she said.

With more than a year after Obama's presidency, the museum's creators say Hawaii needs something permanent like a statue or building to honor the 44th president. A bill to create a landmark honoring President Obama didn't pass the legislature last year.

"That effort has stalled, but our goal is to recognize President Obama as the most famous African American from Hawaii," said Ed Young, Vice President of the Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum.

"If there was any message that Barack Obama delivered and continues to deliver is that in fact our diversity does in fact define us and not divide us," said former Governor Neil Abercrombie, a family friend of the Obama's.

The Obama exhibit will be at Honolulu Hale until March 2.

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