News and Articles

Waimanalo, Hawaii (AP) - The president-elect Barack Obama and his family were among the thousands of people whose vacations were interrupted when the island of Oahu, Hawaii, suffered a blackout during a heavy rain and lightning.

Hawaiian Electric Co.. Sent an emergency generator to the house rented by the Obama family next to the beach after the blackout on Friday night, which left 800,000 people in the dark, said spokeswoman Jan Loose. He added that the office of Gov. Linda Lingle and the Marines also worked to "keep their communications and keep you safe."

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann told the radio KSSK that Obama is one of the safest places and going to be okay. "

The newspaper The Honolulu Advertiser reported on its website on the internet that the mayor said that he spoke with Obama at 2130 on Friday and that the president-elect told him it was fine and planned to sleep during the blackout.

The power company and the civilian authorities warned residents to remain home and after the blackout and saving water. Several radio stations broadcast emergency information.

Lingle said he hoped that electricity was restored in the morning. Hawaiian Electric had restored service to about 30,000 users for 2.40, Loose said to The Advertiser.

Obama and his family conducted a 12-day trip to Hawaii, the home state of President-elect, a holiday in private.