HONOLULU -- President Barack Obama Sunday praised what he called the historic vote Saturday night passing a bill to overhaul the nation's health care system. It passed by a 220 to 215 vote. Now it moves to the Senate, and the president said he is confident it will also pass there.

In Hawaii, local Democrats are praising the bill, while the reactions of Republicans have not been positive.

"This is history. We've waiting for this for 40 or 50 years," said Democratic party chairman Brian Schatz.

"Actually, the bill is hysteric not historic. It's going to cost us money not save us money," said Republican state Sen. Sam Slom.

The bill restricts insurance companies from denying coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and it provides subsidies for people who cannot afford coverage.

"We're going to have millions more Americans covered with health insurance and we're going to reduce the deficit. So this is a big day for the reform movement," said Schatz.

"[But] the main thing is, it's taking away choice from millions of Americans. And when they say it's going to give more health care, it's going to have less choices and that's what people said all summer in the tax protests, health care protests, town meetings and they've been disrespected by the Congressional people," said Slom.

Will it save money reduce the deficit or wind up costing more?

"This is actually going to reduce the deficit over the next 10 years we don't just need this for moral or health reasons we need it to get our fiscal house in order," said Schatz.

"We all know we can improve our health care system but this is not about that. This is about accumulating more power for the federal government, and people -- even supporters -- say, 'We don't want that. We want to make our own choices,'" said Slom.

Now, the battle moves to the Senate.

"I think we have a very good chance of passing it in the Senate. There's lots of support our own senators are in favor of it and America is ready for this," said Schatz.

Some said that our health care system is broken and the bill offers the best reform possible.

"The fact that it passed by only five votes indicates you're going to have a rough road ahead, the more transparency the more difficulty with this bill," said Slom.

Analysts have said the Senate will try to get their version of the bill done by the end of the year.