Obama Supporters Launch National Campaign

HONOLULU -- Sen. Barack Obama has yet to sew up the Democratic presidential nomination, but this weekend the "Hawaii-born candidate" moved full speed toward November.

The campaign launched a "50 State Voter Registration Drive" to sign up millions of volunteers, and Hawaii was part of the effort.

KITV's Denby Fawcett reported that Obama supporters in Hawaii were in the thick of Saturday's national drive that began across the country.

Supporters met Saturday morning at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus and then headed for Waikiki to scout for new Obama supporters.

Obama's Oahu volunteers decided to fan out at the crowded Filipino Fiesta at Kapiolani Park.

They said their grassroots goal is for each volunteer to sign up 10 new Obama volunteers and urge new voters to register.

"We want to make sure (we) keep the visibility up and Hawaii For Obama does not die down (or) go dormant. We want to get the ball rolling and get it rolling fast," volunteer Zachary Ellison said.

Manoa Resident Heather Reynolds brought her 3-year-old daughter, Kaila, who made sure people knew who she supported.

"Approaching people is kind of scary, but I think it is important, and that is why I am taking the time to do it today," Reynolds said.

Clyde Magno said he's ready to register to vote.

"I am already 27. I like Obama, so I am going to vote this time (for the first time.) I haven't been a good citizen, but this year is a good year," Magno said.

Trini Baraoidan said she has a group in Kapolei favoring Obama.

"We will do our very best to volunteer and help him all the way," Baraoidan said.

Others attending the event were not Obama supporters, but they said they were curious about him.

"I know he is probably going to be the Democratic nominee. I am actually a Republican for John McCain. My wife is the other way, but I think it is going to be one of the cleaner campaigns between Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama," Allen Nixon said.

Obama volunteers said they plan to continue this effort once a month until the November election.

Clinton supporter Linda Chu Takayama said her supporters have been having lots of internal meetings to sew up delegates for Clinton at the Hawaii Democrats upcoming state convention.

She said her campaign is also preparing for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August.