KAILUA, Hawaii -- President-elect Barack Obama's December homecoming has many Windward Oahu residents excited.

Authorities are taking steps to make sure the nation's next president's visit is both enjoyable and safe.

The roadway was barricaded along one Kailua street as Obama's visit is the talk of the town in Kailua.


"All the neighbors are sort of out excited about future President Obama vacationing on our very street," Kailua resident Rhea Yamashiro said.

"Well, it's very exciting to know that in our very own neighborhood we have such an important person with us," Kailua resident Mary Bibby said.

The property where Obama will be staying is an upscale Castle Point beachfront property built in 2006. Among the amenities is a swimming pool, a tropic-style living room, lush views and an elephant fountain.

The listing price for the home is nearly $8 million.

Unfortunately, the family's ocean view will not be crystal clear. The water is still brown from the recent storms.

Area residents said they hope the president-elect has a good vacation in the islands and has a chance to enjoy some peace and quiet.

"We hope he'll have the privacy he deserves and we just want to respect that," Yamashiro said.

Secret Service will be out in force to give Obama privacy and security during his vacation. There is a guard shack and other agents standing by under a tent to monitor drivers coming down the street.

"I've been told that there will be no passing traffic on the street where anybody, but the residents can go," Bibby said.

"It's exciting but it's really hard to believe that we live here and he's going to be right down the street for 10 days. It's exciting," Yamashiro said.