HPD overtime costs for Obama's vacation doubled since 2008

1/13/2015
By Gregg K. Kakesako

ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Barack Obama golfed with friends Greg Orme, left, and Mike Ramos at Mid Pacific Country Club during his holiday vacation in Hawaii.

The overtime costs incurred by Honolulu Police Department to provide round-the-clock protection for President Barack Obama and his family during his annual Hawaiian vacation have doubled since 2008 when the Obamas began spending the holidays here.

In his first Hawaiian vacation following the 2008 presidential election, HPD reported overtime costs of $107,000.

During his seventh Hawaii vacation last month, HPD reported  $277,585 in overtime costs in addition to the police officers' regular salaries.

The first family spent 16 days on Oahu, staying in the same Kailua neighborhood and enjoyed days of golfing, hiking, snorkeling, and eating shave ice during their vacation.

Local taxpayers picked up the bill for Honolulu Police Department escorts who guard Obama, first lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha around the clock. Figures just released by HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu show HPD spent $277,585 on overtime costs.

According to HPD the overtime costs in protecting the president's party has climbed since 2008 when it cost $107,000.

Overtime costs reported by HPD for Obama's past visits were:

>> $249,000 in 2009.

>> $228,247 in 2010. 

>> 241,005 in 2011. 

>> $214,728 in 2012.

>> $293,731 in 2013.

>> $277,585 in 2014.

Obama has spent every Christmas, a total of seven, in his birthplace since he was elected President in 2008.

Last year after Obama and his two daughters returned to Washington. D.C., Michelle Obama in  what was described as a birthday gift from the president -- the opportunity to spend time alone with friends ahead of her upcoming 50th birthday -- visited Oprah Winfrey, who owns an estate at the 2,800-foot level on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui.

That cost Maui taxpayers $54,233.70, according to the Maui Police Department.

On vacation, presidents generally pay for their own lodging, food and incidental items. However, the government pays for transportation, security, as well the expenses of support staff.

The first family and friends, who accompany them, pay for their own private vacation home rentals on or near Kailua Beach. The Obamas rented the same five-bedroom oceanfront villa on Kailuana Place they've secured for the past four years which rents for around $3,500 a day, with a seven-day minimum, according to past reports.

Honolulu police officers were part of the security detail which included military and Secret Service personnel who patrol the streets, the canals and the ocean fronting the Kailua home.

source