Barack Obama, Sr. is depicted being greeted by Pele, herself.

She is Hawai'i's only true ambassador and almost everything I work on these days includes her.

Obama has a flag of Kenya over his arm and Pele holds the flag of Hawai'i.

He sits before a U.H. book representing his studies. Hawai'i's state flower, the hibiscus, is by his side.

I spoke to the senior Obama frequently while at U.H

At the time, I was the editor of the school's literary magazine, Asterick,

which published student poetry, etc.

Our office was a tiny room under the staircase at Hemenway Hall.

Obama would sometimes stop by to pick up a copy of the magazine and talk.

Sometimes, just to be a "rebel," I'd go around the campus and to classes barefoot.

Not even slippers! This would always get his attention and he'd comment on it.

He'd say, "You were talking around in the spit of common people. Doesn't that bother you?"

He always was well-dressed -- blue-gray gabardine pants and white shirt -- sometimes even a tie!

During those years I had a few other friends from other countries.

Some people thought Obama was "stand-offish," but I liked that about him.

When you walked around the campus with him he'd never

ever hold hands with you as did the foreign students from India.

My friend Shiu Pandey always wanted to hold hands as we walked.

It is a sign of friendship to them.

Obama would have none of that! I was glad!

With Pandey we always looked like a "nice gay couple."

No embarrassment with Obama.

Aloha for now!

D.