Barack Obama
Newspaper the Hawaii Reporter has published an article stating, the Christmas vacation trip of U.S. President Barack Obama to the island, has cost the taxpayers big time! The paper estimates the total price of the luxury trip is $1,474,200. Merry Christmas from the U.S. taxpayers.
Maybe he should have stayed at the White House to set an example of austerity during very difficult financial times. The nation's finances are a nightmare, in a scenario he has exacerbated with additional exorbitant spending. This is not the way.
STORY SOURCE
Obama’s Million Dollar Hawaiian Vacation: Costs to Taxpayers Detailed
With estimates secured from a host of professionals, city officials and law enforcement, Hawaii Reporter estimates costs to taxpayers will at least include:
Mrs. Obama’s early flight to Hawaii: $63,000 (White House Dossier)
Obama’s round trip flight to Hawaii: $1 million (GAO estimates)
Housing in beachfront homes for Secret Service and Seals in Kailua ($1,200 a day for 14 days): $16,800
Costs for White House staff staying at Moana Hotel: $134,400 ($400 per day for 24 staff) – excluding meals and other room costs
Police overtime: $250,000 (2009 costs reported by Honolulu Police Department)
Ambulance: $10,000 (City Spokesperson)
TOTAL COST: $1,474,200
UNKNOWN COSTS
Rental of office building in Kailua on canal
Security upgrades and additional phone lines
Costs for car rentals and fuel for White House staff staying at Moana Hotel (Secret Service imports most of the cars used here to escort the president)
Surveillance before the president arrives
Travel costs for Secret Service and White House staff traveling ahead of the President
