CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Volunteers checked in Barack Obama supporters yesterday at Kawananakoa Middle School during the local kickoff to Obama's presidential campaign. CLICK FOR LARGE

Isle Dems hold coveted votes

Presidential hopefuls turn to local leaders for support in the campaign

» Isle Dems move their caucus to Feb. 19
» Obama's half-sister helps kick off campaign

DEMOCRATIC presidential hopefuls are starting to find out who loves them in Hawaii.

Across the country, major candidates for president are looking for help from local political leaders.

Here in Hawaii, hometown boy U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is getting the most early support.

The campaign of Obama, D-Ill., already enjoys the support of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

Many island Democrats say that were it not for Obama, who was born in Honolulu and graduated from Punahou School, much of their support would go to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.

So far Clinton has been able to recruit Senate President Colleen Hanabusa.

The campaign of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards has not officially won any supporters here, although observers say his campaign is close with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who helped the campaign in 2004.