RALLY TIME

» Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton talks about her candidate
» Back the Punahou graduate, Obama's half sister tells voters

STORY SUMMARY »

Hawaii's voters, typically an afterthought during presidential primary season, are the center of attention this weekend as the Democratic candidates rely on relatives to rally support ahead of Tuesday's caucuses.

Chelsea Clinton, the 27-year-old daughter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, arrived in Honolulu yesterday for three days' worth of campaign events and appearances. Her schedule includes a rally tomorrow in Wailuku.

Sen. Barack Obama's half sister, Oahu resident Maya Soetoro-Ng, continues to stump for her brother. She spoke yesterday at an afternoon rally at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and will be joined by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie tomorrow for another rally.

The two candidates continue to campaign in states with larger delegate counts, but the unprecedented attention to Hawaii's caucuses indicates just how close the race for the nomination is.

In a telephone interview with the Honolulu Star-Bulletin yesterday, the Hawaii-born Obama touted his local connections and spoke about his many trips back to the islands.

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The presidential campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are breaking out the star power in Hawaii this weekend leading up to what promises to be a record-setting turnout for the state's Democratic caucus.

Campaign events to come Here are some of the planned weekend campaign events: Hillary Clinton campaign » Today, 11 a.m.: Chelsea Clinton attends the Faith Action for Community Equality Health Care Summit and Health Fair with state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, Hawaii State Capitol Auditorium. » Today, 2 p.m.: Chelsea Clinton attends the Great Aloha Run Sports, Health & Fitness Expo at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. » Today, 3:30 p.m.: Chelsea Clinton greets volunteers at the Hawaii for Hillary phone bank, Hawaii Government Employees Association Office at 888 Mililani St. » Tomorrow, 11:30 a.m.: Chelsea Clinton attends a Hawaii for Hillary Rally at the David J. Trask Jr. Building, 2145 Kaohu St., Wailuku, Maui. Barack Obama campaign » Tomorrow, 10 a.m.: Obama Ohana Potluck and Beach Canvass at Kapiolani Park (next to the water fountain) » Monday, 3 p.m.: Presidents' Day Rally with Maya Soetoro-Ng, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and actress Kelly Hu at Farrington High School Library, 1564 N. King St.

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, stumping for her mother, and Hawaii-born actress Kelly Hu, joining Obama's half sister on the campaign trail, arrived in Honolulu yesterday -- on the same flight, no less -- to rally the Democratic faithful.

They will crisscross the islands this Presidents' Day weekend to meet with supporters, recruit others and do whatever else they can to deliver the Hawaii vote for their candidate in Tuesday's caucus vote.

"I think the more people that we get involved, the better off we are, especially as a party," Hu said after a rally at the University of Hawaii at Manoa with Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama's half sister. "The fact that there are so many celebrities getting involved, I hope, inspires more people to come out and vote because this is a race that is so close that every vote really does matter."

The afternoon rally drew about 200 people to the Campus Center Ballroom.

Across the island, Clinton, the 27-year-old daughter of Sen. Hillary and former President Bill Clinton, stumped for her mother.

She answered questions for more than an hour at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu.

"We are trying to talk to as many caucus-goers and voters as possible," Clinton told a group of about 120 students and faculty.

She addressed issues including the need for improved health care, rapid withdrawal from the Iraq war and economic responsibility while stressing that winning votes for her mother's campaign was her primary goal.

The talk impressed students, such as Jeannie Martinson.

"I thought she was wonderful. She knows everything about her mom's issues and past works," Martinson said. "I have read Hillary's book and also Obama's. I am a Hillary fan. I believe her experience is a plus."

The well-presented explanation of Clinton's issues impressed West Oahu professor Kay Mura, but she said more was needed.

"Hillary would be great, but I think we need someone who can raise the spirit of the people," Mura said. "Hillary has everything, she has great answers, but I think she just doesn't have enough. ... I think I am going to go for Obama."

In Manoa, Hu and Soetoro-Ng focused attention on Obama's Hawaii upbringing but stressed that the substance of his proposals and his ability to communicate are just as important.

"He is not afraid to act and be an activist, but he is also a wonderful diplomat because he knows how to communicate in surprising ways," Soetoro-Ng said. "He knows how to get people to let down their guard, and that's how he's able to whittle away the extremists and bring everyone together to find common ground."

From the campaign trail in Wisconsin, which holds its primary on Tuesday, Obama thanked his sister for her efforts on his behalf.

"She has been a terrific surrogate for me," Obama said in a telephone interview. "She is just wonderful, and I am really thankful of all the support."