President Barack Obama should put his future presidential library in Hawaii, where he was born and raised, according to state lawmakers.

The House Tourism, Culture and International Affairs Committee unanimously passed a resolution yesterday urging Obama to choose Hawaii as the location for the library, which will be the repository for the documents, records and artifacts of his presidency.

“;It could be a home away from home for the first family and their work after the presidency,”; said Robert Perkinson, an American-studies professor at the University of Hawaii who is preparing a presidential library proposal.

The resolution would be mailed to Obama if it is approved by the full House, which appears likely because 47 of 51 representatives signed on to it.

Even several Republicans are supporting the effort. Hawaii voters backed him more than any other state, with 72 percent of the vote.

“;It should be bipartisan and I think it truly is,”; said Rep. Barbara Marumoto (R, Kalani Valley-Diamond Head), noting that a presidential library would bring tourists to the islands.

It could be built on a waterfront property and give Honolulu's skyline a landmark comparable to the Sydney Opera House, Perkinson said.

Hawaii will likely have to compete with Illinois, Obama's other home state.

The state will need to raise about $2.5 million for a bid proposal to Obama's advisers, Perkinson said. If Obama picks Hawaii, the library would attract more than $250 million in outside money from donors to build it, he said.

The House resolution is just the first step to attract the library, said Brian Schatz, a coordinator for the Obama campaign in Hawaii.

“;It should not end with the expression of the will of the House,”; Schatz, who is running for lieutenant governor, said at the hearing. “;If we are serious about this, it's going to take resources, and that means we're going to have to work together over the next couple of years to put together a winning bid.”;