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Hawaii officials kill plan to name beach after Obama


Swimmers and surfers in Honolulu will continue to use Sandy Beach Park -- not President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park.

Two Honolulu city council members -- Stanley Chang and Ernie Martin -- had proposed re-naming the beach in honor of Obama, but pulled back after objections from residents.

The president is a native of Hawaii, and may well have other facilities in the state named after him.

From The Associated Press:

"The beach is a popular for bodysurfing on Oahu's east side. It was a favorite for the president as he grew up. He bodysurfed there while on vacation during his 2008 campaign.

"Martin says in a statement that he heard historic and cultural sensitivity concerns from the community about the name change. He says there may be other public facilities more appropriate to honor the president."