(Image Source: GoHawaii.com)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

President Barack Obama is headed home to Hawaii for 17 days of fun in the sun. Well, not yet. But when he does, The Hawaii Reporter – says the trip could cost U.S. taxpayers $4 million dollars – easily.

“Travel time for Air Force One direct from Washington D.C. to Hawaii is about 9 hours or $1,635,813 each way for a total of $3,271,622 for the round trip to Hawaii and back. … The total cost (based on what is known) for a 17-day round trip vacation to Hawaii for the President and his family and staff and security is an estimated $4,113,038.”

That figure doesn’t factor in the fact that Mr. Obama and Michelle are traveling separately – with the first lady and two daughters already in Hawaii.  The Blaze points out – a trip to the beach isn’t complete without presidential limos and helicopters.  Bringing those to Hawaii – also gonna cost you.

“And let’s not forget that a USAF C-17 cargo plane is also needed to bring Presidential limos, helicopters and other essentials along. This, too, comes at the tune of thousands of dollars … ”

But all presidents go on vacations. And they’re all billed to the taxpayers. And Politico reports -- while it might seem extravagant, the Obamas aren’t doing much out of the ordinary – quoting White House Press Secretary Jay Carney:

“As previous First Ladies have done, they will travel on a military aircraft.  As previous First Ladies have done, they will travel separate from the President…”

Obama was getting mauled by the media and republican candidates before the Hawaii Reporter’s article.  Here’s Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s take, from a tele-town hall with Iowa voters over the weekend.

Romney: “He’s going off for seventeen days in Hawaii. He’ll be playing a lot of golf. He told Congress that they need to stay in session and pass his tax breaks for the payroll tax and that they shouldn’t leave for vacation until they did that. And yet, he’s going off for seventeen days and for golf in the sun and I just think it’s time to have a president whose idea of being ‘hands on’ doesn’t mean getting a better grip on the golf club.” (YouTube/RomneyComms)

And while there are plenty of critics – KITV also says most in Oahu are excited for his arrival. 

“Residents and employees in this beachside community tell us that they look forward to the Obama’s arrival each holiday season and their presence in this neighborhood is more exciting than it is inconvenient.”

According to the Telegraph the so-called liberal media has missed the story – which according to the writer – is a big one.

“For President Obama even his vacations have become a vulgar symbol of big government excess and over-spending – let’s also not forget his grand summer holiday at Martha’s Vineyard. While tens of millions of Americans struggle this Christmas to pay the mortgage and put food on the table for their families, the leader of the free world will be enjoying a fortnight of luxury – heavily subsidised at their expense.”

No word yet on when Mr. Obama will board Air Force One – but according to the Associated Press the president says he will postpone the trip until the payroll tax extension debate in Congress is resolved.