U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is expected to attend a private

fundraiser for his presidential campaign on Aug. 12 at the Halekulani Hotel,

several sources said.

Obama is expected to be in the Islands for about a week for a vacation and

local organizers are also hoping for a public rally, possibly at Magic

Island.

Andy Winer, Obama's state director, said yesterday he could not confirm the

visit or the details about the fundraiser or rally but said the campaign may

make an announcement later this week.

The fundraiser is being co-chaired by Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and

corporate executive and prominent Democratic financier Walter Dods. Donors

are being asked to contribute $2,300 per person, sources said, and can

attend a reception with the Hawai'i-born candidate for $10,000.

The fundraising goal is $500,000 but some believe it may go higher given the

initial interest from donors. One of the organizers described the response

as "astounding."

"I've been around this kind of stuff for 40 years, never in my life have I

seen anything like this," the organizer said. "Not only enthusiasm, just

straight out commitments."

Hawai'i, although it has its share of wealthy donors, is not typically a big

fundraising state for presidential campaigns. But Obama, who graduated from

Punahou School and whose sister and grandmother live here, has raised more

than $1.1 million in the Islands.

Obama usually visits his family around the holidays but has not returned

since December 2006 because of his campaign schedule. He has campaigned in

every state except Hawai'i and Alaska.

Many of his local supporters are hoping for a public rally so Obama can

greet people who cannot afford the private fundraiser.

"Hawai'i worked very hard to help him get the nomination," said Jacce

Mikulanec, an Obama supporter and staffer for state Rep. Blake Oshiro,

D-33rd ('Aiea, Halawa Valley, 'Aiea Heights). "I think there is going to be

an outpouring of support that we haven't seen here before."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.