Not surprisingly, a majority of voters said they cast ballots for Hawai'i-born Barack Obama today in an unscientific survey taken outside polling places on O'ahu.

But a significant number said they voted for John McCain.

At Palolo Elementary School, William Dearmore, 21, said he voted for Obama.

"It just seems he is determined to make change to the country," Dearmore said.

But Wendy Tsuda, 42, an office manager, said she voted for McCain because she agreed with his platforms and also, "I feel sorry for him because he's losing."

Laurie Chivers, 52, supported Obama, saying, "I just felt think he was the better guy."

Laurie Mizumoto, 55, a sales engineer at Hawaiian TelCom, said she supported Obama because she liked his "presentations and ideas."

At McKinley High School, Carol Fan said she voted for Obama because "we need change, diversification."

Fan believes McCain's choice of running mate hurt him. "I know I should probably vote for women, but not (Sarah) Palin. She's not ready. Maybe Hillary," Fan said.

At the Waikiki Community Center, Mercedes A. Toni Franco, 44, said she chose Obama, but called McCain "qualified." As for Palin, Franco said she was going to be "crucified" no matter what she did during the campaign.

"She's the first female — she had some good points, but she may not be ready for the position," Franco said.

Gisele Mickens, 44, voted for Obama for healthcare issues and for his persona. "He's refined," Mickens said. "I'd be proud to have have him represent us internationally. I think people will listen to him and follow him."

At Farrington High School, Ben and Jasmin Flora brought their grandchild to the polling station and said they voted for McCain.

"I'm old-fashioned," said Ben Flora, a military veteran. "McCain has more experience and he went through a lot (as a prisoner of war). Plus, Obama is for abortion and that's against the Lord."

Jasmin Flora said one reason she voted for McCain was Palin. "I like her because she's perky," Flora said. "I like perky people."

Waikiki resident Charles Gonzalez wanted to make sure he didn't miss today's historic vote. He showed up with his own chair at the Waikiki Community Center at 5:45 a.m. and waited first in line for the polls to open at 7.

"I noticed the voting turnout was high on the Mainland, so I thought I'd better get here ahead of the crowd," said Gonzalez, 48.

Gonzalez, who has lived in Waikiki the past four years, said he voted for Obama.

Sasha Zaytseva, 25, came to Waikiki 12 years ago from Russia. Today marks her first election as a voter.

"It's history-making," she said. "I came for Obama."

Clarita Soriano said she and her husband, Virgillo Soriano, were voting for Obama because of his diversity.

"He is white and black," she said. "That is good for everybody."

Leonard Nicolai, 42, said, "I voted against Bush policies, and that's a 'no' for McCain."

But Felecivada Acierto voted for McCain because "I just liked what I saw from him."

At Radford High School, teacher Janice Chuck, 53, said she voted for Obama. "He's worked hard at getting where he is in the race."

"He has proposed some good changes," she said. "I also think there's a lot at stake with the Iraq war dragging on."

She realizes that there may be some tough times ahead, including possibly some taxes increases under Obama. But that's OK if it's spent wisely, she said.

Gabriella Davila, 45, a homemaker from Mililani, said she voted for Obama because the country needs changes.

At Central Union Church, John Gallagher, 52, a musician, said he voted for McCain. "He's pro-life."

"Otherwise I'd support Obama. I think Obama is a better human being," he said.

Jeremy Gracey, 28, an anesthesia technician and student, said he voted for Obama. "I think he has the more dynamic healthcare plan. I think it's going to make more of a difference."

He also likes that Obama spoke about possibly setting up a civil service loan repayment plan for student loans.

Eyona Menka, 31, wore an "I (heart) Obama" tank top when she voted. "Hope brings me out today," she said.

"I just feel he's more compassionate and a little bit more driven by integrity."

A native American, Menka also feels Obama is more committed to rights and native American education.

Asked about reaction to her Obama shirt: "Honestly it's always very positive in Hawai'i."

On Kaua'i, some voters complained about the national media reporting the results of the presidential vote before they cast their ballot.

Alison Pa can't remember a time when she didn't know the probable outcome of a national election before casting her vote.

"I think it's always been that way," she said after voting at the Kaua'i War Memorial Auditorium in Lihu'e at 5:30 p.m. "It makes me feel like my vote doesn't count."

Others voting there agreed that it's frustrating that the presidency is often called by the time they vote in a time zone two hours later than the West Coast. But they still do their civic duty.

One woman said she makes a point not to listen to radio or TV.

On the Big Island, Henry Ching, 42, said he is a Democrat who voted for George W. Bush in the last two elections, but selected Obama this time because he is worried about the failing economy.

"There are too many things that they overlooked, and the economy is hurting because of that right now," said Ching, a pawnbroker who lives in Hilo. "We need a change, and nothing is going to change the way it is. Some of the people are actually starving. It's sad."

Gary Brooks, who is retired and lives in Kailua on O'ahu, said he was happy to be voting for the first black president.

Brooks said he always voted Republican before he cast his vote for Obama. "Hopefully, he'll make a difference. They had their chance to make a difference in this country. I've seen all those people get killed in Iraq. It was senseless. We lost how many Americans?"

Nadine Souza, a Kailua resident and educational assistant, said she was excited about the presidential race and that helped get her to the polls for the first time in about eight years.

"I wanted to get Obama in. I haven't voted in a long time. This got us motivated."

Jesa Goodrich, small business owner of two tattoo shops, declined to say how she was voting for president but said the race was an exciting one for her and for the country.

"I think that any and every election is special. It's our right as an American to be able to choose what we want as our future. Especially as a female, I'm definitely here because it's something that we worked really hard for, to be able to have a voice."

Glenn Shibata, a Kailua resident who works for Otis Elevator, said he voted for McCain because of his experience. "You can check on his background, how he votes. Even though he wasn't my favorite."