Blackout on Obama Island

Heaven help us if this interrupts The Messiah's daily workout or delays his morning tee time.

The island of Oahu, including the resort where President-elect Barack Obama is vacationing, was hit by a power blackout on Friday, possibly caused by a lightning strike, authorities said.

Eyewitnesses said it appeared electricity in Obama's holiday compound was knocked out and workers were hurrying to set up an emergency generator.

An electricity company spokesman said the entire 600 square mile (1553 sq km) island, which is home to around 900,000 people, was affected.

"We lost the last generator ... The whole island is now without power," said spokesman Peter Rosegg.

Traffic was snarled on major Honolulu roads.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann told KSSK radio station it would be at least 12 hours before power was restored. Rosegg said it might be considerably longer.

Hopefully King Obama and his adoring media contingent manage to survive.