KHON2 News - Hawaii's Delegation is Cautious on Plans to Stimulate Economy
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KHON2 News - Hawaii's Delegation is Cautious on Plans to Stimulate Economy
By Gina Mangieri
As Congress considers how to respond, Hawaii's delegation says they're being cautious, but that they must plan to stimulate Hawaii's economy.
Hawaii's senators and representatives in Washington say they don't want to hand over a check for $700 billion with no strings attached.
The president wants a deal now, but many in congress say it will take time to craft it right.
Representative Mazie Hirono says, "We're not going to rush into this. we're going to make sure that we work quickly but carefully."
How quickly remains to be seen -- and Hawaii's delegation acknowledges what's a stake.
"If we cannot find a solution ,there is a risk that families and businesses may not be able to access the credit they need," says Akaka.
"That small businesses, consumer credit, student loans even, that those are going to be frozen. And it does affect all of us if we don't address this," says Hirono.
One Hawaii leader says taxpayers should get more of a chance to weigh in on what will be one of their biggest investments estimated at 10 thousand dollars per american household..
Representative Neil Abercrombie says, "It may or may not be done this week. we then want to take that package, digest it, go home, present it to the public."
"they had enough time to try to destroy the economy, so we ought to take enough time to put it back together again."
So what exactly does Hawaii's delegation want to see in the final package? Strong oversight, taxpayer equity & ceo pay restrictions are on the table. Many want to see it benefit main street -- not just wall street.
Akaka says, "We must work together to develop a solution that is fair, includes oversight and accountability, and helps working families keep their homes."
Then what? They're also working on an economic and job stimulus package that includes 42 million dollars in "ready to go" infrastructure projects Hawaii could roll out within 90 days -- things like bridge replacement & painting, road construction and maintenance statewide.
"It's meant to get in there really quickly and produce jobs."
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