Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Neil Abercrombie is criticizing a decision by Gov. Linda Lingle not to disburse about $24 million to several community programs.

Lingle’s budget director Georgina Kawamura told a legislative committee Monday that it would be imprudent to spend the money given the state’s fragile economic recovery.

The 15 affected programs provide many services, including aid to the elderly and homeless, indigent adult dental care, and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Abercrombie in a statement Monday called Lingle’s priorities disordered, saying the cuts will lead to job losses among nonprofit groups and hurts the most needy.

He is running for governor against Lingle’s lieutenant governor, James "Duke" Aiona.