Build prudently to boost economy

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Apr 26, 2012

~~<p>Some state legislators have gone beyond what the Abercrombie administration has suggested is needed to kick-start the economy through shovel-ready public construction projects. The Legislature should opt for bond-financed construction spending at the prudent level suggested by the governor and backed by the state House Finance chairman.</p>
<p>Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in his State of the State address in January that the state's economy had begun to turn the corner. To keep the recovery going, he asked legislators to approve about $300 million in new general obligation bond-financed state construction spending. Senators, though, called for even more borrowing: $500 million for the repair and maintenance of schools, hospitals and other public buildings.</p>
~~

Some state legislators have gone beyond what the Abercrombie administration has suggested is needed to kick-start the economy through shovel-ready public construction projects. The Legislature should opt for bond-financed construction spending at the prudent level suggested by the governor and backed by the state House Finance chairman.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in his State of the State address in January that the state's economy had begun to turn the corner. To keep the recovery going, he asked legislators to approve about $300 million in new general obligation bond-financed state construction spending. Senators, though, called for even more borrowing: $500 million for the repair and maintenance of schools, hospitals and other public buildings. Login for more...