Legislature set to open amid mild economic recovery

Money must be set aside for union contracts, and with Inouye gone, fewer federal funds will arrive

By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 14, 2013

~~<p>Steady revenue growth from Hawaii's tourism-driven economic recovery may tempt state lawmakers this session to satisfy some of the pent-up demand for state spending since the recession, but lawmakers do not have enough confidence in the economy for much of an expansion.</p>
<p>The 60-day session of the Legislature opens Wednesday as the state enjoys a modest budget surplus, lower unemployment, and indications that the construction and housing sectors of the economy will rebound as tourism has.</p>
~~

Steady revenue growth from Hawaii's tourism-driven economic recovery may tempt state lawmakers this session to satisfy some of the pent-up demand for state spending since the recession, but lawmakers do not have enough confidence in the economy for much of an expansion.

The 60-day session of the Legislature opens Wednesday as the state enjoys a modest budget surplus, lower unemployment, and indications that the construction and housing sectors of the economy will rebound as tourism has. Login for more...