The 2009 Stimulus Plan

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 delivers more than $2 billon of stimulus to Hawaii

Dan discuses the Stimulus Bill's positive ripple effect on Hawaii's small businesses.

The economic crisis that in 2008 slammed onto America's shores didn't spare Hawaii. Our unemployment rate is at its highest levels in a decade. bankruptcies and foreclosures are up. Our hotel occupancy rates -- a key indicator of the health of the tourism industry -- have plunged.

In an island economy such as ours, destinies are intertwined. We are all int he same canoe, and will either rise or sink together. Thankfully the citizens of Hawaii are resourceful and resilient.

But that doesn't mean we don't need a hand to stabilize and rebuild. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, working with the House and the Obama Administration, I helped craft the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to put people back to work, invest in critical infrastructure such as roads and schools, prevent cuts to basic services, reduce the tax burden on working families, and position our nation for the future in the areas of renewable energy and broadband connectivity.

Dan explains how the state's economy has evolved.

Here's but a snapshot of some of the projects underway:

$520 million for military construction projects
Increased healthcare services at the community healthcare centers
Harbor dredging
Federal building upgrades
National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service property upgrades
Airport security investments
$150 million to build the largest solar telescope in the word, atop Haleakala
$360 million to increase the federal share of Medicaid payments
$300 million in reduced tax burdens for about 500,000 workers in Hawaii

Below are more examples of how stimulus dollars are helping Hawaii rebuild.

You can use the map and links below to see the effects of the stimulus bill on Hawaii. Click on the individual pins on the map for more information about specific expenditures. Use the controls ont he map to zoom and pan, navigating to specific projects near you. Use the checkboxes to turn off and on pins organized by category.