Federal and state officials unveiled significant new details, including timelines, for Hawaii projects funded under the federal economic stimulus package at Pacific Resource Partnership's Construction Summit on March 17. More than 100 general contractors and builders from across the islands attended to hear stimulus specifics and for "Procurement 101" instruction on bidding on state projects.

"The construction industry, which is one of the state's main economic drivers, is severely weakened right now. Response to the Construction Summit was strong because people want to know exactly how, where and when the federal stimulus funds will translate into projects that put Hawaii back to work, and they want to know how to compete effectively for those projects," said Kyle Chock, executive director of PRP.

Jennifer Sabas, chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and a featured presenter at the Summit, provided welcome news on stimulus projects, particularly emphasizing the requirement that the projects go to bid within a year. She also said more funds could be on the way.

Speakers from several State agencies also provided details on their pending projects and the bidding process. Agencies represented included Department of Accounting and General Services, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Education, and the University of Hawaii.

For a complete recap of summit presentations, PRP members may contact Jill Baptist at (808) 528-5557 x242.

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http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2009/03/16/daily29.html
http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20090318_State_to_get_807M_in_stimulus.html