A new law to expand the public's access to information on how taxpayers' money is spent remains — at this point — merely words on paper.

Act 272, which Gov. Lingle allowed to become law without her signature in 2007, requires the state to set up a searchable Web site that allows the public to see which companies and individuals received state grants, contracts or purchase orders of $25,000 or more. It was meant to expand what's now available on the State Procurement Office's Web site (http://spo.hawaii.gov).

It's a good idea, in keeping with the open and transparent government which the Lingle administration has said it advocates.

But the state has failed to develop or fund the site, citing concerns over key details, including the lack of clarity in the definition of certain terms, and the cost and complexity of capturing the additional information required.

Nonetheless, these objections should not be deal-breakers. Senate Bill 659, introduced this session, would amend Act 272 to address some of the administration's concerns. Lawmakers and the administration should work together to reach a sensible agreement to overcome the hurdles that have stymied the law thus far.

There is no good reason, at a time when searchable Internet databases are commonplace, why the state can't make it easier for the public to access more information on state contracts and awards.

State officials must also keep their databases upgraded and up-to-date, something that hasn't been done at the Procurement Office.

In the tough economy, cost is no small matter. But it's also important that taxpayers are able to see how their hard-earned dollars are spent. One suggestion under consideration, which would require state agencies funding the contract to provide more specific information to the procurement office, seems like a workable solution.

State Director of Budget and Finance Georgina Kawamura, despite her objections to the law, appears willing to work toward its implementation.

That's an encouraging sign. After all, good governance depends on an active, and well-informed, citizenry.