WASHINGTON — As the new Congress gets under way, Hawai'i lawmakers are focusing on an economic stimulus plan as their immediate priority.

"I don't know that there is much beyond that right now," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i. "I look at it less as a stimulus than as a recovery program."

But the state's lawmakers in Washington have a wealth of other issues to pursue, including federal recognition of Native Hawaiians, early childhood education and aid for former prisoners of war who are disabled.

President-elect Barack Obama and Democrats are working on a stimulus plan expected to cost $775 billion or more, including money for tax cuts for businesses and middle-class workers, infrastructure such as roads, sewers and federal buildings, state services such as Medicaid and renewable energy projects.

Democratic leaders had hoped to have a plan ready for Obama to sign when he takes office Jan. 20, but now the plan is not expected to be ready until next month.

Abercrombie and Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai'i, said the stimulus package should include significant funding to public works and job creation in Hawai'i. More than $2 billion worth of projects have been identified and are ready to get started.

"We think it's crucial that the stimulus legislation's direct funding get to the state and local government level as soon as possible," Abercrombie said. "Our local leaders know which projects could be under way immediately, creating jobs and representing the wisest investment of public money."

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i, incoming chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will be heavily involved in the stimulus package but has other issues high on his priority list for the state.

That includes legislation to help Native Hawaiians with healthcare and home ownership, aid to military men and women, and recognition for Filipino veterans who fought with U.S. forces in World War II, according to a statement from Inouye.

"Filipino veterans fought side by side with Americans and sacrificed their lives on behalf of the United States," Inouye said. "This legislation would confirm their claims and ... allow qualified individuals the opportunity to apply for military and veterans benefits that I believe they are entitled to."

Another bill would allow former American prisoners of war who are disabled to use military commissaries and post exchanges, Inouye said.

"This gesture is both meaningful and important because it serves as a reminder that our nation has not forgotten their sacrifices," he said.

Hirono said stimulating job growth in Hawai'i and across the country was her top concern this congressional session.

"I worry about the national economy and the continually rising unemployment rate," Hirono said in a statement. "I knew that we were in trouble even before the collapse of Wall Street and of the auto industry as Hawai'i witnessed a decline in tourism back in 2007."

Protecting homeowners from bankruptcy and extending unemployment benefits also should be included in the stimulus package, Hirono said.

The congresswoman said she would continue working on early childhood education issues and reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind law.

"Early education remains a top priority of mine, and I will continue to advance legislation that provides a strong foundation for future academic success," she said.

Hirono also said she would look out for Hawai'i's interests in working on a new five-year highway and transit bill.

Sen. Dan Akaka, D-Hawai'i, also said passing an economic stimulus package and fiscal aid to states lead his priority list.

"The president-elect already has been mentioning some of his ideas," he said. "I think that's the right thing to do, and we hope we can get enough support to bring that about."

Akaka also said he would push for a vote as soon as possible on a bill that creates a process for Native Hawaiian self-government and leads to federal recognition.

"This may be a good time to bring it up again since the president-elect supports it," he said.

The bill, nicknamed the Akaka bill, has been stalled since 2000 in the Senate because of objections from conservative Republicans.

Akaka said he has talked with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., about moving the bill "but I don't have any indication from him yet on when it would be."

Akaka said another issue he will pursue is increasing financial literacy among working families to improve their financial decision-making and protect them from predatory lending.