WASHINGTON — Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday that the $825 billion economic stimulus plan Congress is working on is a good start, but he wants more money for projects and programs sent straight to cities and counties to speed up the recovery.

"We want to make sure that if the objective is to create jobs and bring about economic recovery ... some of that money has to come directly to the cities and counties so we can fulfill that mission," said Hannemann, who also will attend Barack Obama's inauguration today.

Hannemann, in Washington for the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting, which wrapped up today, said he plans to attend both the Hawai'i State Society ball and the Illinois-Hawai'i ball tonight.

"It's an historic moment, and I don't want to miss anything," he said. "It's one thing to say you have a president from your state, but it's another thing when you have a personal relationship and you actually know the person. It makes it even more special."

Hannemann said he wanted Obama to continue coming to Hawai'i during his presidency.

"The real advantage we have now is ... that we have somebody there that knows our problems and who will be sensitive to (them)," he said. "When we're at the table with 49 other states, we know that there is going to be a special place in his heart for the place of his birth."

Regarding the plan to revive the economy and create more than 3 million jobs, Hannemann said cities like Honolulu have projects ready to go that will put people to work right away.

He said funding should be increased in some areas, such as $1 billion for the community development block grant program, which goes directly to cities.

Honolulu and Maui County, are seeking almost $744 million for infrastructure projects that could be started right away.

"We have had numerous experiences across the board where if you wanted an immediate impact, sometimes it takes too long when it goes through that bureaucratic process of going to the states first," he said.

Hannemann said mayors are concerned that transportation money in the stimulus plan will be funneled through states.

Hannemann said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz met with Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i, the incoming chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, about the cities' role in providing economic stimulus projects.

"He said he understands ... and would certainly make sure we are at the table and get our fair" share, Hannemann said. "I think he will be very fair to the mayors."