A week after being criticized by Democrats for skipping a meeting with the nation's governors and President-elect Barack Obama, Gov. Linda Lingle said she received a letter from Obama saying he is looking forward to talking with her more about Hawaii's potential economic stimulus projects.

“;I did get a letter from the president-elect today letting me know that he understood that I wasn't able to attend, but he wanted to reach out to me and he wanted to hear, especially, what our proposed projects are,”; Lingle said yesterday.

In the letter, dated Dec. 3 and opening with “;Dear Linda,”; Obama states he is “;reaching out to make sure you are engaged.”;

“;A critical component of my plan is identifying and funding infrastructure projects that will strengthen our long-term economic growth while also immediately putting more Americans back to work,”; the letter states. “;As was discussed, I would appreciate any advice you can provide to me and my team on the biggest roadblocks to states in moving forward in getting 'ready to go' projects started quickly.”;

Lingle said her office is working on a response to the letter, adding that she also is in contact with Obama's transition team about meeting him when he comes to Hawaii this month for vacation and to pay respects to his grandmother, who died two days before his Election Day victory.

Without unveiling specifics, Lingle said two of the state's economic stimulus proposals would center on the state's renewable energy initiatives and a broadband program that is “;in sync”; with strategies being outlined by the president-elect.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, Obama said he wants to expand broadband Internet access in communities and in facilities such as hospitals, to ensure they are using the latest technology available for accessing medical records.

“;I think we are going to be very well-positioned,”; Lingle said.

Lingle, a Republican, was criticized by state Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, for skipping the opportunity to meet with Obama.

Aides said Obama and Republican and Democratic governors agreed that any economic stimulus plan should focus heavily on money for infrastructure as well as bureaucratic reforms to make it easier to complete programs without having to cut through piles of red tape.

Lingle said her decision to skip the meeting was not political, citing the travel time to Washington, D.C., and a scheduling conflict as reasons why she was unable to attend. That same day, Lingle held a news conference to announce a partnership aimed at setting up an electric car system in Hawaii.