Hawaii's four county mayors were among those in the crowd yesterday in Washington, D.C., as President Barack Obama touted his administration's plans to put people back to work and continue pushing the nation's economy back to recovery.

“;You can expect a continued, sustained and relentless effort to create good jobs for the American people,”; Obama said.

More than 200 of the nation's mayors traveled to the White House for talks with Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other senior administration officials.

In opening remarks to the mayors, Obama noted Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's presence. “;I've got to acknowledge Mufi Hannemann because he was such a great host for me and my family when we were there in Honolulu,”; said Obama, referring to his family holiday vacation. “;I have to say ... the weather was a lot better in Honolulu,”; he added.

Hannemann said the president pledged to help the mayors reach mutual goals.

“;It was reassuring for us to hear that the president understands the critical role that cities can and must play in revitalizing our nation's economy,”; Hannemann said.

“;It was also very gratifying to have him and his Cabinet members take the time to listen to our specific concerns as we work together to pull our cities and our country out of their economic slump.”;