Hawaii residents may submit comments on a Department of Human Services’ proposal to change some Medicaid eligibility requirements and combine some Medicaid and Medicare services.
Comments sought
on Medicaid changes
Hawaii residents may submit comments on a Department of Human Services’ proposal to change some Medicaid eligibility requirements and combine some Medicaid and Medicare services.
As previously reported, DHS officials said about 3,500 people could lose their benefits when more stringent income requirements go into effect. The proposed demonstration project won’t begin until January 2014.
The plan is available on the DHS website at hawaii.gov/dhs/health. The public may submit comments on the plan through May 17. Comments may be emailed to dhs@dhs.hawaii.gov. Department officials ask that the word “Integration” be used in the subject line of the email.
Palani-Henry intersection reopens
The Henry Street and Palani Road intersection reopens today, offering Kona drivers some relief. However, work continues in the area.
The Hawaii County Department of Public Works said Wednesday that the intersection will resume normal operations today. Motorists can now access Palani Road via Henry Street and vice versa. The intersection had been restricted while Nan Inc. crews completed road work in the area.
While the intersection is now open, the county cautioned motorists that crews will still be in the area for several weeks grinding and striping the road and installing loop traffic detectors. Lane closures are not anticipated, but may be required.
Crews will be in the area from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, according to the county.
Internet scam
results in arrest
A 19-year-old Keaau man is in police custody while detectives investigate an alleged Internet scam that may have additional victims.
The man’s arrest stems from four people on the mainland reporting to Big Island police that they had responded to a posting on Craig’s List by someone claiming to be selling tickets to the sold-out Coachella Music Festival this weekend in Indio, Calif., according to the Hawaii Police Department. The seller reportedly arranged for the victims to wire him money before he’d send them festival passes and wristbands via Federal Express.
According to police, the victims sent the money but never received the passes or wristbands.
The Keaau man was arrested Tuesday following a joint sting operation between the department and an Office of Consumer Protection investigator, according to police. As part of the sting, the investigator posed as a buyer who wanted three sets of passes and wristbands.
When the man reportedly went to a Hilo Western Union office to claim $900 sent for the passes, he was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime.
West Hawaii Today is not identifying the man because he had not been charged with a crime as of press time Wednesday. He remains held at the Hilo police cellblock.
Any possible victims should contact Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or by email at dmorimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential
Woman, 86,
robbed in Hilo
Big Island police are investigating the reported robbery of an 86-year-old Hilo woman in downtown Hilo.
The woman reported to police around 5:30 p.m. that she had been walking along Haili Street, near a movie theater, when an unknown man pushed her from behind, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The woman subsequently fell and the man reportedly took her purse.
The woman suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment, according to police.
The man is described as 5 feet tall, weighing about 130 pounds with a medium build and short black hair, according to police. He was wearing a tan shirt with orange rectangular designs, and possibly blue jeans.
Anyone with information on the identity of the man or who may have witnessed the reported robbery should contact Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or by email at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Joel Field at 961-2381 or by email at jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
Bicycle fatality
victim identified
Big Island police on Wednesday identified a 20-year-old Hilo man who died April 11 after his bicycle was reportedly struck by a pickup truck in Hilo.
The victim has been identified as Brody H. Winslow, of Hilo, and formerly of Wrightsville Beach, N.C., according to the Hawaii Police Department. He was identified through dental records.
Missing Keaau
man found
Police have located Daniel P. Kapumau, 18, of Keaau, who was reported missing. He was found Saturday in Puna, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
KCH Auxiliary members volunteered 8,652 hours
Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary members volunteered 8,652 hours at the hospital last year, the equivalent of roughly $185,000 in services, hospital officials said. The organization has 65 members, making it the largest volunteer group affiliated with the hospital.
Hospital officials announced the volunteer hours as part of National Volunteer Week, which runs through Saturday.
Kathy Golizen provided 1,112 volunteer hours, the most of any volunteer, by knitting newborn baby hats for the Obstetrics department.
Volunteer opportunities include assisting with office work, coordinating the gift shop and Friday bake sale. Monies go toward hospital activities and nursing scholarships.
The auxiliary’s annual rummage sale raised $7,350 in two days, nearly doubling last year’s total. Hundreds of volunteer hours were required to put the event together. In addition to individuals helping with the sale, Power Storage Kuakini donated storage space for three months, giving volunteers space to sort and price items prior to the sale.
To be a volunteer, contact the auxiliary office at 322-4577. Other volunteer opportunities include chaplain services and the junior volunteer program, for people at least 14 years old and above. For more information, contact 322-4458.
By local sources