Water officials warn of scam
HONOLULU (AP) — The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is warning the public about reports of impersonators claiming to be employees to gain access to private property.
The impersonators reportedly wear green T-shirts that resemble attire worn by water supply workers and have been asking residents to be allowed into homes.
The water supply says all official employees are properly credentialed, drive BWS vehicles and carry an official City and County badge.
Bill would alter
insurance panel
HONOLULU (AP) — Consumer advocates are pushing Hawaii senators to pass a bill that excludes health insurer representatives from holding voting positions on a state board.
The Hawaii Insurance Connector Board currently includes members that represent three of the state’s largest insurers — HMSA, Kaiser Permanente and Hawaii Dental Service. Consumer advocacy groups, including AARP, say this is a conflict of interest because the panel is charged with establishing a marketplace where uninsured residents can shop for affordable insurance.
In Senate Bill 2434’s current form, insurers could only serve in an advisory capacity. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a conference committee hearing. If conferees do not hear it, the Senate would have to accept the latest House draft for it to pass this session.
Abercrombie chooses deputy
HONOLULU (AP) — Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed a longtime Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs official to the deputy director post.
Jo Ann Uchida Takeuchi, who has led DCCA’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office and Office of Consumer Protection, fills the vacancy left by Everett Kaneshige.
Abercrombie says Takeuchi is dedicated to serving the state of Hawaii and he’s very happy to have her as a member of his team.
Takeuchi has been with DCCA for nearly 22 years. In addition to being the executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection, she also served as that office’s senior attorney.
Officer charged in sex abuse
HONOLULU (AP) — A correctional officer at Honolulu’s federal detention center is pleading not guilty to charges he sexually abused a detainee.
A federal grand jury indicted Richard Seaman on five counts of sexual abuse of a ward. FBI agents arrested him early Thursday at the detention center.
He allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a detainee at the detention center on five occasions between Sept. 23 and Dec. 8. He entered a not guilty plea at federal court on Thursday. He was released on a $50,000 bail, but he won’t have to pay the bond if he shows up for court. His trial is scheduled to begin on June 19.
