$193K awarded in ageism suit
HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii company that provides home health care for seniors has been ordered to pay more than $193,000 to a woman fired for her age.
The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission announced Thursday a federal judge in Honolulu ruled against Hawaii Healthcare Professionals, Inc, resolving a 2010 age discrimination lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges the company fired then-54-year-old Debra Moreno in 2008 after the owner referred to her as a “bag of bones.”
The company is also known as Hawaii Professional HomeCare Services, Inc.
The judgment also requires the company to train staff on rights and supervisors on how to deal with complaints.
Odor prompts flight to return
HONOLULU (AP) — Officials say a United Airlines flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles took off and returned to the airport twice because of an electrical odor on board.
Passengers and crew on board Flight 1196 noticed what they described as an electrical odor shortly after taking off at about 7 a.m. Wednesday. United said the captain decided to return to Honolulu.
Mechanics checked the plane and the odor dissipated. But the smell returned when the Boeing 757-300 took off a second time just after 12 p.m. The plane returned to Honolulu once more and passengers moved to other flights.
Man sentenced for fatal punch
HONOLULU (AP) — A man convicted of manslaughter in the death of his rugby teammate outside a Honolulu sports bar will spend a year behind bars before he’s eligible for parole.
Prosecutors say Tevita Aholelei’s punch last year led to the death of Solomone Niusini, 26, outside Da Kine Sports Bar. The punch caused Niusini to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground.
In sentencing Aholelei to a 20-year prison term Wednesday, the judge cited the 21-year-old’s youth in setting the one-year minimum. The judge could have ordered him to serve at least six years and eight months before seeking parole.
