State hospital defends staffing ADVERTISING State hospital defends staffing HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii State Hospital officials are responding to safety concerns raised by employees who were seriously injured from attacks by patients. The employees say insufficient staffing and lack of
State hospital defends staffing
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii State Hospital officials are responding to safety concerns raised by employees who were seriously injured from attacks by patients.
The employees say insufficient staffing and lack of training have contributed to the problem. They have criticized hospital administration for not taking action.
The state Senate plans to hold hearings sometime after Thanksgiving to investigate patient assaults at the hospital.
Hospital officials took reporters on a tour of the Kaneohe facility on Friday and said staffing was sufficient and employees are adequately trained. They say the grounds are monitored by security personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Acting hospital administrator William Elliott says the administration will conduct a review of the training program to determine if there is room for improvement.
Ex-kickboxing champ indicted
HONOLULU (AP) — A former world kickboxing champion and his wife have been indicted on federal charges of theft of public money, money laundering, and tax and wire fraud.
Dennis Alexio, 54, and Anitalei Alexio made an initial court appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court after the indictment was unsealed. Both pleaded not guilty.
Dennis Alexio remained in custody pending a bail hearing Monday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi released Anitalei Alexio on a $25,000 unsecured signature bond.
Anitalei Alexio and her lawyer had no comment as they left the federal courthouse.
Dennis Alexio questioned why bail was not set Thursday. He repeatedly asked the judge why he would not be allowed to go home.
“I’m not a flight risk. I’m not a risk to the public,” Alexio said.
His bail hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Federal authorities searched Alexios’ home in Aiea and carried out boxes and plastic bags with items inside.
A trial was set for January.
The indictment lists 36 false tax claim counts and covers incidents from 2008 to August. Charges also say Alexio sent false documents to obtain gold bars and coins.
Anitalei Alexio in 2008 claimed and accepted a $124,088 tax refund for 2007, according to the indictment. The Internal Revenue Service later sent her a letter claiming she was not entitled to the refund and instead owed $171,664 plus $1,739 in interest for 2007.
Dennis Alexio returned the letter and wrote, “That’s a Gift! Where is My Benefit Today?” according to the indictment.
The indictment claims other improper refunds were paid in subsequent years.
