Hawaii poor could lose access to welfare help
HONOLULU — Advocates for the poor said Monday that they’re worried a proposal to close welfare offices in Hawaii could create hundreds of new state worker layoffs and reduce access to food stamps, cash assistance and medical benefits. The Department of Human Services’ cost-cutting plan would consolidate some 50 welfare eligibility offices into two large processing centers, one in Honolulu and another in Hilo. The needy would lose basic services because the new processing centers would accept only communications by phone, fax or e-mail — technologies that the poor often can’t afford, said Kanani Kaaiawahia Bulawan of Waianae Community Outreach. But a department spokeswoman responded late Monday that people would still be able to get help at its offices, community clinics and private social service agencies.
» Full StoryTransition to electric vehicles won’t come without price tag
The state is driving the adoption of electric and alternate vehicles through a variety of mandates and grants, but the push could add to costs at government agencies and businesses already grappling with the worst economy in decades.
» Full StoryFBI warns about rise in scam e-mails from Nigeria
HONOLULU — The FBI is warning people about a flood of fraudulent e-mails from Nigeria seeking personal information and payments and attempting to appear to come from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
» Full StoryArmy mulls high-speed vessels at Pearl Harbor
HONOLULU — The Army said Monday that it’s considering basing at Pearl Harbor one or more high-speed vessels similar to the one used by the troubled and now-defunct Hawaii Superferry interisland ferry service.
» Full StoryCrew flees to life rafts after fishing vessel catches fire
HONOLULU (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says the 28 crew members of a fishing vessel that caught fire 900 miles southwest of Honolulu have abandoned ship and are in two life rafts.
» Full StoryState may delay paying QUEST bills to insurers
The state Department of Human Services has warned health insurance companies that it may not make payments for Quest — the state’s health plan for low-income families — for the last quarter of the fiscal year, leaving insurers to absorb about $300...
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