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Hawaii approves higher rates for HMSA, Kaiser

HONOLULU (AP) - State insurance officials have approved rate increases for Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii health plans that were going to be canceled as President Barack Obama's health insurance overhaul takes effect.The state Insurance Division approved increases of 9.2 percent for 11,000 individual plans and 5 percent for 26,300 small business plans administered by Kaiser, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Tuesday.HMSA will be allowed to increase rates on 14,300 individual plans by 7.5 percent. HMSA increased small business rates 6.8 percent for ...

1.3 million lose unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON - More than 1 million Americans are bracing for a harrowing, post-Christmas jolt as extended federal unemployment benefits come to a sudden halt this weekend, with potentially significant implications for the recovering U.S. economy. A tense political battle likely looms when Congress reconvenes in the new, midterm election year.Nudging Congress along, a vacationing President Barack Obama called two senators proposing an extension to offer his support. From Hawaii, Obama pledged Friday to push Congress to move quickly next year to address the "urgent economic priority," the ...

Names & Faces

* Two Maui businessesmen now have positions on the Hawaii Employers Council Board of Governors.Joseph A. Bradley, the publisher of The Maui News, was recently elected to the board.Barry Helle, general manager at Wailea Old Blue, was re-elected as a board member.The members will serve three-year terms ending on Dec. 31, 2016.The organization is committed to advancing management's efforts to promote collaborative employee relations that result in skilled, engaged and effective workforces, according to a news release from the council.* Former Kula resident Amanda Van Scoy has joined WCIT ...

Launiupoko a priceless holiday gift for people of Maui

On Dec. 20, members of the Maui County Council gave the community a precious and priceless holiday gift. They voted to discharge the Launiupoko purchase from the Budget and Finance Committee, waive the committee referral and report, allow the revised bill to be passed on first reading and be ordered for print, and, most importantly, approve the proposed resolution to purchase the 186 acres in Launiupoko, a purchase the chamber supported.Testimony at the council hearing that morning was overwhelmingly in favor of the $13 million purchase and many urged action, given that the council did ...

Business/In Brief • Dec. 27, 2013

Rise seen in illegal vending on KauaiLIHUE - State officials say they've seen an increase in illegal vendors hawking crafts and other merchandise on Kauai.The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Thursday that citations have been given at Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.State law bans commercial activity of any kind on public land without a written permit from the state.***Psychiatrist retiring; another on the wayPsychiatrist Dr. Dennis D. Banks will be replacing long-time Maui psychiatrist Dr. Jon Betwee, who will retire Jan. 30.Banks is in private practice in Westport, ...

Business/In Brief • Dec. 26, 2013

Maui cardiologist retiring next weekCardiologist Dr. Mark C. Schwab will be retiring from active medical practice and will close his Wailuku office Tuesday.Effective Wednesday, Maui Memorial Medical Center will be the custodian for the medial records of Schwab's patients.Although patients will be able to choose any cardiologist they wish to replace Schwab, patients may be able to transfer medical records to their preferred physicians or to themselves personally by contacting Schwab's office at 244-8993.Schwab has been practicing for 30 years.***Saipan document fraud case ...