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HO`OLAHAP U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E R E T I R E D P E O P L E
The Ho`olaha is published six times a year by the Hawaii Government Employees Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 152, AFL-CIO.
P.O. Box 2930Honolulu, HI 96802-2930(808) 543-0054www.hgea.org
I n t h i s i s s u eA Message From Retirees President: Paul Matsuo
Hoe Hana Brigade
2016 Primary Election HGEA-Endorsed Candidates
EUTF Updates
Big Island | Maui | Oahu | Kauai Island Chapter News
Travel to Oahu
Word Find Puzzle: Fun in the Sun07 | 08.16v o l u m e X X X V I V N o i V
Hawaii Government Employees AssociationAFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIOP.O. Box 2930Honolulu, HI 96802-2930
NON PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDHONOLULU, HIPERMIT NO. 180
L T A Q C O W S T S T S U S R C X S U J F O I T W O E H N L S L P A E P O Y C L N Y O X V R O O A E G R N D L S U A G F B B B H I G R K I L I N O S A E T D G M E M E F C K N T O N E R I C X I D Y Z Y G R N A E S R I G U G S T H A B O N Z I I O U L C A R C H N T E O O T B O N G U B O I T P H L E I S T S L O I O R U Y Q Q N J L N E T D M Z I X N L O H S S S S G N O E A E A O T M H F A S N Q B B V V E O B N N E V X W X U H T U S V U A S N P T I I R M N D X E Q S N P P N C G W T Q N E F R C E J A B L T U P D A U Q T W G L L A B Y E L L O V L S L T Z N F A A G N I P P O H D N A L S I I G Z P V J I S A N D C A S T L E S I O E A C E W C S C O N C E R T S J I F N D S M S W W Z F G N I P M A C S U R F I N G E W J C B C O F Y U L R F B P M J L I G S N Q C C Z U L X E P Y O U C M B F I S Z A M V D A
funinthesunAdventureBeach TowelBBQBonfiresCampingConcertsCookoutsFishingFunGamesHobbiesIsland HoppingOutdoorsPool Parties
RelaxationReadingSand CastlesSchool SuppliesSnorkelingSpring CleaningSummer SchoolSurfingSuntan LotionSunny DaysVacationVolleyballWavesWhales
WORDFINDHawaii Chapter Retirees Hoe Hana Brigade. (L-R) Carol Denis, Elsie Iida,
Patricia Dunn, Ruth Walker, Charlene Sugihara and Joanne Yokote.
HO`OLAHA
Mahie TraskRetirees Unit Administrator
Tammy GannSecretary
Lariel SatoCommunications Specialist
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
Paul Matsuo, OahuPresidentRuth Walker, HawaiiVice-PresidentMuriel Masumura, OahuTreasurerSam Jacobs, OahuSecretary
D I R E C T O R S
Steve Criss, Maui Ricordo Medina, Maui Thomas Kiyojima, Hawaii Aileen Obina, Hawaii Timothy Albao, Kauai Betty Matsumura, Kauai Ethel Fleming, Oahu Susan Goya, Oahu Arlene Shimokawa, Oahu Ethel Shintaku, Oahu
07 | 08.16v o l u m e X X X V I V N o i V
H A W A I I D I V I S I O N
495 Manono StreetHilo, HI 96720(808) [email protected]
M A U I D I V I S I O N
2145 Kaohu Street, Ste. 206Wailuku, HI 96793(808) [email protected]
O A H U D I V I S I O N
888 Mililani Street, Ste. 401Honolulu, HI 96813(808) [email protected]
K A U A I D I V I S I O N
3213 Akahi StreetLIhue, HI 96766(808) [email protected]
the Retirees Unit has developed a new “pilot” program named Project Outreach Echo.
Using social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) texting and email, we must make contact with family and friends living on the neighbor islands and the mainland and ask for their support of Democrats. The contact is free using a mobile device or computer. No stamps needed or trips to the post office!
The Republican platform continues to attack Social Security and Medicare benefits for the elderly. If they win the presidency and continue control of Congress, then retirement and health benefits may be eliminated or diminished. Losing these precious benefits, we may lose our independent lifestyles, and become burdens to our children and grandchildren. In some cases we may even alter their lifestyle by having them return home to care for us. With the death of Justice Scalia, the next president will make the appointment to the vacant seat. Unions have a lot at stake in who gets the appointment, and a Democrat Senate confirming the appointment is crucial.
Now is your chance to send the message to “Vote Democrat” through social media. Family members and friends, former co-workers and neighbors, professional counterparts and business associates, whomever you can “reach out and touch.” I urge you to please support Democrats, register to vote and then VOTE!
While non-partisan, Big Island and Oahu mayoral races are both critical races and the HGEA has endorsed former Mayor Harry Kim and Mayor Kirk Caldwell respectively. Please consider joining the campaigns by contacting their headquarters to see how you can help.
All the HGEA endorsements are on our website but look for the full list in this issue and in The Public Employee.
I want to congratulate the neighbor island chapters for answering the call to hold meetings outside of your regular scheduled meetings. Maui Chapter especially had two really successful meetings and is already planning a third in Lahaina. More information will be going to members in that district. Information will be coming out in the next Ho’olaha for the Christmas parties, as well as information for the Big Island New Year’s luncheon.
Thank you for your support as I attended your June general membership meetings. It was my pleasure to meet so many of you and I look forward to more meetings in the near future.
Sincerely, Paul
A Message From Retirees PRESIDENT
PAUL MATSUO CHAPTER NEWS
KAUAISeptember 19, 2016 (Monday) - General membership meeting at the HGEA office at 9:30am. Kaiser & HMSA representatives will be available. Plus, hear from HGEA-endorsed candidates!
October 10, 2016 (Monday) - Movie Day at the HGEA office at 9:00am. Movie to be announced.
December 8, 2016 (Thursday) - Christmas party at the Courtyard Marriott.
MAUIAugust 17, 2016 (Wednesday) - Movie Day (“Inside Man”) at the HGEA office at 9:00am.
September 20, 2016 (Tuesday) - General membership meeting at the UPW Hall at 9:00am. Kaiser & HMSA representatives will be available. Plus, hear from HGEA-endorsed candidates! There will also be a special drawing for a rice cooker!
October 24, 2016 (Monday) - Outreach at the Lahaina Civic Center from 9:00am - 1:00pm.
November 16, 2016 (Wednesday) - Movie Day (“Bucket List”) at the HGEA office at 9:00am.
December 2, 2016 (Friday) - Christmas party at Tante’s restaurant.
This year we have an opportunity to elect another Democrat President and to take Congress back by electing Democrats. Retirees need to become involved by voting Democratic nationally. With this objective,
BIG ISLANDSeptember 21, 2016 (Wednesday) - General membership meeting at the HGEA office at 9:30am. Kaiser & HMSA representatives will be available. Plus, hear from HGEA-endorsed candidates!
January 2017 - New Year’s party.
OAHUWith the passing of Treasurer Sam Yong, John Wadahara was sworn in as the new treasurer at the June general membership meeting. Chapter Director Ava Kridler was sworn in at the March meeting. Line dancing will resume at the HGEA office on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday.
September 17, 2016 (Saturday) - AFL-CIO Annual Foodbank Hunger Walk from 8:00am - 11:30am. Please sign up through the HGEA eBulletin.
September 22, 2016 (Thursday) - General membership meeting at the HGEA office at 9:00am. Please RSVP to Tammy at 543-0054.
October 1 & 2, 2016 (Saturday & Sunday) - Children and Youth Day. Volunteers are needed for the food booth.
October 5, 2016 (Wednesday) - Special Halloween Obake Movie Day at the HGEA office at 9:00am.
October 13, 2016 (Thursday) - Windward District Outreach. Information will be mailed.
November 16, 2016 (Thursday) - Movie Day.
December 14, 2016 (Wednesday) - Christmas party at the Japanese Cultural Center.
Come join fellow retiree members for another island venture, as we tour the beautiful and regal ‘Iolani Palace. We will also visit Hawaii’s first printing press in the Hawaiian language at the Hawaiian Mission House, home of the largest collection of Hawaiian language books in the world. This Honolulu excursion will be on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. Seats are limited, so please call Tammy at 543-0054 to register by August 15, 2016.
TRAVEL OAHU october 19, 2016
Kauai Relay for Life 2016 - Wally Sonoda, former Unit 4 Chair.
Maui members at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2016 .
Wally Sonoda, former Unit 4 Chair, in the golf cart at the Kauai American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Retirees Unit officers at the HGEA General Assembly (Betty Matsumura, Ruth Walker, Aileen Obina and Ethel Fleming).
Helpful reminders for retirees• Effective May 1, 2016, CVS Health converted the four Target pharmacies in Hawaii to Longs Pharmacies.• Every January the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement is reset to the standard amount, which is 121.80 if you become eligible in 2016. If you were collecting Social Security in 2015 than you will continue to pay the standard amount of $104.90. If you pay a higher income-related Medicare Part B premium, EUTF will reimburse you the additional premium. However, you must submit to the EUTF a copy of the letter from Social Security Administration (SSA) showing your income-related premium (EUTF does not reimburse the penalties). EUTF reimburses you quarterly for the cost of your Medicare Part B plan.• If you are retired and turning 65 years old or your dependent is turning 65 years old, you and your Medicare eligible dependent must enroll in Medicare Part B to be enrolled in the EUTF retiree medical and/or prescription drug plans. To enroll in Medicare Part B contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. You are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B if you are only enrolled in the retiree dental, vision and/or life insurance plans.• As a reminder, enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan is limited to one Medicare plan only and is regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). If you enroll into a non-EUTF Medicare prescription drug plan CMS automatically disenrolls you from the EUTF Medicare prescription drug plan and you will not be eligible to re-enroll in the EUTF plan until the next open enrollment period held in the fall of every year.• Please be sure EUTF has your current address and phone number.
If you are a Medicare retiree looking for a doctor who takes Medicare patients• Visit https://www.medicare.gov/physiciancompare to find a doctor in your area. Make sure the doctor you select is in the HMSA or United Healthcare (UHC) network.• All Kaiser Permanente doctors welcome Medicare members.
There are a number of ways to save money on your prescription drug cost.• Mail order is a cost efficient and convenient way to get your maintenance drugs.• Ask your prescription doctor if you can take a higher prescription dose of the same drug less often.
If you have any questions regarding the contents of this article, please contact the EUTF directly at 586-7390 or toll-free at 1-800-295-0089 or email at [email protected]. You can also visit their website for more information at www.eutf.hawaii.gov.
Following in the footsteps of our forbearers, the Hawaii Chapter retirees Hoe Hana Brigade ventured to the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve, over 66 miles towards Kona, to volunteer with the Martin Luther King Day’s work project sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
We reluctantly rolled out of our warm and comfortable beds to face the cold 60-63 degree Hilo morning and started out at 5:45 am. But unlike the noisy open air trucks that smelled of oil and gasoline that picked up plantation workers ages ago, we were picked up in a luxurious comfortable heated truck driven by Elsie Iida. Our work apparel of long sleeves, long pants and gloves not only protected us from thorns and the sharp slivers of cane leaves, but also from the dreaded dengue mosquitoes.
At Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve, we worked to weed (our skill level), while other volunteers weed-wacked, watered, prepared trail, and performed other tasks to maintain the forest reserve grounds.
We endured heat hovering around 86 degrees (but felt like 100 degrees) in the dry forest reserve grounds, but we survived. We ended the day tired and hot, but rode home in comfort in our air-conditioned truck, so no one complained about sore muscles and strained backs. We all were in total agreement that as soon as we got home, we would jump into a hot shower and take a nap!
(Photo on front page of Ho`olaha.)
Hawaii Chapter HOE HANA BRIGADE by ruth walker
H E L P F U L R E M I N D E R S F O R R E T I R E E S• Effective May 1, 2016, CVS Health converted the four Target pharmacies in Hawaii to Longs Pharmacies.• Every January the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement is reset to the standard amount, which is 121.80 if you become eligible in 2016. If you were collecting Social Security in 2015, then you will continue to pay the standard amount of $104.90. If you pay a higher income-related Medicare Part B premium, EUTF will reimburse you the additional premium. However, you must submit to the EUTF a copy of the letter from Social Security Administration (SSA) showing your income-related premium (EUTF does not reimburse the penalties). EUTF reimburses you quarterly for the cost of your Medicare Part B plan.• If you are retired and turning 65 years old or your dependent is turning 65 years old, you and your Medicare eligible dependent must enroll in Medicare Part B to be enrolled in the EUTF retiree medical and/or prescription drug plans. To enroll in Medicare Part B contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. You are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B if you are only enrolled in the retiree dental, vision and/or life insurance plans.• As a reminder, enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan is limited to one Medicare plan only and is regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). If you enroll into a non-EUTF Medicare prescription drug plan, CMS automatically disenrolls you from the EUTF Medicare prescription drug plan and you will not be eligible to re-enroll in the EUTF plan until the next open enrollment period held in the fall of every year.• Please be sure EUTF has your current address and phone number.
If you are a Medicare retiree looking for a doctor who takes Medicare patients• Visit https://www.medicare.gov/physiciancompare to find a doctor in your area. Make sure the doctor you select is in the HMSA or United Healthcare (UHC) network.• All Kaiser Permanente doctors welcome Medicare members.
There are a number of ways to save money on your prescription drug cost.• Mail order is a cost efficient and convenient way to get your maintenance drugs.• Ask your prescription doctor if you can take a higher prescription dose of the same drug less often.
If you have any questions regarding the contents of this article, please contact the EUTF directly at 586-7390 or toll-free at 1-800-295-0089 or email at [email protected]. You can also visit their website for more information at www.eutf.hawaii.gov.
Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF)
Kauai members Mike and Pat Layosa at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Hanapepe.
Hawaii Chapter retirees at the West Hawaii Picnic.
Rummage sale to benefit the Maui American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2016 .
U.S. SENATEBrian Schatz
STATE SENATEDistrict 1
Kaiali‘i KaheleDistrict 2
Russell Ruderman
STATE HOUSEDistrict 1
Mark NakashimaDistrict 2
Clift TsujiDistrict 3
Richard OnishiDistrict 4
Joy San BuenaventuraDistrict 5
Richard Creagan
STATE SENATEDistrict 5
No Action Taken
STATE HOUSEDistrict 8
Joe SoukiDistrict 9
Justin WoodsonDistrict 10
No Action Taken
STATE SENATEDistrict 9
Stanley ChangDistrict 10
Les IharaDistrict 11
Brian TaniguchiDistrict 13
Karl RhoadsDistrict 14
Donna Mercado KimDistrict 15
No Action TakenDistrict 19
Will EsperoDistrict 20
No Action TakenDistrict 22
Donovan Dela CruzDistrict 25
Laura Thielen
STATE HOUSEDistrict 17
OpenDistrict 18
Mark HashemDistrict 19
Bert KobayashiDistrict 20
Open
STATE SENATEDistrict 8
Ron Kouchi
STATE HOUSEDistrict 14
Nadine Nakamura
2016 Primary ElectionYour HGEA-ENDORSED candidates
HGEA has endorsed a full slate of candidates for the 2016 Primary Election to be held on August 13, 2016. These candidates have been interviewed and screened by HGEA members who make up the Island and State Political Action Committees. A rigorous and time-consuming process was conducted with candidates seeking HGEA’s endorsement.
“Our endorsed candidates understand the issues that are important to working people, their families and our communities,” said State Political Action Committee Chair Jon Gasper.
For more details on candidates, please visit our election website:
REMEMBER: For the Primary Election, you may only vote for candidates in the same party.
(Note: “No action taken” means candidates did not contact HGEA for endorsement consideration in a timely manner or at all. An “open” endorsement means the union does not endorse a candidate.)
U.S. REPRESENTATIVECONGRESSIONAL
DISTRICT 1
Colleen Hanabusa
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CONGRESSIONAL
DISTRICT 2
Tulsi Gabbard
H A W A I IDistrict 6
Nicole LowenDistrict 7
David Tarnas
HAWAII COUNTY MAYORHarry Kim
HAWAII COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYMitch Roth
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCILDistrict 1
Valerie Poindexter
District 2
Aaron ChungDistrict 3
Moana Keli‘iDistrict 4
Eileen O’HaraDistrict 5
Danny PalekaDistrict 6
Maile DavidDistrict 7
Dru KanuhaDistrict 8
Karen EoffDistrict 9
Herbert Richards
www.hgea.org/elections2016
Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu
OpenUpcountry
OpenSouth Maui
Don CouchMakawao-Haiku-Paia
No Action Taken
kauai COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYJustin Kollar
kauai COUNTY COUNCILArthur Brun
District 21
Scott NishimotoDistrict 22
Tom BrowerDistrict 23
Isaac ChoyDistrict 24
Della Au BelattiDistrict 25
Sylvia Luke District 26
Scott SaikiDistrict 27
Takashi OhnoDistrict 28
John MizunoDistrict 29
Valerie Belen DionneDistrict 30
OpenDistrict 31
Aaron JohansonDistrict 32
Linda IchiyamaDistrict 33
OpenDistrict 34
OpenDistrict 35
Roy TakumiDistrict 36
Open
District 37
Ryan YamaneDistrict 38
Henry AquinoDistrict 39
Ty CullenDistrict 40
Randy GonceDistrict 41
Matthew LoPrestiDistrict 42
OpenDistrict 43
Stacelynn EliDistrict 44
Jo JordanDistrict 45
OpenDistrict 46
No Action TakenDistrict 47
OpenDistrict 48
Jarrett KeohokaloleDistrict 49
Ken ItoDistrict 50
OpenDistrict 51
Chris Lee
HONOLULU MAYORKirk Caldwell
HONOLULU PROSECUTING ATTORNEYKeith Kaneshiro
HONOLULU CITY COUNCILDistrict 1
Kymberly PineDistrict 3
Ikaika AndersonDistrict 5
No Action TakenDistrict 7
Joey ManahanDistrict 9
Ron Menor
M A U IDistrict 11
OpenDistrict 12
OpenDistrict 13
Alex Haller
maui COUNTY COUNCIL(Note: Endorsements were made for council seats in the primary election only.)
K A U A IDistrict 15
Tommy Oi District 16
Daynette “Dee” Morikawa
Mason ChockGary HooserRoss KagawaArryl Kaneshiro Derek KawakamiKipuKai Kuali‘iMel Rapozo
O A H U
PRIMARY ELECTIONAugust 13, 2016
Early Walk-In VotingOctober 25 through November 5, 2016
GENERAL ELECTION November 8, 2016
importantdates