Newswatch
The plan - which doesn't yet have a timetable - calls for the closure of the departments of biochemistry and biophysics, anatomy and reproductive biology, tropical medicine and medical microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, and genetics.
Dr. Marian E. Melish, a pediatrics professor and chairwoman of the medical school faculty senate, said the reorganization would combine research in several disciplines. She also said many of the departments - shrunk the last few years by retirements, hiring freezes and budget constraints - may not be as effective as they could be if combined.
The first draft of the plan was circulated on April 22, with faculty voting in favor of reorganization at a general meeting on May 3.
Seniors, for example, will receive more drug coverage at no extra cost, and, under another new plan being offered, some members would be allowed to receive medical treatment from non-Kaiser doctors.
Additional services include same-day access to primary care, mainland coverage for urgent care, integrated workers compensation and planned new primary care clinics for Kapolei and Kihei, Maui.
In announcing the stay on premium rates for the second straight year, effective Jan. 1, Kaiser's health plan manager Nolan Namba said: "The state's economy is still sluggish and it impacts all of us. Kaiser understands that we must do our part to contain costs for everyone - employers and employees."
By Star-Bulletin staff
Marvin Jay Bergdahl, also known as Marvin Ching, allegedly started a fire May 9 at 95-162 Waimakua Drive that caused an estimated $220,000 damage.
Bergdahl, who was dancing and chanting on the front lawn, was taken to Castle Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. He was charged yesterday with first-degree criminal property damage. His bail is $20,000.
Police said Bergdahl apparently started the blaze after he had been asked to leave the home, where he had been staying with a hanai brother.
The brother, at home when the fire broke out at 11:30 p.m., managed to escape.
The man, who has 42 previous arrests, was thrown from the motorcycle. He is in critical condition in Queen's Hospital.
The van was leaving the shopping center at about 3:50 p.m. when hit by the motorcycle on Keolu Drive.