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Abercrombie’s
military health-care
proposal loses

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie urged fellow representatives to improve the military health-care system for active-duty personnel, their families and military retirees in Hawaii and around the world.

But the isle Democrat's bill was voted down along party lines by the House, where Republicans outnumber Democrats.

"If we're going to recruit and retain the men and women we send in harm's way, they and their families need to know that they will receive quality health care -- now and in their retirement years," Abercrombie said.

Abercrombie, senior Democrat on the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, introduced the military health-care plan on Feb. 15. Despite rejection of the plan, Abercrombie said he will press ahead. "Sooner or later, Congress has to face up to this obligation."

In Hawaii, there are about 47,000 active duty personnel, 65,000 military dependents and 15,000 military retirees.

The House Culture and Arts Committee has put in storage a resolution that requested the conversion of the governor's residence into a museum.

House Concurrent Resolution 200 and House Resolution 168 sought to develop a plan that would convert Washington Place into a museum dedicated to the memory and contributions of Queen Lili'uokalani.

But Chairman Rep. Mark Takai (D, Pearl City) said, "There was no support in testimony."

H.J. Bartels, director of Washington Place, said the resolution wasn't an effective tool. Bartels said an understanding of its history and funding are needed to have a successful museum.

"At present, the first family and the Washington Place staff are exploring the shared use of Washington Place as both a museum and a governor's residence," he said.

Deborah Pope, director of the Hawaii Museums Association, in submitted testimony offered support in recognizing Washington Place as a significant historical place. But Pope said the use of the house as a museum and a residence is premature.

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