The Waimanalo Health Center board of directors has temporarily replaced the executive director after receiving allegations about misuse of state and federal funds. Health center
shakes up leadership
By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.comAccording to state Sen. Fred Hemmings, the board of directors voted Thursday night to oust Executive Director Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo after former employees submitted written statements and evidence of questionable transactions.
Hemmings, who has received information from the former employees abut the center's operations, told reporters Sunday, "My whole intent is to restore the integrity of the health center."
However, board President Peter Kama "failed to execute the wishes of the board to remove Kamakea-Ohelo from her position," Hemmings said. But the board had picked medical director Dr. Charman Akina, who temporarily replaced Kamakea-Ohelo, Kama said in a news conference yesterday to respond to Hemmings' comments.
"I'm calling for (Kama's) resignation, and barring his resignation, I'll call for the board to remove him," said Hemmings (R, Kailua-Waimanalo-Portlock).
Kama said, "None of Hemmings' allegations is correct."
Kamakea-Ohelo and Akina could not be reached for comment.
In a news conference Sunday at the health center at 41-1347 Kalanianaole Hwy., Hemmings said credit card statements showed questionable purchases made by Kamakea-Ohelo with the use of federal and state funds. Bank statements and check receipts showed Kamakea-Ohelo spent between $3,000 and $10,000 monthly on food, clothing and trips for herself and gifts for family, Hemmings said.
Hemmings said he had met with officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to discuss the alleged misuse of state and federal funds.
"I think the Waimanalo (community) should be very saddened by the fact that money that should be helping them is being used for personal gain," he said.
Moreover, Hemmings contended the executive director used poor judgment to fire certain staff members, such as a diabetes case manager, leaving some of the high-risk patients in a "health-threatening situation."
"Services for patients of the Waimanalo Health Center have never been compromised," Kama said. "There was never a lapse in health care received by any patient of the center, and arrangements were made for other personnel to fill in as needed to assure the delivery of quality health care."
Hemmings added that Kamakea-Ohelo also intimidated employees at the health center.
Because of problems with Kamakea-Ohelo, Karyn Setzer, the executive director's former assistant and human resource manager, resigned in August 2000 after working at the health center for four years.
"The way she treated the employees was the worst," Setzer said.
