Kokua Line
Kokua Line
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thyroid drug settlementQuestion: I've been trying to locate information regarding distribution of proceeds of the Synthroid class-action suit on the Internet without any luck. Could you please help me locate someone here locally who could give me this information?
Answer: You should call a toll-free number for information or to talk to one of the attorneys involved in the class-action suit, 800-853-4853. You may also write to Synthroid Marketing Litigation, P.O. Box 7090, San Rafael, CA 94912-7090, or go online at www.synthroidclaims.com.
The deadline to file a claim was March 10, 2000. A federal judge approved a proposed settlement in August 2000 in which consumers who filed claims could receive payments of $74 to $111 each. Several appeals were filed, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the settlement in August 2001. However, no payments have been made to members in the lawsuit, pending the outcome of proceedings relating to attorney's fees and costs.
The lawsuit did not question the safety or effectiveness of Synthroid products. Rather, it alleged that the manufacturer of the thyroid drug, Knoll Pharmaceuticals, inaccurately portrayed Synthroid, via advertising and various statements, as being superior.
Q: We understand there has been a new bill introduced in the Legislature regarding the state retirement system and rights of a spouse. Do you know what the bill number is? We don't know who introduced the bill.
A: We did a quick search of an online database of bills introduced this session and saw many bills dealing with the employees retirement system, but nothing specifically regarding a spouse.
You can do your own search at www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/docs.asp?press1=docs. It's a good site to check on bills introduced, passed and vetoed during the course of the session. Notices of hearings are also posted on the site.
Another resource is the legislative Public Access Room. Call 587-0478 for help.
Auwe
The state libraries recently changed to a new computer system. I asked for help, telling the employee the only computer experience I have was with their old system. She had little patience, and you could tell from her voice she was irritated. I am 71 years old. Yes, the majority of people probably know how to use a computer. But it would be nice if employees had compassion for those of us who don't. -- No NameWe showed state Librarian Virginia Lowell your complaint, and she apologized for the abruptness of the staff member.
"While libraries must continually keep up with new technology, our primary focus is to assist our patrons," she said.
She noted that the Hawaii State Library, at South King and Punchbowl streets, and some branch libraries, such as Kaimuki and Mililani, regularly offer free computer classes. Lowell encouraged patrons who need a little extra help to attend one of these sessions. Check with your local library to see if classes are being offered.
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Useful phone numbers
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com