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Kokua Line June Watanabe |
State handles workers’
comp abuse reportsQuestion: How can I report someone who is getting workers' compensation and who I think is defrauding the state or whoever? Whom do I call?
Answer: You can call the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Disability Compensation Division at 586-9151.
If you are not connected to the person allegedly committing the fraud, such as being a neighbor or co-worker, you can call the above number with details, said department spokesman James Hardaway.
If that person "is in our system," the department will forward the information to the appropriate insurance carrier. However, be warned that you cannot remain anonymous, otherwise "it would open up the system to abuse," Hardaway said.
If you are an employer who suspects fraud on the part of an employee or an employee on workers' comp alleging fraud on the part of an employer, you can seek an "administrative remedy" by filing a complaint through the Labor Department.
The department would "do an investigation, allow both sides to submit a position paper, hold an administrative hearing and then make a determination," Hardaway said.
The complainant can also seek a criminal remedy, in which case, he or she would have to go to the state Attorney General's Office, he said.
The attorney general would decide whether it was a misdemeanor case, involving less than $2,000, or a Class C felony, involving more than $2,000, he said.
More on street markings
In the June 18 Kokua Line, someone asked whether it was possible for the city to paint parking stall lines on Coolidge Street. He said that because some people park inconsiderately, only two cars might be able to park in an area where three vehicles might fit.
He noted getting ticketed three times for parking too close to a driveway. (Under the Honolulu Traffic Code, you are not supposed to park "in front of a public or private driveway or within four feet of either side of a public or private driveway.")
The city Department of Transportation Services said it would "assess and evaluate" Coolidge Street to see whether such markings might be warranted.
In a follow-up, the Department of Transportation Services said it would give the request further consideration if "a strong majority," specifically, at least 90 percent, of the affected property owners/residents on both sides of the street are in favor of marked stalls and if the McCully/Moiliili Neighborhood Board supports the proposal.
So it is up to the requester to drum up support. Survey forms are available at the department. Call 527-5049.
But beware of what you seek.
According to Transportation Director Cheryl Soon, putting in marked stalls generally results in about one-third fewer vehicles that can legally park on the roadway. That's because various-sized vehicles have to be accommodated in the standard parking design.
"Based on past experiences, in areas where there is a demand for on-street parking, residents do not favor the installation of marked stalls once they become aware of this impact," Soon said.
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See the Columnists section for some past articles.
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