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Federal judges do get
salary paid for life

Question: What does "semiretired status" really mean for the federal Judiciary? I know those people get their full salary for life, but does this classification mean they get an additional per diem when they work? If yes, where do I apply?

Answer: According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in Washington, D.C., there is no "semiretired status" for federal judges.

There is a "senior status" for federal circuit and district court judges who meet the "Rule of 80" -- which sums up the age and service requirements for a judge to retire and receive retirement compensation.

The minimum age requirement is 65, and the minimum years of service is 15.

A senior judge receives retirement compensation equal to the full salary of the judicial seat, plus any post-retirement cost-of-living adjustments.

A senior judge does not receive other periodic salary increases that Congress may authorize in addition to COLAs, unless that senior judge meets certain minimum workload requirements.

Senior judges also are entitled to continue receiving health insurance, life insurance and survivor benefits that they had while in active service.

According to the Web site for the U.S. Courts -- www. uscourts.gov/faq.html -- senior judges "essentially provide volunteer service to the courts (and) typically handle about 15 percent of the federal courts' workload annually.

To become a federal judge, you need to be nominated by the president, then confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Mahalo

To everyone who came to my assistance on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 15, after I fell and skinned and bruised my face, hands and knees while jogging in Waikiki. I would like to thank the person who stopped at the Waikiki Fire Station and informed them that I had fallen; the firefighters who came to my aid and called the Emergency Medical Services team in Wailupe; the EMS team for their care in transporting me to the Queen's Medical Center; the staff and doctors at Queen's Emergency Unit for their treatment; my daughter for being with me during the time I was in emergency; and finally, all the people who prayed for my recovery. -- Ron Choo

Mahalo

To some New Year's heroes. On the night of Jan. 1, my car stalled near the Pearl City offramp on the H-1 freeway, town-bound. An elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Yara, stopped alongside the freeway to help me out. They drove me to the nearest gas station, where I was able to get what I needed for my car, and drove me back to my car. It was a night of frequent showers, and there were probably a few drivers who had one too many beers, so walking that distance and back would've been miserable, if not perilous. Stopping along the roadside to assist me put the Yaras in danger as well. I wish to honor this generous couple for their altruism/ heroism. I will be eternally grateful for their kindness. -- Grant Mizuno

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