SMP is on patrol for health fraud

The Associated Press article “;Fraud busters on patrol”; that ran in the Star-Bulletin Dec. 31 described some of the ways that seniors are scammed and how many now are volunteering to help their peers avoid becoming victims.

It's all part of a program called Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), a program of the U.S. Administration on Aging that relies on more than 4,700 volunteers nationwide. In Hawaii, through group presentations and community fairs, our SMP volunteers educated over 7,000 Medicare beneficiaries last year about how to avoid becoming victims of health care fraud. We also intervened on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries with complicated problems, including fraud and identity theft, related to their Medicare benefits.

In Hawaii, the SMP program is based in the state Executive Office on Aging, where seniors can get information about detecting, deterring and reporting health care fraud; becoming a volunteer; or scheduling a presentation. Contact 808-586-0100, 800-296-9422 toll free or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

More is available at www.smpresource.org.

Fireworks killed my beloved dog

I wholeheartedly agree with the letter written by Stann W. Reiziss (”;City and state abet terrorism,”; Star-Bulletin, Jan. 6). The city and state are sponsors of terrorism because they continue to collect money for something that has proven to be a major health and safety threat to its citizens. Did we have to wait for children to be severely burned? Why must we feel like we are in a war zone when people are detonating bombs that shake our homes? And this was not even New Year's Eve; it was Christmas night!

Mr. Reiziss spoke about the loss of his expensive ukulele, with which we can sympathize. My collateral damage was far worse: My beloved dog, who was my best friend for 10 years, died as a result of these huge explosions. She was so traumatized by the deafening noise, she broke free and was hit by a car. Will our political leaders wait until one of their children is burned or one of their beloved pets killed before they step up and help protect and serve the public?

Enforce existing fireworks laws

I find it hard to believe that “;fireworks began in October and continued every night till New Year's,”; as stated by letter writer Darryl Lum (”;Fireworks users are terrorists,”; Star-Bulletin, Jan. 6). Nothing like that in East Honolulu; a few strays a day or so before Dec. 31. If it upsets Mr. Lum so much, why didn't he call the police and turn in his neighbors who were breaking the law? According to Honolulu police, nobody does. We don't need to ban all fireworks—just enforce existing laws. Every New Year's Eve, family, friends and neighbors enjoy setting off legal fireworks. In Washington and other states, even aerial fireworks are legal. Lawmakers take away more of our freedoms every day to appease vocal minorities.

I'd rather see a ban on ambulances wailing their sirens indiscriminately 24/7 and leaf-blowers that sound like jet aircraft. Wouldn't that be nice.

Ban advocates are just killjoys

I would like to know if state Rep. K. Mark Takai ever handled fireworks when he was young, and did he enjoy himself in the process, and did he look forward to the next New Year's Eve? If he did, why is he trying to take away the same enjoyment he had when he was young? I have never met a kid or young adult who did not enjoy fireworks. If he did not enjoy fireworks when he was young, then I am surprised.

I blow fireworks (legal) but I do not drink alcohol, which does more damage to the human body than fireworks. When I was young on Kauai, we could blow fireworks 365 days a year until some people started to complain (senior citizens, among which I am today). Now, 50 years later, they want to do away with fireworks completely. What next: fishing?

Pat Hamamoto deserves thanks

Thank you, Superintendent Hamamoto.

I know there are thousands of us who owe Superintendent Pat Hamamoto a sincere thank you for all that she has done for us in the state Department of Education. Sadly, the media talk only about the negatives that may occur, but there are many good things that she has done over the years for us. She has been inspirational for many to keep overcoming obstacles, facing challenges full force, and helping to guide the Department of Education toward future success. She once told me, “;Keep your eyes on the targets, ... doing what you know is right,”; and I believe that everyone should listen to that quote wholeheartedly. Throughout all triumphs and tribulations that she faced, she has been here for one good reason: the students.

Everyone should have health care

I am grateful to be a Medicare recipient, but I want all citizens to have peace of mind knowing they are covered, too.

Please ensure that health coverage is guaranteed in the bill that is passed by Congress. We Democrats need to stand strong on our principles.