Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
HONOLULU
AARP Hawai'i backs drug plan
A local AARP spokesman said many Hawai'i residents could benefit greatly from a bill now before Congress that would add a prescription drug benefit to the federal Medicare program.
Hawai'i State Director Greg Marchildon yesterday said the bill now before Congress would "provide prescription drug coverage for those who need it most — people with very low incomes and those with very high drug costs."
Formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, the 35-million member organization drew national attention this month when it endorsed the Medicare compromise.
Marchildon said the proposal would be the first expansion of the federal medical coverage since it was begun. He said he is encouraged by Gov. Linda Lingle's recent indication she will support another prescription drug program for Hawai'i that has gained support from state lawmakers.
3 hurt after bus hits bicycle
A man and an 8-year-old boy were injured when the bike they were riding was hit by a city bus near the intersection of Kapi'olani Boulevard and Pi'ikoi Street yesterday afternoon.
Both were reported in fair condition at The Queen's Medical Center last night. A woman on the bus was treated at the scene of the 3:15 p.m. accident.
Police temporarily closed off one lane of Pi'ikoi and one lane of Kapi'olani.
WINDWARD
Waimanalo meeting slated
Information about a new Waimanalo community center and road realignment near Olomana Golf Links will be presented at a public meeting at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Blanche Pope Elementary School.
State Rep. Tommy Waters is expected to announce the pending release of $600,000 to build a center near Hawaiian Homes subdivision and state transportation Director Rod Haraga will discuss a project to straighten the "S" curve near the golf course.
Store helps fight dumping
Residents will be able to support the Bust-A-Dumper campaign to stop illegal dumping of trash on Kapa'a Quarry Road by purchasing campaign logo items this holiday season from the Kapa'a Quarry Road Holiday Store in the Daiei Kailua parking lot from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Proceeds from the store will finance the campaign, the restoration project, educational programs and law enforcement against illegal dumpers.
