U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono today supported a federal government-backed public insurance option in President Obama's health care reform plan as essential to encouraging competition with private insurers.

In a tele-town hall meeting sponsored by AARP Hawaii, the two Hawaii Democrats described the public option as a critical component of reform.
Abercrombie called the public option a work in progress and said Congress would likely settle on the details in the coming weeks.
Abercrombie and Hirono also backed an exemption in the reform plan for the state's Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974, which requires companies to provide health insurance to employees who work at least 20 hours a week.
Abercrombie and Hirono also told seniors who participated in the meeting by telephone that opponents of reform have been spreading misinformation intended to scare seniors.
One caller from Kauai scolded the pair for suggesting opponents were "liars."
Abercrombie and Hirono held town hall meetings on health care reform earlier this year but were criticized by some opponents for not sponsoring forums on the issue during the August recess.
Hirono did appear at a small gathering in Maili on Friday to discuss health care reform with residents.