HONOLULU (AP) — The federal government is approving technical designs for a new online health insurance marketplace Hawaii is setting up under the Obama administration’s health care reform law.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services both approved the plans on Monday.
The online marketplace is called Hawaii Health Connector.
It’s designed to provide insurance to middle-class households who currently can’t get their own. Individuals and small businesses may use the exchange to select a private health plan.
Hawaii Health Connector will start signing up customers on Oct. 1 for coverage beginning Jan. 1.
Executive Director Coral Andrews says the announcement signals the exchange has made significant progress.
HONOLULU (AP) — A private school with dwindling enrollment says it will close its doors for the next school year.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://bit.ly/12DkZNN) reports the Academy of the Pacific will close after more than 50 years.
A statement released by board Chairman Barron Guss says increased financial pressures on school families have led to a greater need for tuition assistance and the school can’t financially sustain itself.
Tuition at the campus in Alewa Heights is $17,700. The school’s website says 32 percent of families received financial assistance for the 2012-13 school year ranging from $2,000 to $13,300.
The nondenominational school offered classes in grades six through 12
Enrollment has been as high as 150. The school last year had 85 students and ended this year with 63 students.
Medical examiner confirms drowning death
HONOLULU (AP) — An autopsy has confirmed that a 49-year-old Honolulu man died last week as the result of an accidental drowning.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://bit.ly/ZHl532) reports Richard Sasaki was pulled from the water Thursday while surfing at Ala Moana Bowls
He was taken in critical condition to a hospital, where he died.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office reported the cause of death.
UH makes push for football season ticket sales
HONOLULU (AP) — University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay says season ticket sales are lagging for Rainbow Warrior football games and the school will make a push for support.
So far 16,163 season tickets have been sold, about 4,580 fewer than last year.
The Honolulu Star Advertiser (http://bit.ly/14T9Vqg) reports season ticket sales are an important part of the financial health of the school’s athletic program.
Over six years season ticket sales have accounted for about 70 percent of total football ticket revenue, and in good years, football can account for nearly one-third of the athletic department’s income.
School officials are contacting customers who so far have not renewed their seats.
The first football game is against the University of Southern California on Aug. 29 at Aloha Stadium.
