It’s time for a new Maui police chief
When I read the Lahaina fire recommendation report, it made my blood boil, and I felt extreme dismay and consternation.
In this report, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier stated, “If you think you can do better, MPD is hiring,” which is a very arrogant and condescending remark to say to the people of Maui.
Bottom line is that mistakes and flaws were made by the police (as well as other emergency agencies) under Chief Pelletier’s watch, and this report made many recommendations for changing the Maui police procedures and the way they respond to disasters.
Change is good and normally comes from the top. A classic example is when former Maui Civil Defense head Herman Andaya was asked if he would have activated the warning sirens given a second chance. His answer was still “no.”
What happened next is that Andaya abruptly retired, citing health reasons (go figure).
Normally, when there are major screw-ups, the accountability and changes start with the top department heads. I feel that Chief Pelletier should do the Maui citizens a favor and follow Andaya’s foot steps.
Anyone interested in becoming the next Maui police chief? Hopefully, this position will be open very shortly!
Prentiss Moreno
Hilo
Negative experience dealing with HMSA
After reading the Feb. 7 article in the Tribune-Herald regarding HMSA (“Kona Judge calls HMSA contracts ‘unconscionable’”), I have to voice my opinion on HMSA.
I have worked for the County of Hawaii for 30 plus years and recently retired. During my time working for the county, my monthly payments to HMSA were anywhere between $400 from when I first started, up to over $1,000-plus a month (family plan) by the time I retired in 2022.
I recently flew to Oahu for a doctor’s visit in December 2023. Upon my return, I submitted documents to HMSA for travel reimbursement, of which they pay only $100 no matter the cost of your trip.
My doctor also signed the appropriate documents necessary and submitted it to HMSA. I submitted proof of flight itinerary and my return flight ticket (I lost the ticket from Hilo to Oahu).
Despite sending the said documents (minus the flight from Hilo to Oahu ticket), HMSA informed me that I don’t have enough proof I was at my doctor’s visit, although he sent documentation to show I was there.
My entire trip costed over $200 dollars. HMSA refuses to give me a measly $100 for travel expense. Perhaps they need my $100 to pay HMSA’s CEO, who makes well over $800,000 yearly with additional bonuses, which is reported as being over a million dollars a year.
HMSA is supposed to be there to help us health-wise, but instead they take all our money to fill their pockets.
Vern Ferreira
Hilo