The Social Security Administration ended its monthly visits to Kona again this week, but a spokeswoman for the Honolulu office said West Hawaii residents may have another option in the future.
“We’re trying to work with Sen. (Mazie) Hirono’s office to set up video service delivery,” spokeswoman Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay said. “It’s as if there’s a Social Security representative there.”
She said the administration has equipment that can also be available to verify the documents someone brings are original ones.
“Hirono’s office has been really eager to help us,” Yamamoto-Burigsay said.
Hirono, in a written statement Thursday morning, confirmed she is working with the Social Security Administration.
“Without the budget to have a permanent presence in Kona, the Social Security Administration has turned to technology to increase the services to the Kona community and this is what I am currently working on with the Social Security Administration, the County and volunteer groups,” Hirono said. “Together with Hawaii County and the Social Security Administration, we are committed to finding a long-term solution and I remain hopeful that we will be able to make an announcement soon.”
Yamamoto-Burigsay said the administration, because of budget cuts, has also had to cut back hours in its Hilo office. The office now closes at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings, and 2:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It opens daily at 8:30 a.m.
“There is no overtime,” she said. “The employees are still in the office. That gives the employees time to complete the paperwork.”
Last year, West Hawaii residents began complaining to West Hawaii Today about long waits during the once-a-month visits, most recently held at the West Hawaii Civic Center, in which 150 people or more would line up and wait to see a Social Security employee in person. Many West Hawaii residents, particularly senior citizens and people who work with people with disabilities, said going to Hilo for the services, or attempting to apply for benefits or documents online, weren’t viable options.
Hirono and the late Sen. Daniel Inouye both expressed surprise last year when they learned about the Social Security situation.
