Fire Department warns of telephone scam

The Hawaii Fire Department is alerting the public to a telephone scam involving solicitations for donations for the department.

“The Fire Department does not solicit money over the phone,” Chief Darren Rosario said in a press release. “In the event of such a call, residents should notify the police department on their non-emergency phone line.”

At least one resident this week received several calls from a male party soliciting money for the Hawaii Fire Department. When the resident said the calls would be reported to the Fire Department, the caller hung up.

To report suspected telephone scams, please call the police department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.

HMAA: We’ll cover Island Air health care

Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA) said this week in a press release that although Island Air did not pay its outstanding bill of more than $137,000 for its former employees’ November health insurance, health care services rendered in November will be covered for those who had HMAA coverage.

“It is with aloha and goodwill we provide health benefits to these employees and their families to the extent we can,” John Henry Felix, HMAA’s executive chairman, said. “Unfortunately under federal law, COBRA coverage cannot be offered.”

HMAA is one of Hawaii’s leading providers of health insurance benefits and has been in business for more than 25 yeras.

Island Air declared bankruptcy and ceased operations in November. A phone number listed for Island Air wouldn’t accept calls on Thursday.