Is this what
I am paying for?
I’d like to share my experience in dealing with the State of Hawaii Unemployment Office.
I have been filing my unemployment claims since May. But, starting in July, my benefits stopped. At first I thought it had to do with the relief package that is stuck in Congress. So, I waited and continued to file my certifications.
In November, I called the unemployment call center number to make an inquiry. The agent had said because I listed myself as “self employed” my benefits were withheld. I would go to farmers markets to sell my book, hence the “self employed” listing.
I called the call center several times. I sent emails to the unemployment offices in Hilo and Kona. I’ve also sent letters. No response. I had to contact the governor to get them to respond.
On Dec. 22, around 8:30 a.m., I got a phone call from a rude adjudicator. My phone records show it came from the Kona office.
“It’s you who made the mistake! It’s you who didn’t follow instructions. It’s you…”
This woman was pointing an accusing finger at me, a taxpayer.
“We told you on June 27, not to list yourself as ‘self employed,’”
I did not get that message. I do remember someone from the Hilo office assisting me. But there was no mention of that. If there was, I had clearly forgotten.
I am a taxpayer. Is this what I am paying for?
I don’t think this woman should be fired. Times are hard. But she should know that there are others like me who have mistakenly listed themselves as “self employed.” Hope this adjudicator is prepared for the onslaught.
Jada Rufo
Kawaihae
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