by Gregory Field and Desi Poteet
Deadline for Breach of Trust Claims against DHHL
August 31, 1995 is the deadline for Native Hawaiians to file a claim against the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for a breach of trust that occurred between August 21, 1959 and June 30, 1988. Persons eligible to file a claim are those beneficiaries eligible to receive benefits of homesteading and related programs from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This includes current homesteaders, and those on the waiting list. Also eligible to file a claim are those eligible beneficiaries who tried to apply for homesteads but whose application was rejected because they owned property, had too much income, or whose application was lost by DHHL.
The children of deceased parents who would have been eligible to file a claim may also be eligible to file a claim on behalf of their parents. A definitive ruling has not been made on this circumstance, but a person who was named as a successor by a parent that has since deceased has a strong claim.
Claims must be for actual damages or direct out of pocket loss suffered as a result of the breach of trust. The damages must have been caused by an act of omission of an employee of the state in the management and disposition of trust resources. The breach of trust must have occurred between Statehood and June 30, 1988. Persons wishing to file claims for breaches of trust that occurred after that date may bring suit immediately in the state Circuit Court.
Claims are filed with the Hawaiian Claims Office of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. There is no charge to file a claim. The Hawaiian Claims Office can help arrange free legal assistance for those who cannot afford legal representation. To file a claim call the Hawaiian Claims Office at 586-2826 (Neighbor Islands can call 1-800-481-0800).
PREP for College
The University of Hawai'i is looking for candidates for the a PREP program. PREP is the Pre-Freshman Enrichment Program that accepts twenty students graduating from sixth gade from four school districts: Waimanalo, Kalihi, Nanakuli and Waipahu. The twenty students attend three annual special summer enrichment programs designed to strengthen their abilities, improve self-esteem, and encourage aspirations for higher education. The program is currently graduating its second class of seniors May 12 and has been successful in supporting these students through their intermediate and high school years. The deadline for sixth graders to apply is April 28. Contact the counselors at Pope School or Waimanalo School for more information.
Quest Open Enrollment
Quest members who wish to change their medical or dental plan must do so during the Open Enrollment Period from May 1 to May 15. The State has mailed out personalized enrollment packages to all members. The packet includes:
* a brochure of all the medical and dental plan options.
* a personalized change form with the member's name and ID number.
* a self addressed stamped return envelope.
The personalized form must be used to change plans. Blank forms are not available at Community Health Centers. If a member loses their copy they must contact the state at 587-3500.
Members will have the option to change to AlohaCare, HMSA, or Queen's for medical and HMSA or Denticare for dental. Members who do not wish to change their medical or dental plans do not need to do anything.
Water Main in Farm Lots
The Board of Water Supply is currently accepting bids for the installation of a 12 inch water main in the farm lot area. The water main will extend from Hihimanu Street and Kakaina Street, up Kakaina Street to Kulukanu Street, up Kulukanu Street to Waikupunaha Street. The area is now served by a four inch water line, and an 8 inch irrigation (non-potable) water line. The larger water line will provide additional fire protection for the area.
Taro for the People
Affordable taro is being made available and distributed directly to the people in Waimanalo by Pu'uhonua o Waimanalo, the Nation of Hawaii. Weekly shipments from Maui will come in on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Taro will be available in bulk or family size quantities. For information contact Amy or Gina at 259-5049 or 259 7152.
Civilian Military Council
The Waimanalo Civilian Military Council is updating its membership list. Those who are currently members and those who would like to be should contact Rosemary Ho at 239-5754 or Dorothy Babineau at 261-0493. The council meets every third Thursday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 am at the Reservations Building at Bellows AFS.