Hawaiʻi AG defends state’s Medicaid fraud enforcement record
Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General rejects recent claims that the state “isn’t taking Medicaid fraud seriously,” calling claims by Vice President J.D. Vance false and unsupported.
The department’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit secured or helped secure judgments, settlements and recoveries in 25 cases, totaling more than $14 million since 2021. It also filed criminal charges earlier this year against two people, one who already pleaded no contest as charged.
“Political attacks do not change the facts,” said Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez in a release, adding that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit also is actively working with the federal and state governments to strengthen investigations and prosecutions. “Hawaiʻi has not ignored Medicaid fraud. … We welcome accountability, but we will not allow the work of this unit to be mischaracterized as doing nothing.”
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New Honolulu-Burbank summer service strengthens Alaska, Hawaiian airlines network
A new seasonal nonstop service between Burbank, Calif., and Honolulu adds one more option to the already expansive California-Hawaiʻi network offered by Alaska and Hawaiian airlines, which are expected to operate nearly 23,000 flights this year connecting the islands with the West Coast.
The new Burbank flights — operated through Aug. 18 with a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft — give kamaʻāina and visitors alike another convenient option for travel between the Aloha State and Los Angeles region and beyond, as well as meet strong demand for summer travel to the islands.
“Together, we are able to offer guests traveling between California and Hawai‘i the most seats, flights and destinations, providing unmatched access, flexibility and choice,” said Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Vice President of Global Sales and California Commercial Performance Neil Thwaites in an announcement about the new summer service.
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Servco Pacific honored as US Best Managed Company for 7th consecutive year
Servco Pacific was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company Platinum Honoree. This is the firm’s seventh consecutive year claiming Best Managed Company honors, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal as a way to recognize outstanding private companies.
“This milestone reflects the dedication, resilience and shared purpose of our entire team, as well as the trust of our customers and partners,” said Servco Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Dames in an announcement about the honor. “As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to strengthening our culture, investing in our people and pursuing innovation that creates an even better future for the communities we serve.”
The 2026 designees demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, commitment to their people as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Servco’s distinction of being a Platinum Honoree further reflects its consistent achievement and long-term commitment to ongoing development and growth.
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Hele stations raise nearly $33K during 3rd annual ‘Fuel the Future’ fundraiser
Hawaiʻi teachers have the opportunity to implement new, innovative programs to augment what students learn in the classroom in part because of the generosity of Hele customers throughout the islands.
Par Hawaiʻi’s Hele stores hosted their third annual “Fuel the Future” monthlong fundraiser throughout February, raising a new record of $33,000 earmarked for the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation’s signature Good Idea Grants program.
“We want to express our sincere mahalo to Par Hawaiʻi, Hele and the community for their ongoing support of the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation,” said Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation Executive Director Ken Hiraki in an announcement about this year’s campaign. “Good Idea Grants are having a positive impact for both teachers and students in the Hawai‘i Department of Education.”
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Name, image and likeness bill nixed on final day of 2026 Hawai‘i Legislative Session
Hawai‘i state senators rejected on the final day of the 2026 state legislative session a measure that sought to establish a framework for a state-mandated name, image and likeness endowment fund for University of Hawai‘i athletics.
Senate Bill 3263 died May 8 on the Hawai‘i Senate floor, failing to pass a final reading by a vote of 12-11. It passed in Hawai‘i House of Representatives the same day; however, even those state representatives who approved the measure voted yes with reservations.
The bill would have also required Hawai‘i Legislature to foot $2.5 million for compensation and retention of University of Hawai‘i student-athletes. That was a major sticking points for senators — using public taxpayer money for the university’s athletics.
