Realtors reminded to renew
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is encouraging Hawaii's almost 19,000 real estate professionals to renew their licenses online at pvl.ehawaii.gov/renewals before the Dec. 31 Web deadline.
By law, real estate professionals are required to renew their licenses every two years in order to conduct business legally. During the last renewal cycle in 2010, about 97 percent of Hawaii licensees renewed online, according to a DCCA news release.
Current license holders should have received renewal notice postcards with more detailed online instructions. Online applications also are available at hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/real/. Maui Realtors may also call 984-2400, then dial 63000# for more information.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration created the online application process to help streamline the process and cut down on waste, according to the news release.
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Queen's files Kaiser lawsuit
HONOLULU - Queen's Medical Center is suing Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. alleging that it has been underpaid for care given to members of the health maintenance organization.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser says the medical center filed a lawsuit in federal court this month suing Kaiser for more than $4 million.
Kaiser has an arrangement with the medical center by which Kaiser members can go to Queen's for services not available at Kaiser. The medical center says Kaiser has been paying a discounted rate for its members and wants Kaiser to make up the difference. Queen's also is asking that Kaiser pay unspecified punitive damages.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Vice President Sharon Thomson says the company values its relationship with Queens.
