The Chairman of the House Health Committee Rep Vesi Fautanu made a plea for another medical charter flight from Honolulu. But unlike the first flight which didn’t bring any passengers on the inbound flight, the Manu’a faipuile made an appeal elderly mothers and fathers and residents who have been stuck in Hawaii and the mainland to come home.
He said that there are over 100 people pleading to return to the territory. “This is their home.”
Fautanu pointed out that many of the stranded residents went off island for medical appointments. “They are running low on money, having to pay for their stay in Honolulu and at the same time continue to pay bills and loans in the territory.”
He said 100 people are just waiting to come home while 100 residents who were referred for medical treatment have completed their appointments and are waiting for a flight to come home.
Rep Vesi said if the Fono takes a mid-recess break he wants to hold a hearing with the Director of the Medicaid Office to explore the possibility of another medical charter,
Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen said he has seen first hand the anxiety and stress faced by local residents stranded off island and he fully supports Fautanu’s appeal.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui cautioned that while they all feel for our people who cannot come home., the advise of the medical experts must be heeded to ensure that the lives of people in the territory is not harmed.
