Maui Veteran Among Those to Benefit from Federal Services

Mazie Hirono. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

A Maui Vietnam War veteran and a Maui widow are among the constituents in Hawai’i that received assistance through a variety of federal programs in the first six months of 2012.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said an estimated $1.1 million was distributed to Hawai’i residents for: veterans, education, or employment benefits; Social Security or Medicare payments; and mortgage modifications.

“These are incredibly tough times and we’re doing everything we can to help with the challenges folks are facing – from making sure our veterans get the benefits they’re rightly due to helping people stay in their homes,” said Congresswoman Hirono in a statement.

“My hope is that these families’ successes encourage others to contact us for help. You’re not alone – we’re here to help,” she said.

In the case of the Maui veteran, Hirono said the individual contacted her office for help when he was diagnosed with a severe service-related disease that left him unable to work.  As a result, she said, the veteran was able to receive the full benefits he deserved.

Sharon Dahl of Maui, a widow of a Vietnam War veteran, was also among those who sought help when her application for benefits was misplaced.  The oversight was successfully remedied and benefits restored.

Statewide, the Hirono said efforts this year have helped constituents receive a total of $1,151,761 including: $376, 652 in Veteran Benefits; $269,356 in Social Security; $255,703 in Housing; $97,620 in Employment; $86,800 in Medicare; $33,150 in Unemployment; and $32,480 in Education.

Hirono said anyone needing a hand with a federal agency is encouraged to email her at the following website: www.hirono.house.gov.; or, contact a District Office by calling one of the following numbers: Oahu – 541-1986, Hawaii Island – 935-3756, Kauai & Niihau – 245-1951, Lanai – 565-7199, Maui – 242-1818, or Molokai – 552-0160.