Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai‘i, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced recently that the VA regional office in Honolulu has agreed to provide face-to-face benefits information and claims assistance for Neighbor Island veterans and their families in monthly
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai‘i, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced recently that the VA regional office in Honolulu has agreed to provide face-to-face benefits information and claims assistance for Neighbor Island veterans and their families in monthly field visits to Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island, and quarterly visits to Moloka‘i.
The VA took action as a result of a letter from Akaka to VA Under Secretary for Benefits Daniel Cooper.
Akaka expressed his concern that Neighbor Island visits had been curtailed, asked for an explanation, and encouraged Cooper to reinstate the visits.
“These field visits will allow Neighbor Island veterans who cannot travel to O‘ahu for physical or financial reasons an opportunity to get the face-to-face assistance in obtaining benefits and services they need and deserve,” Akaka said, according to a press release. “I commend Under Secretary Cooper for taking action to provide personal access to veterans on those islands.”
Veterans are encouraged to make appointments for assistance during the monthly, or quarterly, VA visit to their island.
The VA will be on Kaua‘i the third Wednesday of every month. Call 246-1163 for more information. Appointments will be at the VA offices in Lihu‘e at 3-3367 Kuhio Highway, Suite 101.
