Snorkeler is revived, brought to hospital
A 35-year-old Korean visitor was rescued after becoming unconscious Thursday at Hanauma Bay.
Ocean Safety officials said the man was snorkeling in about 10 feet of water and was rescued about 100 yards offshore at about 12:45 p.m. Lifeguards brought him to shore on a paddleboard and provided medical assistance, and he regained consciousness.
Emergency Medical Services paramedics continued treatment and took him in serious condition to a hospital.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hilo physician didn’t commit fraud, state says
The state Department of Human Services has determined a Hilo obstetrician did not commit fraud after he was accused of overbilling Medicaid by $1.2 million.
Dr. Frederick Nitta was accused of overbilling Medicaid for drug tests he conducted on his patients. In September the Human Services Department’s Med-QUEST Division suspended payments to him while they conducted an investigation on the alleged overbilling.
According to a decision issued Wednesday, hearing officer Lane Ishida described the overpayment as a "good faith mistake" due to confusion and misunderstanding over complex billing codes.
Ishida said the payment suspension will be overturned.
Last month Nitta’s friends, patients and colleagues held signs showing support for him on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
Nitta’s attorney, Eric Seitz, said it was just a mistake that occurred over a period of about four years. Seitz said the payments should not have been suspended, noting the matter caused enormous hardship to Nitta.
Nitta owes money to Medicaid, Seitz said, and the state and Nitta will work out a payment plan.
Man charged with car theft
A Hawaii island man was charged Wednesday by police with second-degree car theft.
Blaine L.K. Farris, 33, of Honomu has been accused of stealing a car in the Ainaloa subdivision, according to a report issued by Hawaii County police.
Police said the theft took place sometime between Sept. 15 and 20.
The car was recovered Nov. 20.
