An Oahu man’s lawsuit against the Blood Bank of Hawaii, the American Red Cross and others alleges he became HIV-positive from a blood transfusion during heart bypass surgery in 2011.
In 2013, the man tested positive for HIV with AIDS, the lawsuit said. The blood bank and Red Cross provided blood-transfusion products to hospitals in Hawaii, including the one where he underwent surgery, the lawsuit said. Other unidentified corporations and agencies are defendants.
The defendants “failed, neglected, and/or refused to conduct a full and complete screening and testing of the blood that was transfused into” the man, according to the lawsuit, which was first filed in state court last year but was transferred to federal court this week at the Red Cross’ request.
A hearing is scheduled for March 31.
American Red Cross spokeswoman Kara Lusk Dudley said in a statement that their investigation has found that the claims against the organization have no merit.
Attorneys will fully investigate the allegations, the Blood Bank of Hawaii said in a statement.
“Safety of the blood supply is paramount and we work diligently each day toward zero-risk for all patients in need of blood,” the statement said.
Hanauma Bay closed after jellyfish stings
Lifeguards reported 88 jellyfish stings at Hanauma Bay on Wednesday morning, including those to a female who was taken to the hospital by ambulance in stable condition.
The city closed the Hanauma Bay beach at about 10:30 a.m. because of the jellyfish influx.
An assessment will be done to see whether the beach can be reopened today. The visitor center, parking lot and upper lookout remained open to the public.
Lifeguards reported that 31 people reported jellyfish stings Tuesday in Waikiki . They counted more than 1,000 jellyfish at Ala Moana and Waikiki beaches.
