Regarding Hawaii Medical Service Association’s pre-authorization policy (“Critical tests are being delayed, some doctors say,” Star-Advertiser, April 27), doctors do not benefit financially from the vast majority of imaging tests ordered.

HMSA should have tried to understand the reasons for inappropriate testing before imposing across-the-board pre-authorizations. Doctors face escalat- ing administrative demands on their time, including pre-authorizations as well as documentation required for new payment models and coding systems. These crushing administrative demands are often the real reason for inappropriate tests and referrals to specialists and emergency rooms.

The solution requires that doctors have time with patients to do a thorough assessment and evaluate diagnostic possibili- ties. HMSA’s new payment models rob physicians of time with patients needed to assure appropriate care, and they use this to justify even more administrative burdens in a vicious cycle.

Stephen Kemble

Makiki Heights

Hawaii a haven for bad doctors

Recently, Hawaii was rated among the worst in the nation for failing to keep consumers informed about bad doctors (“Senate OKs doctor discipline bill,” Star-Advertiser, April 17). Finally, Gov. David Ige has the doctor discipline bill awaiting his signature.

Many medical professionals have found Hawaii to be a safe haven to relocate when they have been sanctioned for medical misconduct or malpractice in other states.

These physicians are allowed to practice here without current board certification or federal Drug Enforcement Administration authorization.

This puts the safety of our entire statewide health care system at risk.

Supporters of Senate Bill 2675 should call Ige’s office at 586-0034 today. The life they save just might be their own.

Karyn Herrmann

Hahaione Valley

Park walkway seems to be fine

As director of the city department that oversees this project, I have recently walked the entire length of the newly reconstructed walking path at Magic Island. Even after a rain, I found no cracks, potholes or ponding of water as indicated by Wally Fukunaga (“Improve work at Ala Moana park,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 27). It is a much-needed, quality improvement to the park.

Now, it is true that other walking paths in the park still have such conditions, but we will be rebuilding and improving them as well, as we continue with our Ala Moana Beach Park initiative.

Robert J. Kroning, P.E.

Director, Honolulu Department of Design and Construction

‘Bickering’ can be constructive

Yes, people are tired of “bickering” over rail transit (“Stop bickering over rail transit,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 27).

Keep in mind that bickering doesn’t necessarily mean “anti” because at this point, it doesn’t make sense to stop and pull up the columns.

Bickering means there are still people who care enough to say, “Continue, but do it in a responsible manner.”

Right now, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation doesn’t seem to have a clue what the project will eventually cost. Just ask for more money. That is irresponsible.

It has been suggested that construction should end at Middle Street. Rather than going five more miles east to Ala Moana, it should be extended five miles west to help the gridlocked residents of Makaha and elsewhere. That would be responsible and save our scenic Honolulu.

Ted Kanemori

Kaneohe

Animal control must be humane

The solution to animal abandonment must include no-kill, humane, competent animal-control contractors (“Dumping animals is illegal and inhumane; prosecute violators,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, April 20).

When people are in a difficult situation — often risking losing their housing or jobs — there will be abandonment. But a caring person may make the decision not to turn over their animals to a contractor who may roughly lift them by the neck with a wire noose and throw them in their truck — quite possibly killing them on the ride as they bake in the heat. If the animal survives the ride, it will meet a grisly and decidedly inhumane death.

Until the Legislature lifts the contractors’ exemption from the animal cruelty law, and police prosecute animal-control contractors who violate animal cruelty laws, abandonment will continue — regardless of the penalty.

Frank DeGiacomo

President, Animal Haven

Kaneohe