Hawaii Archives | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

Hawai’i Caregiver Shortage Is Putting Seniors in Danger

Posted on June 19, 2025June 19, 2025 by Candice Paddock

The state’s healthcare system is facing a growing crisis that puts the state’s kupuna—our cherished elderly residents—at serious risk. Hospitals and care facilities across the islands are struggling to fill 4,600 vacant medical staff positions. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawai’i (HAH), the situation is so severe that it’s directly affecting the quality of care for seniors. Now, healthcare leaders are sounding the alarm about the growing gap between available caregivers and the needs of the state’s aging population.

The Impact on Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are being hit the hardest. Hawaii currently lacks more than 600 certified nurse aides and over 300 nursing assistants. Home health aides are also experiencing a 30% vacancy rate.

These roles are critical in ensuring the well-being of elderly residents. As Wes Lo, CEO of Ohana Pacific Health, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

“As people age, their healthcare needs grow more complex, with potentially more severe illnesses. We are seeing greater demand for nursing home beds and home health. Certainly, the aging population is starting to catch up with us.”

In other words, seniors need more specialized care, precisely when there aren’t enough trained professionals to provide it.

Hawai’i Doctor Warns About Mysterious Glyphosate Exposure Cases

Posted on March 5, 2025May 16, 2025 by Candice Paddock

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect more than nine million Americans, and that number is expected to more than double by 2025, according to research by Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. While the cause of NDDs remains unknown, medical experts are increasingly raising alarm about toxic exposure — specifically, exposure to glyphosate.

Concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals like glyphosate are playing out in communities around the world. In New Brunswick, Canada, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero watched as his caseload skyrocketed with patients displaying unusual symptoms of neurodegenerative disease, many of whom were under age 45.

Hawai’i Workplace Deaths Soar as Safety Watchdogs Push for Reform

Posted on February 11, 2025May 16, 2025 by Candice Paddock

Workplace-related deaths in Hawai’i are surging at an alarming rate, outpacing the rest of the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state saw a nearly 67% increase in deadly accidents in 2022, with fatalities climbing to 25 from 15 the previous year. Nationwide, the number rose almost 6% over the same time. The massive increase raises red flags about how the state protects its workers and the need for more accountability when businesses fail to protect employees. As a result, the AFL-CIO is calling for stronger safety measures across all industries.

What Are Hawai’i’s Most Dangerous Industries?

Hawai’i’s transportation and warehouse industry led in the number of workplace deaths in 2022, with 10 — eight of them from transportation-related accidents. Construction also proved dangerous, with four workers lost.

How to Ensure Your Home Is Safe from Asbestos Dangers

Posted on January 29, 2025November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

While Hawaiʻi residents are increasingly aware of the serious health risks associated with occupational exposure to asbestos in the workplace and from military service, many don’t realize how frequently they may come in contact with the material.

Used for insulation, as a fire retardant and many other applications, asbestos can be found in homes and in military housing throughout Hawaiʻi. In addition, generations have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace and in military service.

Hidden Asbestos Danger Lurks in Aging Homes, Buildings

Posted on January 14, 2025November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Asbestos has been widely used in the construction of buildings in Hawai‘i for generations. According to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, most residential buildings in Hawaii contain some asbestos, which can be found in ceilings, walls, insulation and flooring.

While these materials pose little risk when a building is kept in good condition, they become hazardous when asbestos is disturbed. Storms, high winds and natural disasters can cause minute fibers to break away and create a risk to human health.

Despite restrictions on asbestos, Hawai‘i residents continue to succumb to mesothelioma cancer

Posted on December 18, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

While it’s well-established that the deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma is caused solely by exposure to asbestos, thousands of people throughout the U.S. mainland and Hawaii continue to die from the disease every year.

About 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are registered each year in the United States. In Hawaii, there are approximately 38 asbestos-related deaths a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Mesothelioma was discovered in the late nineteenth century and gradually came to be associated with exposure to asbestos. The mineral has been used throughout history, but as the Industrial Revolution took hold, more and more uses were found.

Female Inmates Use Legal System to Fight Prison Sex Abuse

Posted on November 6, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Female inmates in Hawai’i and in facilities across the U.S. are demanding accountability for a pattern of sexual abuse by guards and staff. More than 5,000 claims of sexual assault and abuse by guards have been reported since 2012, including a series of assaults at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua.

Hawaiʻi prison officials have pledged to improve security for women inmates at the facility as part of a $2 million settlement on behalf of six women who were sexually assaulted by guards.

“This settlement recognizes that these women were victims while in the State’s custody and that they should receive a measure of justice for the harm the ACOs caused them,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

Proud to Support a Scrappy Non-Profit Battling Cancer’s Heavy Toll

Posted on September 10, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Day and night, individuals battling cancer and their families face a seemingly never ending list of challenges. Medical care provides only so much, even for those with the best health insurance. The extreme physical, emotional and financial toll can make an already difficult situation even worse.

Hawai‘i-based U.S. vs. Cancer (USVC) has emerged as a rare beacon of support, providing financial assistance for families battling cancer while also funding cutting-edge research. Founder Jamil Newirth and the organization’s leadership have each been impacted by cancer and are committed to using their nimble non-profit to fill the gaps and make a difference.

The 501c3 organization provides direct out-of-pocket cancer related expenses, including health care co-pays, as well as funds for alternative or experimental therapies, travel for treatment and supplies. Such services are critically important given the limited resources and treatment options available in Hawai‘i, especially on neighbor islands. USVC held its inaugural Catalyst for Hope fundraiser on August 17, and Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman was honored to join its “Founders Circle,” the highest level of sponsorship. This year’s benefit raised nearly $190,000.

$4 Billion Global Settlement Reached for Maui Wildfires Victims

Posted on August 7, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman attorneys welcome historic settlement, available to answer key questions

MAUI, HI — Nearly a year after wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, killing more than 100, a global settlement has been reached that would provide $4 billion to resolve claims, including injury, wrongful death, property and other damages claims.

“Our clients still struggle with housing, with keeping their families together, and with providing for themselves and their families. They’re still experiencing real hardship and trauma,” said attorney Beth Nardi of Hawai‘i-based Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, whose Lahaina home was destroyed in the fire. “As a survivor myself, I can say that I’m relieved that the lawsuits have taken a major step toward a resolution that can allow the community to move forward and rebuild.”

Health Effects from Red Hill Fuel Spill a ‘Ticking Time Bomb’

Posted on August 1, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Service members and residents in and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam have reported serious medical complications following a catastrophic jet fuel spill in 2021 that contaminated the area’s drinking water supply.

Extent of Toxic Contamination

The May 2021 mishap at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility caused 19,000 gallons of JP-5 jet fuel to be released into an underground storage area. The public was not alerted about the contaminated water supply until late 2021 when a discharge pipe containing the leaked fuel ruptured, causing thousands of gallons to enter soil and bedrock near a drinking water shaft serving the military base and surrounding community.