January 13, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- FALEOMAVAEGA UPDATES STATUS OF VETS MEDICAL TRAVEL TO HAWAII

      Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Department of Defense has informed him that new regulations governing the travel of veterans residing in American Samoa to VA medical appointments in Hawaii are expected to be released in late February.

      "While I would have liked to see the new regulations issued earlier, I am pleased that the regulations will be out next month," said Faleomavaega."

      In writing to the Congressman, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Transportation Policy, Mary Lou McHugh, said:

      "Section 8121 of Public Law 105-262 requires a determination by an official of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that indicates the veteran must be transported to the State of Hawaii in order to receive hospital care. Although the Air Mobility Command will develop specific procedures in anticipation of the expanded privilege for eligible veterans, presentation of formal documentation containing the VA's eligibility determination along with the veterans's identification card will be required to access the space-available system."

      "I will continue to monitor implementation of this new benefit, and I encourage any veteran having problems in obtaining transportation to contact my office in Utulei," concluded Faleomavaega.