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As Death Toll At Hilo Veteran’s Home Mounts, Family Calls For Criminal Investigation
News Source: Hawaii News Now
Mary Benevides is demanding a criminal investigation into the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home in Hilo following her father’s deterioration and diagnosis of COVID-19. Walter Santos, once lively and involved with his family, has been severely impacted by the virus. With 26 deaths in connection to the outbreak, Benevides and attorney Jeffrey Foster are seeking answers and accountability, alleging that basic precautions were ignored, leading to the outbreak.
Foster highlights the need for transparency regarding the facility’s protocols, decision-makers, and procedures. He emphasizes that the treatment of these veterans is unacceptable and demands that families receive clarity on what occurred.
Avalon Healthcare Management, which operates the home, asserts that they have adhered to CDC and CMS guidelines and are working with the VA Tiger team to implement crisis strategies. They express disappointment at the accusations of wrongdoing, stating they are baseless.
Benevides insists on the community’s role in ensuring the safety of veterans, both current and future residents. Despite her father’s negative test for COVID-19 and some signs of improvement, the toll on Santos and his family has been significant, reflecting the broader tragedy unfolding at the veterans home.
