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Posted: Friday, September 14th, 2012 9:02 AM HST

Hawaii admits paying benefits to another dead man

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii has paid more than $80,000 in worker's compensation benefits to another dead man. The state Labor Department says the money was improperly paid on behalf of a Big Island man who died two years ago. The fraud comes to light after Hawaii News Now recently reported the state paid nearly $400,000 to a former Kauai man who has been dead for more than 20 years. His daughter has been indicted for collecting his checks by forging his signature on eligibility documents. The state says an unidentified person submitted phony eligibility documents in the Big Island case. State Labor Department Director Dwight Takamine says steps are being taken to prevent future fraud. Notarized documents will soon be required to receive benefits.