Department Goal: The Department of Parks and Recreation strives to improve the quality of life of our residents and visitors by providing a full range of recreation areas, facilities, programs, and services. The Department of Parks and Recreation consists of 5 divisions, 3 sections, and 2 bands.

The Administration Division provides administrative and organizational support services to all the divisions/sections and bands to achieve the development and implementation of the department's programs and services.

The Aquatics Division develops and implements a comprehensive water safety program by providing lifeguard services at specific beaches and County swimming pools.

The Hawaii County Band represents the County of Hawaii by providing appropriate and entertaining music for parades, concerts, festivals, ceremonies and other special events throughout the County of Hawaii.

The West Hawaii Band strives to provide music for parades, ceremonies and other community events in the Hamakua, Kona, and Kohala districts for musical enjoyment.

The Culture and Arts Section provides educational and leisure time activities to share, preserve, perpetuate and foster the appreciation of our rich multi-cultural heritage in the arts, history, and the humanities.

The Elderly Activities Administrative Division coordinates a service delivery system that addresses the needs and interest of older adults 55 years and older, and the frail/vulnerable individuals 60 years and older, through 5 programs.

Coordinated Services Program provides services that links persons 60 years or older with suitable resources to achieve, restore, or maintain independent living and self-direction.

Hawaii County Nutrition Program provides congregate services to individuals 60 years and older with at least one low cost, nutritious meal, five or more days a week at meal sites around the Island.

The home delivered meals service, or "Meals On Wheels" program, is an integral part of a community based health care system. Participants receiving home delivered meals are aged 60 and older, and home-bound due to illness or disability.

EAD Recreation services provides recreational, educational, health related, and leisure activities for the elderly through 24 senior clubs, and special interest programs.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides a variety of opportunities for retired persons 55 years and older to serve as volunteers in public or private nonprofit agencies and schools.

Senior Community Service Employment Program administers a federally funded part-time employment and training program for persons 55 years and older who meet the low income program criteria.

The Hilo Municipal Golf Course Section operates and maintains the only public golf course on the Island of Hawaii.

The Parks Maintenance Division maintains neighborhood parks, beach parks, playgrounds, ball fields, Alae Cemetery, all Veterans Cemeteries and other recreational facilities in an effort to provide the public with a safe, enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing facilities.

The Recreation Division strives to provide a diversified recreation program that addresses the needs and interest of the respective communities in a safe environment that has zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, smoking, and violence.

Hoolulu Park Complex maintains, operates and supervises all activities at the complex to provide the public, and sponsors of events, with clean and safe facilities.

The Panaewa Recreation Complex promotes recreational and educational activities at the zoological and botanical park, specializing in rain forest and native species at the Panaewa Rain Forest Zoo. Also manages and maintains the Panaewa Equestrian Center for horse stall rentals and equestrian related activities.

STAFF

There are 410 full and part-time employees in the Department, including the County Band, West Hawaii Band, and 208 contractual employees.

Divisions/Sections

BUDGET

HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITIES

During fiscal year 1999-2000, the Department participated in, implemented, and/or accomplished the following:

1. Liliuokalani Gardens and Hilo Bayfront were the primary CIP projects started in this fiscal year.
2. The new Kona Community Aquatic Center, a 50-meter swimming pool, in Kailua-Kona, is our busiest pool facility with annual attendance of 280,385 patrons.
3. Senior citizens in Hawaii County identified the Kupuna Hula, Senior Olympics, and Senior Health Fair as the three outstanding activities provided by the Elderly Activities Division this year..
4. May, 2000, the Department completed a comprehensive ADA Program Self Evaluation and Transition Plan that establishes the Department's commitment to the renovation of facilities by priority for ADA compliance.
5. April, 2000, the County Band sponsored the Big Island Concert Band Festival at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium to promote and encourage musical growth and opportunities. Nine intermediate and high school bands participated.
6. The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Waimea, coordinated by the Cultural and Arts section is now established as a visitor attraction for the Big Island.
7. The first Tahiti Fete, co-sponsored by P&R was an overwhelming success and will be another positive festival event for the Big Island that will enhance the economy and promote cultural awareness.
8. Recreation Division held a very successful Ohana Fishing Tournament which drew 100 fishing enthusiasts to North Kohala and the primary focus being on family participation.
9. Hilo Municipal Golf Course experienced a very good year with a 13% increase in revenues and 12% gain in rounds of golf played.
10. Two University of Hawaii-Hilo students developed and presented an awareness curriculum for elementary students as part of an education campaign by the Parks Maintenance Division to curtail vandalism in the parks.
11. "Namaste," our white Bengal tiger, is still the biggest crowd-pleaser and visitor attraction. "Namaste" is one of only 300 white Bengal tigers in the world today.

1. This year the Aquatic Division served over 2.3 million patrons in our pools and beach parks with lifeguard services. The beach water safety services had a total head count of 1,708,802 at the 9 beach parks where we have lifeguards. Spencer Beach Park was not guarded due to staffing shortage. The pools served 664,759 patrons at our nine (9) pools.
2. The Kona Community Aquatic Center (KCAC) is the most popular pool operated by the County with 42% of the patron load. Laupahoehoe pool had the lowest patron count.
3. The Aquatics Division co-sponsored and sponsored two annual Rough Water Swims at Hapuna and Richardson.
4. The Junior Lifeguard summer program was a huge success with 100 youngsters island-wide completing the sessions and participating in the grand finale at Hapuna Beach Park.
5. East Hawaii Beach Parks:

	Beach	1998-1999 Total Count	1999-2000 Total Count	Rescues	1st Aid	Preventive Actions
	*Onekahakaha	94,460	111,214	0	129	2,790
	*Carlsmith	60,095	70,085	5	59	1,873
	*Leleiwi	49,243	47,073	0	20	1,539
	Richardson	140,014	153,569	14	106	6,608
	Honolii	124,645	133,900	5	120	5,323
	Ahalanui	141,055	141,700	9	35	5108

West Hawaii Beach Parks:

	Beach	1998-1999 Total Count	1999-2000 Total Count	Rescues	1st Aid	Preventive Actions
	Kahaluu	352,458	357,239	21	2,182	4,896
	Laaloa	210,716	252,234	19	876	4,504
	*Hapuna	409,955	441,788	121	382	7,493
	*Spencer	35,272	Unguarded	0	0	0

*Counts for weekends and holidays only.

6. Pool Attendance

Location	1998-99 Total Count	1999-00 Total Count
Honokaa	17,504	20,377
Kawamoto	179,069	120,162*
Kohala	41,440	24,895
Kona	38,193	30,437
Laupahoehoe	19,247	18,566
NAS	36,206	30,034*
Pahala	26,489	26,271
Pahoa	133,787	113,632
Kona Community Aquatic Center	101,915	280,385
	593,850	664,759

*Closed for repair/maintenance during FY.

1. The Band had 45 performances throughout the County of Hawaii which included 11 monthly concerts at Mooheau Park. The Band remains committed to achieving and maintaining high musical standards. Featured concert works must be musically sound, and enjoyable for a lay or musically trained audience.
2. The Band performed a free concert for the public on the ocean-side lawn at the Kona Inn in February. The concert was underwritten by the Kona Community Chorus and Uncle Billy of Kona Inn.
3. The Band has an Internet web site which include the Band's schedule, history, and other pertinent information and is under continuos construction. The site was created and is maintained by Syscon, who is donating their services for the web site and e-mail service.
4. The Band's telephone answering machine is programmed to give information about the next Band monthly concert.
5. Four hundred (400) student musicians from 8 bands participated in the Year 2000 Big Island Concert Band Festival sponsored by the Hawaii County Band.
6. Dr. George Durham and the Band Director worked together to do an arrangement of a musical piece titled, "A Hawaiian Medley."
7. The West Hawaii Band, with the help of community volunteer musicians, performs at different events in West Hawaii.

1. Culture and Arts provided 56 classes/workshops (45 in East Hawaii and 11 in West Hawaii) in water-colors, slack key guitar, drawing, lauhala basket weaving, hula for fun and fitness, ukulele, lei making, ceramics, creative writing, Ikebana, Tai Chi, string art and mochi tsuki demonstration. The Na Keiki O Na Ukulele group toured the Big Island performing in Hilo and Kona
2. "Namaste’s (the white Bengal tiger) coming out/birthday party was celebrated in August, and was coordinated by the staff of Culture and Arts and Friends of the Zoo.
3. Eleven (11) major events/festivals were presented through partnerships and collaboration with communities. Such as the Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival, The Hawaii Living Legend Award program, the Kau Hula and Arts Cultural Festival, the Mayor's Christmas Open House at the County Building, International Barefoot Hula Classic, Tahiti Fete, Kau Concert in the Park, Kamehameha Day Celebration, Honokaa Millennium Celebration, Kohala Millennium Reunion and International Extravaganza.
4. Culture and Arts serves as a liaison to various groups and organizations around the Island that strive to promote the appreciation of the arts: Holualoa Foundation for the Arts and Culture, Hilo Community Players, the Mayor's Tea Ceremony House Advisory Committee and the State’s Millennium Celebration Committee to promote the Year 2000 activities. The County of Hawaii was granted $25,000 to promote millennium projects island-wide.

1. The Coordinated Services for the Elderly staff successfully linked 1,355 individuals during the past fiscal year, by referring individuals to various agencies for benefits/services such as Medicaid, legal aid, AARP tax assistance, Case Management, social security, food stamps, housing, day care, SSI, home delivered meals, government food surplus, energy assistance, etc.
2. Transportation service requests remains to be in great demand and presents an on-going challenge for our program where elders are taken to senior centers and resource facilities. Priority is given for medical purposes, which frequently involves transporting clients before or after normal working hours, and to and from various outlying districts in order to meet the physician's appointed schedule.
3. CSE successfully fulfilled its $69,127 Purchase of Service contract with the Department of Human Services through the HCOA. Four thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight actual hours of service was provided to 55 unduplicated clients, exceeding our objective by 858 hours.
4. The Coordinated Services Program serves as the Big Island volunteer station for the Senior Companion Program, under the State Department of Human Services. A total of 17 Companions, 60 years and older, provided various in-home and escort services to homebound older individuals to maintain their independence while at the same time providing respite to family caregivers.
5. CSE staff continues to be a member of the Case Management team that plays a vital role in assisting the frail and vulnerable individuals with multiple and complex service needs. Through a "team approach," counseling and other essential services are provided to the frail individual and their families, to sustain the individual at home for as long as possible, or to assist them in locating acceptable alternatives.
6. Coordinated Services for the Elderly experienced the negative effect of Y2K and it took several months to get an accurate statistical data to support contractual obligations. Data Systems and Office of Aging assisted in resolving the problem.
7. The Sage Plus Health Insurance Counseling Program remains ongoing through a partnership with the State Executive Office of Aging and the CSE Program which serves as a volunteer station for the Big Island. A total of 10 counselors are actively enrolled in the program.
8. The Senior Community Service Employment Program of Hawaii County successfully met 150% of the minimum required placement goal for unsubsidized employment for our senior enrollees. The program reached 126 participants and placed 12 elders into unsubsidized employment.
9. The Hawaii County Nutrition Program met, and exceeded, all service goals for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and transportation services.

• Congregate meals – 100,872 meals were served to 1,173 persons 60 years of age and older, their spouses, and eligible disabled persons and volunteers under 60.
• Home delivered meals – 71,937 meals were delivered to 626 frail, homebound persons 60 years of age and older, their spouses, and eligible disabled persons and volunteers under 60.
• Transportation - 17,967 trips were provided to 215 program participants.

10. The Hawaii County Nutrition Program was honored to be chosen as one of 24 test sites in the nation for a new federally sponsored risk assessment survey for senior citizens.
11. The RSVP of Hawaii County enrolled 1339 volunteers which accounted for 168,709 service hours at 180 volunteer stations throughout the Island of Hawaii. RSVP has two primary goals as a national program: 1. To engage seniors in meaningful volunteer opportunities to enhance their quality of life. 2. To provide volunteer resource to public and private non-profit agencies to assist them in addressing community needs.
12. RSVP volunteers tutored below standard readers at elementary schools and provided 9,142 hours of student contact.
13. Two RSVP volunteers celebrated their 100^th birthday and have been with the program since 1972. Isami Hashimoto and Simplicio Baruela are both RSVP entertainers.

14. Senior citizens, through the Elderly Recreation services, attracted 3,039 elders to senior citizen club activities and special interest sports such as badminton, bowling, gateball, golf, pool, softball and tennis.

1. The year ended with a total of 103,983 rounds of golf being played at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course. This represents 10,805 more rounds played then the previous year. This also reflects a 12% increase in rounds of golf and 13% increase in revenues.
2. Since the beginning of the "Tiger Woods era," there has been a significant influx of non-golfers taking up the sport. A pace and play study was conducted and steps implemented to make the play faster.
3. "Paying attention to detail" has been the maintenance goal. This is seen in the dramatic increase in productivity and pride in the employees, and verbalized by the golfers.
4. Turfgrass management program has been implemented through the use of resources from UHH Agriculture Department and other golf course managers.

1. The Parks Maintenance Division provided services Island-wide for the County of Hawaii by supplying manpower, equipment, and funds to maintain, repair, and beautify facilities operated by the Department as well as providing support for special events sponsored by other divisions and various community groups. As it has been for the past years, the major goal of the Division was to provide the general public with safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing facilities.
2. Various programs such as church and neighborhood volunteers, organizations such as the Jaycees and Lions Clubs, Senior Employment, Kulani Correctional Center, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, Hawaii Intake Center, State First To Work program, Alu Like, etc. were utilized for assistance in carrying out various projects throughout the fiscal year.
3. Because of budget restraints, the division focused on trying to cut costs in various areas. One area that was scrutinized was utility costs and studies were made as to where savings could be made. In many of the underutilized facilities, electrical power was cut off without affecting operations or recreational programs. The other area was the heavy consumption of water. New water lines were installed in-house to save on high costs due to frequent leaks because of old plumbing systems. For example, we were able to reduce costs of water consumption by an average of $1,000 per month at Alae Cemetery. Experiments are still underway to see if sprinkler systems can be reduced in the amount of time that would be effective in maintaining a nice lawn and not affect the health of the grass and plants. Another alternative was to remove faucets where possible thefts of water are suspected.
4. Costs of repairs due to vandalism at the parks have reduced dramatically from last fiscal year. There were 187 incidents of vandalism reported for fiscal ‘98-’99 as compared to 103 reports for this year. Cost of damages in ‘98-’99 was $53,716 in comparison to $27,382 this fiscal year. This reduction was due to the community policing program and the locking up and closing of some of the parks at night with security patrols. Plans are underway to install gates at other parks that have presented vandalism problems. The division undertook a program to attempt to further reduce vandalism occurrences. The goal was to educate the public of the great amount of damages that occurred in the parks and the cost of repairs needed which would ultimately be borne by the taxpayers of the County. The cost of repairs for vandalism was $27,382 for this past fiscal year.
5. A joint effort was made with the University of Hawaii, Hilo in educating a particular target group, which were the elementary age children, similar to the DARE program the police department is involved in. Two students gathered information and pictures of various vandalism incidents and made presentations to schools in the Hilo districts. Future plans include having more college students volunteer for this educational program and having them make presentations to all elementary schools including those in the outlying districts.
6. The care of trees have been a controversial subject throughout the years and the division decided to work with the County’s Arborist Committee in determining the need to remove, save, or make adjustments to trees that have created some type of inconvenience for the division. Problems could run from trees being unsafe for employees and the public, being a nuisance by undermining plumbing systems, sewer systems, sidewalks, roadways and shedding leaves, flowers, fruits, and branches to adjoining properties, etc. The Parks Maintenance Supervisor and Tree Trimming Supervisor attended all Arborist Committee meetings to 1) inform the members as to the activities of the tree trimming crew, 2) request for input on various tree removals and replacements, 3) request input as to the best methods to prune or trim trees, 4) request advice in caring for health of trees, and 5) provide the division’s views on exceptional trees, etc.
7. During the year, 2,538 Work Orders were received and 1,809 Work Orders were completed. Together, with community volunteer groups, numerous beautification projects were completed throughout the Island. Planting Jacaranda trees at Shipman Park, painting tables at Cooper Center, clearing banana trees at Waiolama Canal, cleaning of planters and walkways in downtown Hilo, painting pavilions at Onekahakaha Beach Park, clean-up at Richardson Ocean Park, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Waiohinu Park, painting restrooms at Mohouli and Lokahi Parks.
8. Keep Hawaii Beautiful campaigns such as Get the Drift and Bag It, Keep America Beautiful Day, and Let’s Make a Difference Day encourages the community, schools, and individuals to participate in these beautification projects throughout the County. The Keep Hawaii Beautiful volunteer office closed on June 30, 2000 when Sonja Okano retired.
9. Both Kulani Correctional Facility and Hawaii Community Correctional Center inmates played a big part in assisting with clean-up projects and restoration projects at Liliuokalani Gardens, downtown Hilo, and at One Pauahi.

1. The Puna/Kau districts continued to satisfy their respective communities by providing the usual requested activities such as sports clinics, dances, turkey shoots, sewing classes, etc. The 2^nd annual Summer Fun Afternoon Track program offered at Shipman Park attracted some fifty participants from age 5 through adult. Twelve elementary and intermediate youngsters qualified to attend the Hershey Track meet held in Honolulu. Air fare was funded by the Hawaii Parks and Recreation Association. These talented youngsters brought home ribbons ranging from several First through Fourth Places. Quite an accomplishment considering that the Hershey Meet attracted some 600 youngsters from the Big Island, Maui, Kauai and Oahu.
2. The North/South Kohala districts contributed much to the community in terms of maintenance and park development.

1. Recreation Director II Lyle Tamaribuchi at Waikoloa Park has gone beyond the call of duty in helping to coordinate the Ho’oku Street Park project.
2. The Kohala community has banded together and painted the Kamehameha Park grandstand in addition to extending the concession booth.

In terms of special events and projects:

1. The very successful Ohana Fishing Tournament drew close to a hundred fishing enthusiasts. Again, the focus was on family (ohana) as the main target group.
2. The district staff participated in the Kohala Intergenerational Health Fair by providing informational workshops on the following to some 300 students and adults in the community:

1. Chris Cackley – hiking and biking.
2. Dean Goya – freshwater resources.
3. Lyle Tamaribuchi – weight training.

3. North/South Kona districts has continued their quarterly programs, with strong emphasis on John Little’s tidepool explorations and nature hikes and Marshall Tohara’s Keiki Hula Program, bowling classes, archery, and weightlifting programs. In addition to scheduling the age group sports, Victor has been effectively managing the overwhelming sports demand at the complex. Trying to keep peace among the very demanding representatives of AYSO, Pop Warner, semi-pro football and baseball leagues, Latin speedball, Little League baseball, Horse League baseball, BIIF football and baseball, Vulcans softball/baseball, community leaders, promoters and the general public, as they fight for equal time and space at the ever busy Kailua ballfields.

4. The Hamakua districts have produced some noteworthy activities:

1. John Kushi joined the N/S Kohala district to run the 3^rd annual Big Island Ohana Shoreline Fishing Tournament. A record 84 entrants participated.
2. Mason Souza conducted a basketball clinic with the assistance of the UH Vulcan coach, Jeff Law, and his team at Paauilo. Thirty youngsters attended the clinic and the community Hosted the Vulcans to a potluck. Mason also conducted a baseball clinic with Coach Joey Estrella and his baseball team which garnered some 60 baseball enthusiasts.
3. Mason Souza, Paauilo School, and HPD’s Community Relations Officer conducted a back-to-school dance which attracted some 50 children. In addition, Mason conducted a Valentine’s Dance which attracted about 100 youngsters.
4. John Kushi, Koanaiani Club and Laupahoehoe School headed the annual Papaaloa Haunted House which drew more than 1200 thrill seekers.

5. Hilo District, in addition to its regular host of outstanding programs and activities, continues to provide premiere activities to the community.

1. Jimmy Yagi’s Youth Basketball Camp. A one day youth basketball camp directed by Darrell Yamamoto at Waiakea-Uka Gym registered 90 youngsters. The five hour program was presented by Coach Jimmy Yagi and his volunteer staff. Thanks to the generosity of Don’s Grill, Meadow Gold Dairies and Hawaii Paper Products, a hearty meal was provided to the youngsters and coaching staff.
2. International Judo Seminar. The 4-day Judo Seminar was coordinated by Ron Takeya at the Waiakea Recreation Center. The seminar featured outstanding "Who’s Who" in judo from Japan.
3. Sewing Programs. With a little help from our friends (Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center), The Keaukaha center was able to secure new sewing machines and surgers. The staff was able to direct the community to new diversified sewing activities for all ages.
4. The Biggest Easter Egg Celebration. This gigantic activity has been on-going for several years. With limited County budget, the Hilo staff has partnered with various businesses for financial support and non-profit groups for manpower support. The event has grown over the years from 5,000 eggs to more than 12,000 eggs, and participation has surpassed 5000 attendees.
5. Hilo District has made it a tradition to thank its numerous volunteers (individuals, Businesses and non-profit organizations) with a thank you dinner. With no exception this fiscal, some 200 volunteers were treated to a delicious awards dinner.
6. BB Gun Safety Program. In conjunction with the Hilo Jaycees, the Hilo District Staff has conducted its annual gun safety program, reaching out to youngsters all over the island. Response to this safety oriented program has been awesome.
7. Halloween Mystery Brew Program at the Kress Building. This popular annual Event is held in conjunction with the Hilo Jaycees’ Haunted House. The Hilo Jaycees are Recreation’s perennial partners in majority of their activities, by providing financial and manpower support.
8. Winter Exploration Programs at Keaukaha and Wainaku/Puueo for the Winter Break. With HIPAL utilizing several of our gyms, Hilo District provided a special winter break program for the two sites that oftentimes are left out. Response from both communities were overwhelming.
9. East Hawaii Exponent and Age Group Track and Field Meets. Together with Hamakua And Puna districts, two great meets were held, attracting some 350 youngsters. Elks "Hoop Shoot" Contest. Annually, the Elks Club sponsors the Hoop Shoot that is coordinated through the Recreation Division. Youngsters enter to compete statewide.
10. Punt, Pass and Kick Contest. Through the efforts of Lyle Tamaribuchi (Waikoloa) a punt, pass, and kick contest was held island-wide, with winners being sent to Oahu to compete. An event that used to be sponsored by the DOE until two years ago. Recreation has picked up this activity this year and hopes to continue into the future.

Hoolulu Complex

1. The 1999-00 fiscal year was a very productive one in terms of revenue, improvements and the acquisition of much needed equipment.
2. Even with the increased number of activities, we still managed to maintain our facilities to a high standard. I blocked-off days during the least busy times of the year to do general cleanup and maintenance of every facility and ball field. This will assure that our facilities won’t get rundown and become inoperable,
3. Most of our accomplishments have been to properly maintain our facilities and grounds by carefully scheduling events. We have also revised our facility rules to hold the users more accountable for any damages or repairs. Our staff has enforced and educated sponsors on our rules and this has made it easier to maximize the use of our facilities. We have had beautification and landscaping done to grounds at the Civic, Walter Victor, Tennis Stadium, outdoor tennis courts, police training area, and Wong Stadium.

Panaewa Recreational Complex

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only natural rainforest zoo in the United States. This provides the unique opportunity to exhibit species in a natural rainforest atmosphere. An abundance of flora enhances the zoo experience, and transforms the zoo into a botanical park exhibit as well. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo provides a welcome form of alternate recreation for all ages to enjoy.

The Equestrian Center is located adjacent to the zoo, and has the capacity to house 60 horses. Stalls include a small outside paddock as well as the enclosed area for housing. Horse stalls are rented to the public for a nominal cost. Equestrian amenities include a hot walker, wash racks, and farrier shed.

1. "Namaste" our White Bengal Tiger, is still the biggest crowd pleaser and visitor attraction. This zoo has one of the largest and most attractive Tiger exhibits in the United States, and having this beautiful Tiger is the frosting on the cake. There are only an estimated 300 White Tigers in the world today, and "Namaste" has been a valuable addition to the zoo. Our zoo was fortunate to acquire "Namaste" through the assistance of "Friends of the Zoo" (FOZ). FOZ is a non-profit organization that operates the zoo gift shop, and uses their fund raising ability to support zoo programs. They have provided enrichment for the animals, as well as volunteer help for zoo projects. Their future project will be to help fund the new permanent petting zoo facility.
2. Petting Zoo is a very popular attraction every Saturday, and we need to work towards a permanent area to facilitate additional educational opportunities and interactive animal activity. The petting zoo is run by a volunteer crew, and supervised by one staff member.
3. The zoo houses a current animal population of 68 different species. Amphibians, avians, mammals, primates, and reptiles comprise the total of 172 animals. Federal and State permits, reports, and standards must be completed and maintained for continued renewal of the the United States Department of Agriculture Exhibitor’s License. This license is required to operate the zoo.
4. Through the outreach and docent programs, we continue to provide and promote both recreational and educational activities to the public. The constant flow of elementary school excursions keep the zoo volunteer docents busy with tours.
5. Organizations such as the Hawaii Island Palm Society, The American Bamboo Society Hawaii Chapter, and the American Rhododendron Society Hawaii, have all invested their time and plants into creating the valuable botanical collection currently at the zoo. A future commitment from the Big Island Water Garden Club has been secured to install a section with water gardens at the entrance to the zoo. When completed, this will be tremendous enhancement to the rainforest theme of the zoo.
6. Projects and Accomplishments.

Acquired New Animals For Exhibit Through Several Generous Donations:
Two Catalina Macaws, a pair of Eclectus Parrots, a Red-Masked Conure, two Holland Lop Rabbits, three Guinea Pigs, one sheep, and one Ferret.

Work Orders Submitted For Enhancements And Improvements:
Renovation of an existing rain shelter to create a Butterfly House. Enclosing the sides on the Reptile Exhibit. Creating an exhibit area for Giant Tortoises. Repair rain gutters located at the permanent stalls at Equestrian Center. Clear the center area and around the race track.

Landscaping And Beautification Of Grounds:
Potted Dwarf Rhapis, Chrysolidocarpus Palms, Draco, and hanging baskets located at the entrance and pavilion. New Guinea Impatients planted in rain barrels and along entry fence. Inside entrance area landscaped with Allamanda and Puakinikini.

Volunteer Projects Completed:
Lower sections of the pavilion, bathroom and the main entrance were repainted by Hawaii Community College volunteers. Grounds cleanup and planting of orchids and anthuriums were completed by Hilo College Student Life volunteers. Increase planting of Crinum Lilies along the perimeter fence was done by Kau High School Future Farmers of America. Activated the Zoo docent program for tours and outreach education.

Computerize Animal Records And Data:
Access database developed to record and maintain information. Animal inventory report developed. Animal daily status and health report developed. Permit animal inventory report developed. Animal details and health record report developed.

Tea Ceremony House Advisory Committee

This committee serves as an advisory body to the Mayor in the formulation of policies for the maintenance and operation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony House at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo. Their terms are co-terminous with the Mayor. Members of the committee are:

Veterans Advisory Committee

This committee advises the County on matters pertaining to the operation, management and maintenance of veterans cemeteries and other related veterans issues. The committee members are: