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Hawai`i County Weekly News

February 9, 2009

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLE

·         Something new at the zoo: Kona Nightingales

·         Hilo picked for Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program

                                                                                                            

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         County of Hawaii offers Home Loan Repairs

·         Home Repair Loans for Hawaiian Home Lessees

·         Volunteers sought for Kohala CDP committees

·         Register for Free Home Ownership Orientation

·         Captain Cook Fire Station temporarily closed

·        Register for County’s New Mass Notification System

·         New Winter Hours at Hawai`i County Transfer Stations

·         Water Conservation in Rural South Hilo

·         County Coqui Frog Spray Service Available

·         Hawai`i County Unveils Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

·         Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

·         Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates

·         Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project -- Update

·         Department of Environmental Management projects update

.         Seats open on Environmental Commission

.         County Seeks Applicants for Boards and Commissions

·         Recycle your Old TVs and Other Electronic Waste in East and West Hawai`i

·         Recycling Drop-Offs

·         Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation

·         Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in Waimea, Pahoa

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         Hawaii Heart Walk and Health Fair set for February 14

·        “A Walk in Beauty” fundraiser for PCMC set for February 14

·         Valentine’s Day fundraiser to benefit West Hawaii programs

·        Community Meeting to Focus on Isle’s Economic Outlook

·         Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-Grants Available

·         High-Quality Mulch Available at Kealakehe Transfer Station

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·         Streetlights? Potholes?

·        Abandoned Vehicles on Public Roads

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

FEATURE ARTICLES

Something New at the Zoo: Kona Nightingales

 

Photo of Kona NightingalesOn January 8, 2009, the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens received a welcome addition to its zoo family, a pair of authentic Kona Nightingales rescued from the arid Kona coastline near Kaupulehu.  Thanks to the efforts of Michael “Corky” Bryan, vice president of Livestock Operations and George “Keoki” Wood, Livestock Operations Manager of Parker Ranch, and former District 9 County Councilman Leningrad Elarionoff , two Kona Nightingales,  Kekake A’a (Lava Donkey) and his female companion, Keiki A’a (Lava Child) are now permanent residents of our zoo.

Mr. Elarionoff obtained Kekake A’a five years ago as a foal and bottle fed him after he was found wandering alone during a relocation effort aimed to contain and protect free ranging Kona Nightingales which had wandered onto the Queen Kaahumanu Highway near dawn and dusk.  The effort was coordinated by the West Hawaii Donkey Committee, whose goal was to prevent further animal-vehicle interactions.  Our nightingales are the progeny of relics from the by-gone days when donkeys were used to transport coffee on farms in the district.  

Keiki A’a was found alone a year later wandering onto the highway and was picked up by a patrol officer who had heard of Mr. Elarionoff’s previous success in nurturing Kekake A’a.  The two remained in the care of Mr. Elarionoff for several years until he heard a  rumor that the zoo was interested in obtaining a pair of Nightingales to share with the public.  The County of Hawaii, Department of Parks & Recreation and the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Elarionoff for his most generous donation.

We would like to take this opportunity to also thank Corky Bryan of Parker Ranch who arranged for Kekake and Keiki to be transported from Waimea to their new zoo home.  Kudos also go out to Keoki Wood who took time out of his busy work schedule to deliver our donkeys in a spacious gooseneck trailer also provided by Parker Ranch.

Kekake and Keiki are adjusting well to their new digs.  Look forward to seeing them sometime soon at our weekly petting zoo which runs from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm every Saturday, rain or shine!

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Hilo picked for Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program

In December 2008, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) selected Downtown Hilo as a recipient for the 2009 Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) Program.  The EDH 2025 VisionKeepers and the County of Hawai`i Planning Department, who collaboratively oversee implementation of EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025: A Community-Based Vision and Living Action Plan (EDH 2025) submitted the application.  The application was titled “EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025: Strategic Implementation for Long-term Sustainability.”

The application was supported by numerous County Agencies and community organizations that are Lead Solution Partners in the EDH 2025 Plan, and who will participate in the program later this year. 

The State Department of Health, through their Healthy Hawai`i Initiative program, has agreed to partner with the VisionKeepers and the Planning Department by contributing $5,000 towards Downtown Hilo’s required costs as a host community.

The SDAT Program is a community assistance program that focuses on principles of sustainability. As a participating community, we will receive assistance in developing a road map for improving Downtown Hilo’s sustainability—as defined by our community's ability to meet the needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

 In 2009, the AIA will send a multidisciplinary  team of volunteer professionals from across the country to Downtown Hilo (such as architects, urban designers, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help us develop a framework for a sustainable future for Downtown Hilo.  Being a grassroots project with minimum "expert" assistance, this opportunity will provide an influx of wisdom, fresh energy, and techniques to build our local leadership capacity with the latest best practices, policies, and design tools to encourage us to think and act in creative and innovative ways that promotes progressive change.  The SDAT Program will consist of a three-day charrette (intensive planning session) with at least two open house community meetings.

As a result of participating in the SDAT program, Downtown Hilo will receive national recognition via the AIA Website, www.aia.org/liv_sdat. 

The Planning Department will help to organize the event.  Community participation and contributions will be needed to make this a successful program.  For more information, visit the EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 Website at, co.hawaii.hi.us/edh2025.  On the Website you can view the application. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

County of Hawaii offers Home Loan Repairs


The Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to its Residential Emergency Repari Program. The RERP program was established in 1997 to make low-interest loans available to low-and-moderate-income homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residence. The RERP loan can be used for roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvement, termite t5reatment and damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water heating system. Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at 3 percent interest. Loan payments are deferred for 15 years at which time full payment will be due. Applicants 62 year old or older or with special needs, may have 30 percent of the principal balance of the loan forgiven as a grant. For more information or an application, contact Dawnelle Forsythe at 959-4642. Application packets also may be found online at http://hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm.

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Home Repair Loans for Hawaiian Home Lessees

The Office of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications to its Native American Housing Assistance Self-Determination Act Home Repair Loan Program. NAHASDA was extablished by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and administered by the Office of Housing and community Development to make low-interest oans available to low-and-moderate income DHHL lessees who are interested in repairing their primary residence. The NAHASDA loan can be used for roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvements, termite treatment and damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water hearing system in conjunction with repairs. Loans range from $42,500 5o $50,000 at zero to three percent interest. The interst rate is set based on age and income. Appliatns 62 years or older and very low income may have a zero percent interest and deferred payment loan with a possible grant provision. For more information or an application contact Dawnelle Forsythe at 959-4642. Application packets can also be found online at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm

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Volunteers sought for Kohala CDP committees

Volunteers are being sought by the County of Hawaii Planning Department to serve on two separate Community Development Plan Action Committees for the Judicial Districts of North Kohala and South Kohala. The Action Committees will serve as a proactive, community based stewards of the plans’ implementation and update. 

The deadline to submit an application is 4:30 p.m., February 13, 2009. Applications can be downloaded at the following websites:

NORTH KOHALA –www.hcrc.info/community-planning/community-development-plans/north-kohala/

SOUTH KOHALA – www.hcrc.info/community-planning/community-development-plans/south-kohala/

or picked up at the Planning Department offices in Hilo (Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720) or Kona (Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740).

Volunteers who serve on the Community Development Plan Action Committees will be asked to attend monthly meetings, meet with supporting partners, participate in training workshops and or retreats, help organize and attend public involvement meetings, workshops and or charettes, and serve as a source for promoting and sharing information about the Community Development Plans with individuals and community groups.

Interested persons will be required to submit an application. From the initial applicant pool, applicants will be selected using pre-determined selection criteria to be considered a candidate. All candidates will be interviewed by an Applicant Review Committee that will recommend a final of nine candidates (for each committee) for appointment. The nominees shall than be approved by the Planning Director and Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. Upon confirmation, nominees will be sworn in before the County Council as an Action Committee member.

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Register for Free Home Ownership Orientation

Are tough economic times causing you to put your financial plans on hold? Letting time slip by puts you further away from achieving your financial goals.

The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center offers Home buyer Education, counseling, referrals and ongoing support to anyone desiring to purchase their own home.

Orientation sessions will be held 6-7 p.m. at the Mayor’s Office conference room in Kona on Wednesdays, March 4 and 18. Call 930-7661 to register.

Sessions also will be in Hilo 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, and March 5 and 19, at a location to be determined. Call 959-5808 to register.

For more information, also visit the Web site, www.hihomeownership.org.

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Captain Cook Fire Station temporarily closed

Effective on December 1, the Captain Cook Fire Station was temporarily relocated due to Americans With Disabilities Act renovations and the removal of hazardous materials. Fire station personnel are being temporarily stationed at the National Park Service Hale No Opio support facility at 84-4976 Keala O Keawe Road (Napoopoo Road). The facility is located on the mauka side of Keala O Keawe Road and Highway 11. All emergency calls should continue to be routed through 9-1-1.

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Register for County’s New Mass Emergency Notification System

The Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency has just acquired a new Mass Emergency Notification System, which allows for County agencies to easily notify the public in the event of emergencies.

The City Watch is an electronic notification system that can notify residents about evacuations or other emergency measures via phone or email.

“This new system allows us more flexibility and speed to notify communities of an impending or imminent emergency, with appropriate measures for residents to follow,” said Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento.

It will supplement the more traditional means of communicating with the public such as radio broadcasts.

The system was purchased by State Civil Defense and was given to the County as a pilot project, Mento said.  The system uses maps with registered residents’ phone numbers and addresses to target specific communities on the island.

“We can use a computer generated map to focus on say, Waikoloa or Puako, to alert residents to evacuate in the event of a brush fire,” Mento said. 

The system once activated sends residents registered on the system a brief voice and email message.  “This system will only be activated in major emergencies,” Mento said.

Residents need to register for the notification messages

Hawai’i County residents need to register for City Watch notification messages by either mailing their contact information to: County of Hawai`i Civil Defense Agency, 920 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI 96720, or online at http://www.citywatchonline.com/CSBSignUp/HawaiiSignUp.asp  .

To register, please give your name, street address (no p.o. boxes, please), city, zip code, home phone, cell phone, cell phone carrier and email address.  The service is free to all residents.

Note: If your phone number is listed in the phone book white pages, you will be automatically registered for City Watch.  However, if your listed phone number is on a “do not call list” such as the National Do Not Call Registry, you will need to register the number. 

Cell phone users will need to register their numbers, and all residents wishing to be contacted by email must register their email addresses.

The pilot stage of the project will be free to the County, and in subsequent years the County will pay an annual fee of approximately $40,000.  The system is used in numerous communities, notably in California amid the recent spate of wildfires.

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Winter Hours for County Transfer Stations

Due to the shorter winter hours of daylight and concerns for the safety of all our residents, all County of Hawai`i Solid Waste Transfer Stations except the Hilo Transfer Station will close at 6 p.m. through March 1, 2009.  The new hours of operation will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

Hilo Transfer Station hours will remain 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note that the Big Island transfer stations are permitted for collection of household refuse only.  Commercial haulers and residents with large loads need to take their refuse to the South Hilo or West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfills.

We appreciate your cooperation.

For more information please call Bobby Gonsalves, Solid Waste Operations Superintendent at 961-8514.

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Water Conservation urged in Hakalau, Wailea

Due to repairs of the Hakalau Iki Spring Source, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers in the Hakalau and Wailea Areas of South Hilo to conserve water while the repairs are being made. 

This Water Conservation Notice calls for a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10 percent in the affected areas.

For customers in the area of the Water Conservation Notice, here’s a list of ways to reach the 10 percent reduction goal:

Agricultural users shall irrigate only at night only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., which will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Clyde Young of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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County Coqui Frog Spray Service Available

The County is providing one-time spray treatments to property owners for coqui frog control.  The program assists owners with a spray treatment by the County crew with a 400-gallon trailer sprayer.

Owner permission is required before services can be performed, so the County is responding to owner requests only.

For further information or to request a spray treatment, please call 961-8065.

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Hawai`i County Offers Prescription Drug Discount Card

The following information is courtesy of the Hawai`i County Council, which helped arrange for this program through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The Hawai`i County Council has introduced a discount card program to help Hawai`i County residents cope with the high cost of prescription drugs.  The County is making free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

Who is eligible to use the discount card?

It’s one card per person.

The cards may be used by all Hawai`i County residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted by nearly all the island’s pharmacies.

In addition, a national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies, including many Neighbor Island pharmacies, will honor the NACo prescription discount card. 

Best of all, there is no cost to our taxpayers for NACo and the County to make these money-saving cards available to residents.

Who may benefit from using this card?

The prescription drug discount card can be used anytime a prescription is not covered by insurance.  

Those who may benefit include the uninsured, underinsured, and Medicare Plan D participants for non-covered drugs. 

The discount card can be used to pay for meds not covered by your insurance plan (i.e. prescription meds you would have to pay out of pocket.)

Can I use my insurance and the discount card on the same purchase?

You cannot use your insurance and the discount card on the same purchase.  However, you can choose whichever gives you the better price. 

Call CVS-Caremark at 1-877-321-2652 to get an estimated price using the discount card on a particular prescription.  Then you can compare prices before going to the pharmacy.

The prescription card is activated the first time it’s used at the pharmacy.  The person’s name and ID number are joined for the first time, for ease in processing thereafter.

Pet prescriptions may also be covered

Residents may also save on prescriptions for their pets.  If a pet is prescribed a medicine that is also used to treat human conditions (such as antibiotics), the pet owner may save by using the prescription discount card.  Simply ask the veterinarian to write a prescription and present it at a participating pharmacy, along with the prescription discount card.

The pet owner will pay either a discount price or the retail pharmacy’s regular retail price, whichever is lower.

How do I get a discount card?

Cards will be available at the County Clerk’s’ Office, the Mayor’s Office in Hilo and Kona and at all County Council Offices. 

Cards are also available at the RSVP desk in the lobby of the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, in Hilo, the Office of Aging at Hilo Lagoon building and Coordinated Services for the Elderly in Hilo and Kona.

What pharmacies are participating in the program so far?

The following Big Island pharmacies are currently participating in this program:

**The above is a preliminary list; pharmacies not listed here may subsequently opt to participate.

The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc.  Big Island residents can get more information about the program by:

NACo is a national organization that represents county governments in the United States.  Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,600 counties. 

NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers’ money. 

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Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

An updated version of the County’s brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano is available online. The link to the brochure, which gives a brief summary of hazards and protective measures regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) and volcanic ash emissions, can be found on the lava information webpage at www.lavainfo.us. Scroll down and click on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Brochure.

The brochure gives color-coded levels of sulfur dioxide conditions, ranging from green (trace) to purple (extreme), with recommended responses accordingly.

The volcanic conditions are being closely monitored and if any changes occur that might affect your safety, you will be informed.  For further information, please call Hawai`i County Civil Defense at 935-0031 or visit the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

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Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates

Hawai`i County Civil Defense has set up a new telephone hotline to provide daily updates on viewing at the Kalapana Safe Viewing site.

The lava hotline phone number is 961-8093, which lets you know the lava viewing hours for the day ahead.  The lava hotline automated message is updated every day at 10 a.m.

The Kalapana Safe Viewing program at the volcanic eruption site is a wonderful natural attraction, and the County Civil Defense Agency wants all visitors to enjoy the experience in safety and comfort.

With that in mind, we encourage visitors to prepare not only for sunny days at the lava viewing sight but also for rain.  Please note that there are no shelters at the site in case of rain.

For your comfort and convenience, please prepare for rain keeping in mind any trip hazard:

·        An umbrella and/or

·        Windbreaker or raincoat

Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:

·        Bottled water (2-3 quarts or liters per person)

·        Sturdy closed boots or shoes and socks

·        Flashlight (1 per person) and fresh batteries

·        Long pants

·        Sun hat and sunscreen

·        Binoculars (optional)

Visitors are allowed entry to the viewing area every day from 2 p.m., with the last vehicles admitted at 8:00 p.m. This will allow officials to ensure that everybody is out of the area by 10 p.m. The viewing area is closed between 10 pm and 2 pm.  This schedule is subject to change; hazardous conditions may require changes to the schedule or closure.

Visitors are reminded to obey all the warning signs and stay within the allowed areas to ensure their safety. The newly formed lava and black sand beach are extremely unstable, and can collapse into the ocean at any time. Visitors must stay well away from the volcanic steam clouds which contain hydrochloric acid and glass particles.

Please note:  There is no cell phone coverage in the viewing area.

We ask that visitors show the greatest courtesy and respect to the local residents and property owners. Please remember never to go off the road or trail, and please dispose of all trash in the garbage cans provided. Guide/interpreters will be on hand in the viewing area to provide information and assistance.  For more information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

For the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has created a new section of its website with all of the information we've been trying to get out to the public. Click on  http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update .

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Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project - Update

The Queen Kaahumanu Highway "Talk Story" meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place.  Light refreshments are served.

WHEN:          7:30 a.m.  Every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

WHERE:       Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room, Hanama Place.

The meeting place is accessible for persons with disabilities.  Persons who need special accommodations for this meeting should call 329-5226.

For more information, please contact Mr. Sterling Chow, HDOT Construction Engineer, at 933-8866 or Mr. Dennis Lee, M&E Pacific Resident Engineer, at 326-2035.

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Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

The following is a list of current and upcoming projects at our Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Baseyards.  These projects address safety concerns, general repair and maintenance, environmental issues and Department of Health regulations.

All project dates may be subject to change without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Location of Project

Council District

 

Work being done

Kea`au Transfer Station

3

New glasscrete pad for HI5 – Complete

Kea`au Transfer Station

3

New Retaining Wall Railing – In Progress

Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station

9

New glasscrete pad for HI5 – Out to bid

Contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058 if you have specific questions about any of these projects.

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Seats open on Environmental Management Commission

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for two vacancies on the Environmental Management Commission that became open on December 31, 2008, and a replacement for a commissioner who moved out of the district. 

The vacancies are in Council Districts 1 and 4.  We are also looking for a replacement for Council District 3 because the current commission member has moved out of the district.

To learn more about the duties and responsibilities of the commission, visit the department/commission website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/env_mng/envmng_commission.htm.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawai`i County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site:  http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720; the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750 or from the Department of Environmental Management Office at Puainako Town Center.  Applications may also be found on line at co.hawaii.hi.us , after clicking on the board/commission link. 

Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us   .

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County Seeks Applicants for Boards and Commissions

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for vacancies on several volunteer boards and commissions.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawai`i County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site:  http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750.  Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link. 

Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us  .

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Recycle your Old TVs and Other Electronic Waste in East and West Hawai`i

Bring your old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic waste to drop-off locations in East and West Hawai`i. 

The drop-off locations are as follows:

 

Location

Address

Phone #

Hours of Operation

East Hawai‘i

Bayside Computer Shop

55 Kukuau St.

Hilo

934-7748

Thurs., Fri. & Sat.

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

West Hawai‘i

Kona Compucycle

(Kaloko Business Center, below Costco)

75-5580 Maiau St

Bay #8

Kailua-Kona

326-9695

Tue., Thurs. & Sat.

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Now open on Saturdays! Please call the above locations first to schedule a drop-off. Do not abandon your items at the site when it is closed.

Residents may drop off the following electronic waste items for free: (Businesses: $0.55 per pound recycle fee).

·        Televisions

·        Computer monitors

·        Cell phones and telephones

·        DVDs/VCRs

·        Inkjet, Laser and Toner cartridges

·        Microwave ovens

·        Fax machines and copiers

·        Digital cameras

·        Printers

·        Laptops

For more information, please call 934-7748 (in Hilo) and 326-9695 (in Kona.)

This service is brought to you by the County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management (www.hawaiizerowaste.org) and Recycle Hawai`i at www.recyclehawaii.org .

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Recycling Drop-offs

The following items are now accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the County Transfer Stations:

Okay to Recycle:

·        Paperboard or boxboard   (cereal, tea, snack food boxes, etc.)

·        Plastics #1, #2 & #5   (milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt cups, etc.)

·        Metal cans    (Rinsed tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

·        Newspapers and magazines

·        Cardboard and brown paper bags (flattened)

·        Mixed office paper and junk mail (No Brites)

·        Shredded paper

·        Phonebooks and paperbacks

·        Plastic bags; individual bags should be knotted and put into a larger bag. 

NO wax-coated boxes or paper

NO food or oil contaminated materials

NO Styrofoam

Please note:  Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations can still be commodity-separated.  Please look for signage on where to place recycled materials at these sites.

Thank you for your kokua, as always.  For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

What’s IN:  Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include:  soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT:  Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include:  milk, wine and liquor containers.

Reminder:  ONLY eligible HI5¢ labeled containers can be redeemed.

Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

**Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch.**

CURRENTLY OPEN

DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION

OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**

Sat & Sun only: 8 am-4:30 pm.

ARC of Hilo

(Open Saturday only)

(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)

Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave.

Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm (Closed 12:30pm-1:30 pm)

Reynolds Recycling

Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street

(Old Industrial area)

Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm

Sat & Sun:    8:00am-3:00pm

Atlas Recycling

Goodwill Redemption & Donation Center

500 Kalanianaole Ave., Hilo

 

Mon-Sat: 8am – 6pm

Sun: 9am – 5pm

Goodwill Industries

Mr. K’s Recycle & Redemption

815 Kinoole St. (next to Kadota Liquor Store)

Mon.- Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat.&Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mr. Kadota

Hilo Transfer Station**

Daily  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

Hilo, Puainako/ Kilauea Ave

(behind Kai Store)

 

Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-4:00pm

Sat & Sun:    8:00am-2:00pm

 

Atlas Recycling

 

Honoka`a Transfer Station

(Weekends only)

 

Sat & Sun   8:00am-4:30

ARC of Hilo

Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place

Mon thru Fri:  7:00am-4:00pm

Atlas Recycling

(Old industrial area)

Sat  8:00am-3:00pm

Sun Closed

Kea’au Transfer Station**

M, W, F:  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

(Closed Tues & Thurs)

Sat & Sun   8:00am-4:30pm

Kealakehe Transfer Station**

M, W, F:  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

(Closed Tues & Thurs)

Sat & Sun   8:00am-4:30pm

Keauhou Transfer Station**

(Weekends only)

Sat & Sun  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

Pahoa Transfer Station**

(Weekends Only)

Sat & Sun  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

Puako Transfer Station**

(Open Sunday Only)

Sunday only  8:00am-4:30pm

(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)

ARC of Hilo

Waimea Transfer Station**

(Closed Tues & Thurs)

M, W, F:  8:00am-4:30pm

Sat & Sun  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

Waiohinu Transfer Station**

(Weekends only)

Sat & Sun  8:00am-4:30pm

ARC of Hilo

Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9 am- 1 pm) at:

For further information about Atlas Recycling’s operations on the island of Hawai`i, call 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona).

Reynolds Recycling at 1260 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo also participates in the HI5¢ program:  Tues-Saturday 9am-5pm.  For further information, call 754-8984.

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.  

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment.  The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has an information line?  Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information.  Or visit:

www.hi5deposit.com / http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm

****Check out this new Recycle Hawaii website page for "special event" disposal bins for recyclable beverage containers:

 http://recyclehawaii.org/HI5PurchaseRentBin.htm

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in Waimea, Pahoa

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management has announced that there will be Household Hazardous Waste Collection events in Waimea on Saturday, March 7, and in Pahoa on Sunday, March 8.

These events are conducted by the Department of Environmental Management to help residents safely and properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

These one-day events are free for residents only and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Waimea Transfer Station/Recycling Center on March 7, and at the Pahoa Transfer Station/Recycling Center on March 8.

Materials accepted include all automotive fluids (including antifreeze and used motor oil), corrosives, all types of batteries, fluorescent lights and ballasts, CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights), mercury thermometers, compressed gas cylinders, oil-based paints, toxic garden supplies, poisons, unused or outdated prescription medications (except controlled substances or needles) and miscellaneous hazardous household products.

PLEASE, NO business or farm generated waste, electronic waste, latex paint, explosives, flares, biological or infectious waste, radioactive & shock sensitive materials, fire extinguishers, detergents and non-hazardous materials.

At the Pahoa Transfer Station there will be a separate non-hazardous latex paint reuse collection held nearby concurrently with the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, look for the sign.

Please refrain from bringing non-hazardous household waste on this special collection day, to avoid possible delays.

For more information on Recycling in Hawai’i County, call our infoline at 961-5044 or visit our website at www.hawaiizerowaste.org.  

Mahalo for your cooperation and for helping protect our environment.

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Job Announcements

Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us  to download an application packet.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

Hawaii Heart Walk and Health Fair set for Feb. 14

The 12thannual Hawaii Heart Walk & Health Fair will be held 7-11 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2009, at Liliuokalani Gardens.

The fundraiser supports research, education and community programs on the Big Island, while promoting good health to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. The health fair opens at 7 a.m., and the walk starts at 8 a.m. It’s a non-competitive 2.2-mile route; those who want to can repeat the route for a 4.4-mile distance.

There will be various free health screenings, keiki games, refreshments, entertainment and more.

For information call the American Heart Association, 961-2825.

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“A Walk in Beauty” fundraiser for PCMC set for February 14

“A Walk in Beauty, a benefit for the Puna Community Medical Center’s Phase 1 Urgent Care Facility, will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, at the lush, tropical three-acre Andersen Palm Gardens in Leilani Estates, Puna. The event will feature garden tours, heavy pupus, no-host bar, silent auction, live music, plant sale and more. Admission (tax-deductible) is $50 per person. Space is limited to the first 150 guests. For information, call Janice Dauw, 808-982-4309, or e-mail aniceauw@yahoo.com. Checks may be sent to Puna Community Center, 15-2662 Pahoa village Road, Suite 306, PMB 8741, Pahoa, Ha2waii 96778.

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Valentine’s Day fundraiser for West Hawaii programs and scholarships

Soroptimist International of Kona is sponsoring a Dine & Dance Affair to raise funds for West Hawaii service programs and scholarships.  The event is Saturday evening, February 14, Valentine’s Day, at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa and the program will include entertainment by Pacific Fusion and silent auction.  

Funds raised will go directly to West Hawaii programs that help support needs of the community such as the West Hawaii Women’s Shelter, provide scholarships and educational materials for children in West Hawaii schools, assist the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center , Turning Point for Families, and a Victim’s Assistance Fund.  

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased from any Soroptimist membert or contact Linda Meyer at 930-7614.

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Community Meeting to Focus on Isle’s Economic Outlook

Community Enterprises will present its monthly Kona Town Meeting focusing on Hawaii Island’s Economic outlook for 2009, 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, at Makaeo Events Pavilion at the Old Kona Airport Park. Speakers will be District 7 (South Kona) County Councilwoman Brenda Ford, Hawaii County Director of Finance Nancy Crawford, Big island Visitors Bureau Executive Director George Applegate, Kona Board of Realtors Director Robert A. Ferrari, and Clark Commercial Group President Greg Ogin. The public is invited to attend and ask questions about different sectors of the economy – government tourism and real estate. Community Enterprises is a non-partisan, non-profit organization providing vital information on community concerns to Kona citizens.

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Healing Our Island Community Fund mini-grants available

Do you have an idea or an initiative for a drug prevention and education activity that will help your community?  Do you know of others willing to collaborate and conduct anti-drug activities with a focus on youth, family and neighborhood?  Mini-grants are now available for initiatives like these.

The Healing Our Island Community Fund is a grant-in-aid to the County of Hawai`i from the Hawai`i State Legislature aimed at inspiring and encouraging grassroots community involvement to plan and implement services, programs and events in the fight against drug abuse.

Funds for this program are intended to fund projects of Hawai`i Island’s community-based grassroots organizations and non-501(c)(3)s that traditionally do not have access to grant funds.  The grants are not to exceed $2,000.00 and applicants are encouraged to collaborate and cooperate with others in their own communities and with other communities.  This program has been successful in all districts across the island over the past two years.

More than 281 community mini-grants have been awarded since the inception of this program.  This funding has enabled communities to connect and work in a united front to address substance abuse issues.

Each district on Hawai`i Island has a district liaison available to assist groups with their grant proposals and to help and encourage groups to connect with potential collaborative partners in their communities.  Grant requests are evaluated monthly and are due by the 10th of each month.  Funds are limited so preference will be given to first-time Healing Our Island applicants.

The Healing Our Island 2007-2008 Community Grant Fund information and application packet is available at www.hcrc.info  or for pick up at the Hawaii County Resource Center in Hilo at Hilo Lagoon Centre,101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014-C, or in Kona at the Lanihau Professional Center at 75-5591 Palani Road, Suite 2001 (next to Frame Ten Center-Kona Bowl).

For more information, please call Laverne Omori at 327-3665 or contact the liaison for your district:

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High Quality Mulch at Kealakehe Transfer Station

The County of Hawai’i has free mulch at the public pick-up area of the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Station available 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm.  This mulch is being processed by EKO Systems and is a higher-quality product than previously available. 

To inquire about daily mulch availability at the Kealakehe site, please call 929-8200.

Bring a shovel to load your own vehicle or have EKO Systems operators load with a mechanical loader between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. only.  Assisted mechanical loading availability is subject to machine operability and time permitting.  To inquire about assisted loading, please call 217-1219 or 929-8200.  No loading fees. Be sure to also bring a tarp or other covering for your load to prevent spillage on to the roads. Covered loads are required by Hawaii state law (HRS 291C-131).

If you want large loads delivered to your property, please contact a local trucking firm to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch.  Again, no fees are charged to load any truck, regardless of size.

We are still accepting untreated/unpainted pallets at both the Kealakehe and Hilo greenwaste sites.  For further information, please call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.

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Check out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

All around the island, communities are actively engaging in a monumental planning effort that has the potential of positively affecting the future of Hawai`i Island for generations to come.

Go to the website http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan  (note: this is a new website address) to see what is happening in each of our judicial districts as it relates to the Community Development Plan process.

In addition to finding current information about the process, you can also find, among other things, information about past planning efforts.

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TRAFFIC ALERT

Waika’alulu Gulch Bridge in Kalopa closed for repairs

Waika’alulu Gulch Bridge on Kalopa Road was closed for repairs for a month starting January 5. Only local traffic will be allowed beyond the barricades on Kalopa Road.

For up-to-date information, please call the County Hotline at 334-9559.

Improvements in Kainaliu to resume Monday, January 5

Work on sidewalk improvements resumed on Monday, January 5, on the mauka side of Mamalahoa highway, just beyond Showcase Gallery. The work will then move across Mamalahoa highway.

This is part of the $1.5 million improvements package to address the flow of traffic in north Kona, improve parking and upgrade sidewalks to meet requirements for the American Disabilities Act. Construction is scheduled for completion in April. For weekly changes to the work schedule, please call the County Hotline at 334-9559.

Traffic signal light replacement

Traffic signal light bulbs, nearing the end of their six-year life cycle will be replaced starting the second week of January at 96 county and state road and highway intersections around the island. This is part of the preventive maintenance program. 

Work will begin in Kona. Crews will work two days a week until March, then move to East Hawaii. No traffic delays are anticipated. Used light bulbs and electronic material will be recycled.

If the street light in your community is out or stays on all day, please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.

The Traffic Division of the County Department of Public Works manages 9,308 street lights islandwide.  Each of these street lights is operated by light-sensing cells, and a percentage of these street lights are regularly in need of repair or maintenance.

Two things can happen with the street lights.  Bulbs may burn out, which means the light will not activate at dusk, or the sensor may malfunction and the light will remain on all day.

If a street light in your neighborhood is lit all day or is not lit at night, please call the Traffic Division of Public Works, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 961-8341 with the following information:

For more information, please contact Ron Thiel, Traffic Division Chief at 961-8341.  Mahalo nui loa.

Need a Pothole Repaired?  -- Call Public Works

If you know of a pothole in your street, in your neighborhood or in your travels, please call the County to have it repaired.  Public Works personnel repair potholes each Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Please call one of the numbers listed below for the community where you live.  Let the staff know you have a pothole that needs repair.  The staff will ask you the following questions:

1)         General location of the pothole

2)         Give a landmark if you can.

3)         Your phone number in case they need to contact you.

The office hours for each of the following nine offices are weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  If you call after hours, please leave a message on the voice mail.

S. Hilo                                     Phone. 961-8636

N. Hilo/Hamakua                   Phone: 775-7500

Kamuela                                 Phone: 887-3004

Keauhou, N. Kona                 Phone: 322-2877

N. Kohala                               Phone: 887-3004

Ka’u, Waiohinu                      Phone: 939-2500

Puna                                       Phone: 966-5806

Your County Department of Public Works thanks you for your kokua, as always.

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Abandoned Vehicles on Public Roads

To report an Abandoned Vehicle on a public highway, public or private street or thoroughfare, please call police dispatch at 935-3311.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the vehicle.  You may also call the County’s Abandoned Vehicle Program at 961-8552.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

We encourage everyone to use web-based calendar links. Please add your own events to the respective calendars so others can get the word and not conflict with your plans.

County of Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cgi-bin/webcal/webcal.pl
State of Hawaii: http://calendar.ehawaii.gov/calendar/html/event
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: http://calendar.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii.com: http://www.hawaii.com/live/
Hawaii Community Foundation http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
Alternative-Hawaii: http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/calendar.htm
Kamuela.com: http://kamuela.com/calendar/default.asp
Hawaii Public Radio: http://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/psa.htm
Hawaii Theatre Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hawaiitheatre
Waikoloa Village: http://www.waikoloa.org/calendar
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp
Big Island-Big island: http://www.bigisland-bigisland.com/Hawaii-Events.html

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HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/

County Forms Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/forms/forms.html
County Maps Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html
County Project Summaries And Updates Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm

Procurement Notices: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/purchasing/bids.htm

Community Development Plan website: http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

Information & Assistance:  cohinfo@co.hawaii.hi.us
County Departments: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/email.htm
Hawaii County website: co.hawaii.hi.us

Articles for the online County Newsletter and requests to be included on the County Newsletter e-mail list should be sent to cohinfo@co.hawaii.hi.us.

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