March 26, 2004

UPCOMING EVENTS

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In response to Mayor Harry Kim's declaration of war on Ice (crystal methamphetamine) and concerns expressed by the Hawaii County Council involving the growing Ice epidemic, Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna and the Hawaii County Police Department have formed specialized new units within the existing Vice Sections.

Collectively called the Ice Task Force, each unit was formed to focus efforts on reducing and disrupting the flow of crystal methamphetamine into and throughout the County and State of Hawaii.

The Ice Task Forces (ITF) for Area II, or East Hawaii, and Area II, or West Hawaii, were initiated in September with the selection of one detective, and later filled with an additional two officers on November 1, 2003.

Ice Hotlines were also established to receive calls from members of the public wishing to provide information regarding the use and distribution of crystal methamphetamine on the Big Island.

The telephone number for the East Hawaii is 934-"VICE" (934-8423); the number for West Hawaii is 329-"ZERO-ICE" (329-0423).

The task forces measure their effectiveness partially on the number of phone calls and complaints received via the hotlines, the actions taken in response to the call or complaint and the frequency of calls or complaints after action is taken.

Each hotline initially received approximately 30 calls per month during the September-October 2003 period. Since the inception of the ITF's, the calls have steadily declined to an estimated one or two calls per week.

Once a tip is called to the hotline, police will initiate an investigation, including possibly surveillance. Once police determine that a residence is a site of drug activity, a search warrant will be obtained from the courts and a search will be conducted.

If police discover illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia or illegal firearms, they will arrest the suspects and charge them with the appropriate offenses.

From November 1, 2003, through February 28, 2004, the East Hawaii ITF generated 52 search warrants, resulting in 578 total arrests on 115 different individuals and the seizure of 853.8 grams of methamphetamine, 110.7 grams of cocaine, 665.7 grams of marijuana, 805 marijuana plants, 1,105 grams psilocybin, 40 ecstasy tablets, 80 controlled illegal tablets, 26 weapons and $59,406 in asset forfeiture.

During the same period, the West Hawaii ITF generated 59 search warrants, resulting in 592 arrests on 104 individuals and the seizure of 1,915.6 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 1,008.5 grams of marijuana, 366 marijuana plants and 153 controlled illegal tablets, 37 weapons and $101,545 in asset forfeiture.

On March 4, 2004, the East Hawaii ITF led a multi-agency investigation of 10 suspected ice houses in "Operation Meltdown III," covering the districts of Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo and Puna.

Taking part in the operation were officers from the East Hawaii Ice Task Force and Vice Section, the four county police departments, the State Narcotics Enforcement Division, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

During that operation, officers served 11 search warrants in a 24-hour period, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of about one-half ounce of ice, about two grams of heroin, 111 marijuana plants, three firearms, two motorcycles and an automobile and the recovery of $3,767 in cash for forfeiture proceedings.

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The reason the County of Hawai`i requires grading and grubbing permits is to address the major problems of erosion and sedimentation caused by land-disturbing activities.

Any persons contemplating land clearing will probably be required to get at least one such permit. These permits are issued by the Department of Public Works.

• Grubbing – The removal of vegetation

• Grading -- Alteration of the existing contours of the land

Property owners should note that house pads (i.e. the "footprint" of a residence) are exempt as they are part of a valid building permit.

Farmers are allowed to get a Conservation Plan (i.e. a grading plan for farmers) from the Soil and Conservation Districts Office instead of a grading or grubbing permit.

A few other activities are exempt from getting a grading or grubbing permit.

These include:

• Cemeteries

• Landfills

• Utility and surveying lines

• Exploratory mining or quarrying

• Excavations

Applicants should be aware that whenever they plan land-clearing, they need prior approval from the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. This is required prior to submission of the grading or grubbing application to the County Department of Public Works.

This is to ensure that proper consideration is given to possible historic or archaeological features on the property to be cleared.

Applicant should also be aware that they must obtain proper land use approvals from the County Planning Department prior to submission of applications to the Department of Public Works for grading and grubbing permits.

Applicants who disturb one or more acres of land will need to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the State Department of Health.

Of particular emphasis is noise and dust control. The regulations pertaining to noise and dust control come under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Health.

Applicants are advised to read carefully the grading and grubbing notes that the Department of Public Works provides them. These notes give detailed instructions on all requirements involved in land clearing.

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The public is invited to an informational meeting where the administration will share its proposed fuel tax increase and new allocation formula.

The fuel tax increase is aimed at providing better highway maintenance and mass transit services islandwide. The new allocation formula is to address the different costs of asphalt concrete between East and West Hawai'i.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2004, 6:00 p.m. at the Keaau Community Center, 16-186 Pili Mua Street, Keaau.

If you have any questions, please contact Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works at 961-8324.

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The new 2004 real property tax assessments are now available on the County website. Click on www.hawaiipropertytax.com

If you look at your tax map key, you can view the land, building, and exemption values for this year.

For further information, call Real Property Tax Division at 961-8201.

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The Ka‘u to South Kona Water Master Plan Draft Report, dated March 2004, is now available for public review on the County website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2skwmp/info.htm. The Plan was initiated to address potential water sources and water distribution systems for the southwest portion of the Big Island. The objective was to develop a long-range plan to provide water for homes, commercial businesses, and farmers in the Kau to South Kona region.

Townscape, Inc., wishes to extend appreciation to BK Engineering and Waimea Water Services, Inc. who contributed to the formulation of this plan. Townscape, Inc. would also like to thank everyone who has participated in the development of this plan, especially those who have attended public meetings and/or provided suggestions and help.

Please send your comments no later than Wednesday, March 31, 2004 to:

If you have any questions regarding the report, please contact Hilarie Keehne at 536-6999, ext. 103 or at hilariekeehne@townscapeinc.com.

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Real Property tax assessments for the 2004-2005 tax year have been compiled and are on file at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office.

A "Notice of Property Assessment" will be mailed to property owners on or before March 15, 2004. Please review the assessment information carefully.

The notice of property assessment includes the taxable value placed upon buildings and all other real property and the amount of exemption, if any, allowed on the property. If you fail to receive the Notice of Assessment, contact the County Tax Office at 961-8201 or 327-3540.

Property owners may come to the Real Property Tax Office to inspect the assessment on their property and to confer with staff members so that errors may be corrected prior to the finalization of the assessment list.

The County of Hawaii has real property tax offices in East and West Hawaii. The East Hawaii Office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, and the West Hawaii Office at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

If you do not agree with the value placed on your property or if you are not allowed an exemption to which you believe you are entitled, an appeal may be filed with the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court.

The deadline for filing appeals is April 12, 2004. Appeal forms to the Tax Board of Review are available at the Real Property Tax Office in East and West Hawaii. Appeal forms to the Tax Appeal Court are available at the Tax Appeal Court, Box 376, Honolulu, Hawaii 96809, or by calling (808) 539-4777.

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The plans and specifications for the water system improvements of the Kona Coastview and Kona Wonderview Subdivision were advertised for bidding on March 7, 2004.

Bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Funding for the preliminary estimate is secured with the USDA Rural Development Loan/Grant Program.

A public hearing will be held after the bid opening and prior to the bid award to inform residents of the subdivisions as to their final costs of the improvements.

For further information, please call the Department of Water Supply at 961-8050.

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The County of Hawai`i Office of Management will hold a series of public meetings regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations which require the abandonment of large-capacity cesspools by April 5, 2005.

The purpose of the public meetings is to discuss the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations, particularly to clarify the applicability of the regulations to land owners who may be utilizing large-capacity cesspools for wastewater disposal.

Possible alternative wastewater disposal systems available and potential means of financing the costs of upgrading the large-capacity cesspool with County, state and federal funds will also be discussed.

Schedule of Meetings: (Group meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified. One-on-one follow-up meetings will be held between meetings. If necessary, the personal consultations may be extended, by appointment, to the following day.)

For further information, please call Margarita Hopkins at 961-8369.

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When: April 12 from 7:50 a.m. (Registration) to noon

Where: Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

Hilo Fair Housing Seminar. The County of Hawaii, Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission, the State Hawai`i Community Development Corporation of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be sponsoring a seminar addressing Federal and State Fair Housing Laws. No cost. To register, call Jeremy at 961-8379.

When: April 19 from 7:50 a.m. (Registration) to noon

Where: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, Kamakahonu Room `Elua.

Kona Fair Housing Seminar. The County of Hawaii, Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission, the State Hawai`i Community Development Corporation of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be sponsoring a seminar addressing Federal and State Fair Housing Laws at $2 cost for validated parking. To register, call Jeremy at 961-8379.

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Hawaii County Resource Center is administering a $100,000 fund issued by the State Legislature. In response to recommendations from the community at our island-wide Meth Summit, the Mayor’s Office, County Council and State legislators worked together to make these funds available.

Grants are to be used on our island at the neighborhood and community level with a focus on drug use prevention and education.

Proposals may include community event(s), public awareness projects, mentoring, youth/family recreation, and renovation/beautification projects. Organizations do not need non-profit status to qualify. Neighborhood groups, community associations and faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply.

Proposals should reflect the basic goal of drug use prevention and education whether it is a one-time event or an ongoing project. It is expected that these drug- and alcohol- free projects will strengthen partnerships within the community. Preference will be given to projects which promote collaboration of two or more groups.

Maximum grant awards are $2,000.

The application process is simple and straightforward, with proposals being considered over the course of a three-month period spanning March through May, 2004.

Groups need to get their proposals in before the 15th of those three months to be considered for that month’s batching and review. Proposals are due March 15, April 15 or May 15.

Application forms are available online at www.healingourisland.com under the "What’s New" category, or at the Hawai'i County Resource Center, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 114, Hilo, telephone 961-8085.

For more information, call Louise Winn at 961-8035 or Shana Ross at 961-8085

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

Or call our 24/7 Job Hotline: 961-8618

Or visit our webpage: co.hawaii.hi.us

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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You are cordially invited to a Silent Auction of Still-Good Stuff (furniture, electronics, mirrors & more) to benefit Recycle Hawai`i's recycling, reuse and resource management educational programs.

WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 2004, from 11 a.m. - noon

WHERE: Kea`au Recycling and Reuse Center (next to the Kea`au Transfer Station.

For more information check www.recyclehawaii.org or call the Recycle Hawaii Infoline at 961-2676.

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Waimea and North Hawaii residents are urged to attend the 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2004 meeting of the Waimea Community Association to share stories and observations about the recent flash flooding.

The purpose is to look at lessons learned and how to be pro-active in mitigating the effects of future flood events. Residents are urged to bring photos taken during the recent flooding.

Leading the discussion will be Jerry Williams from the National Resource Conservation Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Williams is a long-time Big Island resident and authority on flood mitigation.

Also invited will be other experts involved in watershed management, erosion control and potable and non-potable water resources.

"We want to look forward…but we also want to publicly thank all the people who did so much during the storm to protect life and property, and those who worked 24/7 to reinstate our water service and expedite cleanup," said WCA President John Ray.

"The devotion and commitment of our public servants – police, fire, emergency services, road and park crews, water department employees, civil defense and the volunteers who run evacuation shelters – it was a tremendous team effort for which we are indebted," Ray said.

There will also be a briefing on Waimea’s first Clean and Sober House, which is planned to provide managed shelter for people in recovery. Clean and Sober housing on Oahu has become a component in the recovery process from substance abuse.

The housing proposed for Waimea will be operated by Faith Against Drugs, a respected recovery program which is currently operating a Clean and Sober program in Hilo. Faith Against Drugs employs many of the values and principals of traditional 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Residents living in a Clean and Sober House are subject to random drug testing and expected to continue their recovering classes. Occupancy in a Clean and Sober House conforms with Hawaii County regulations.

Waimea Power of Choice has been working to pair up a home owner with Faith Against Drugs.

For more information about the meeting, call John Ray at 885-5875.

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The Kona Outdoor Circle, a local non-profit organization that has been active in Kona since 1948, dedicated to the preservation of our natural resources, is offering a scholarship of $1000 for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Applicants must be residents of West Hawaii (North Kohala to Ka`u) who will be full-time students attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the United States.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic achievement (at least 2.7 GPA) and financial need. Applicants must plan to enroll or be enrolled in a program in horticulture, landscaping, environmental studies, forestry, agriculture, or other fields directly related to the goals of the Kona Outdoor Circle, to "keep Kona clean, green and beautiful". The organization accomplishes these goals through public area plantings, education programs and public advocacy.

The application deadline is April 30, 2004. Applicants must complete the written application, submit their most recent high school or college transcript, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report and two letters of recommendation.

Applications are available at Ka`u, Kealakehe, Kohala, and Konawaena High Schools; Hawaii Preparatory Academy; Parker School; Makua Lani Christian School; University of Hawaii Financial Aid Offices; the Educational Talent Search Program at the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii; and the Kona Outdoor Circle office at the intersection of Kuakini and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highways.

For more information, call the Kona Outdoor Circle at 329-7286 or Maiden Temple at 325-6775.

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Please join us at the 3rd Annual Islandwide Solutions 2004: Neighborhoods in Action Seminar sponsored by Plan to Protect and funded by Atherton Family Foundation. This Seminar will be held on May 1, 2004 from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an Outrigger Resort.

Workshops and Special Presentations will be held on these topics. Confirmed presenters include Mayor Harry Kim, Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura, Police Chief Larry Mahuna and Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira.

Feature topics at this year’s Seminar include:

• Drug Court – learn how it works from folks who have been there

• Youth Builders – "every youth in Hawaii County will be a responsible, healthy, and caring community member"

• Traffic – speeding in our neighborhoods

• Animal Control – rodent control & promoting responsible pet ownership

• Property Crimes – burglary, theft, and vandalism

Come and share your insights, experiences and expertise. The Seminar’s aim is to generate achievable solutions to address our common concerns.

Please tell your friends and colleagues about the Seminar: Everyone is invited. Please RSVP by April 23, 2004.

Attendance is limited to the first 200 registrations ($25, after 4/23/04: $35).

If you have any questions or wish further information, please contact Lil Beaufrere at (808) 325-0039 or konalil@hawaii.rr.com.

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Hawai’i Community College announces a three-part marine naturalist lecture series in Kona. Each class – Whales, Dolphins and Turtles - is three hours and the registration fee is $35.00 per session.

Register for just one or all three. Hannah Bernard, one of Hawaii’s noted marine biologists, will teach the classes.

WHALES: March 17 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or March 18 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

DOLPHINS: April 8 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or April 9 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

TURTLES: May 26 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or May 27 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

**Please note that all Evening Sessions above are at Kealakehe High School. All morning sessions are at Kona Outdoor Circle.

For more information, call Kathy Kirk at 895-4939.

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Position: Director of Office of Continuing Education and Training, position number 89382, Hawaii CC (Hawai'i Community College), general funds.

Duties: Manages the workforce development, basic skills development, international programs and operations of the office. Leads the office with strategic planning experience and entrepreneurial skills to generate resources for the College and provide training opportunities for the Island of Hawaii.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree or equivalent. Attainment of academic rank of associate professor or have demonstrated a record of comparable professional management experience prior to appointment. Experience in planning, organizing promoting, and implementing programs in an educational agency, industry, or government. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with diverse constituencies. Ability to manage, plan, develop, revise and implement creative and innovative education and training programs. Knowledge of fiscal operations and budget development.

Desirable Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Business Administration of Education or equivalency. Experience as administrator or in carrying out administrative responsibilities with emphasis on personnel supervision and budget development. Knowledge of skills and experience with educational marketing and public affairs. Knowledge of community education, mission of a community college and its interrelationship to instructional programs and support services; skills in personnel development and training; familiarity with obtaining and managing private, federal, and state grants and contracts for training and workforce development, such as Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Employee Training Fund (ETF), and other funding sources for students; familiarity with coordinating apprenticeship and journeyworker training programs; familiarity with training programs for international clientele and students; ability to relate effectively with the various internal and external constituencies of a complex organization and to build systematic and collaborative working relationships with diverse constituencies.

To apply: Nominations and applications are being accepted for the position. Candidates must submit a cover letter summarizing the candidate’s interest and qualifications for the position, a current curriculum vita, and three (3) letters of recommendation. For more information about Hawai'i Community College please go to www.hawcc.hawaii.edu. For a job description and specific application/nomination requirements, please go to www.hawaii.edu/executivesearch/ or http://workatuh.hawaii.edu.

Application address: Office of the Chancellor, Search Committee for Director OCET, Hawai'i Community College, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720-4091. Complete faxes to (808) 974-7692 are acceptable with originals postmarked no later than three working days after the fax receipt.

Inquiries: (808) 933-0806 or sdaniel@hawaii.edu. Continuous recruitment: Review of applications will begin on April 5, 2004 and will continue until the position is filled.

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The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay is currently accepting applications for its Teen Parent Scholarship. The scholarship awards a Hawaii Island teen parent with up to $1,000.00 to be used to continue his or her adult education.

The simple two-page application is available at the Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Prince Kuhio Plaza customer service counter as well as at the Community Technology Center Hawaii at 200 Kanoelehua Avenue Suite 105. Completed applications are due no later than May 31, 2004.

"We are extremely pleased to once again be able to award a deserving teen parent with this scholarship," said Mike Gleason, President of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. "Faced with the additional responsibility of raising a child of their own, it is often difficult for teen parents to continue their adult education.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Were 19 years old or younger at the time they first became a parent

• Are currently a parent and primary caregiver of at least one living child under 18 years of age

• Are a current resident of the Big Island of Hawaii

• Will have received a high school diploma or equivalent by September 1, 2004

• Are currently attending or planning on attending an accredited institution of learning including but not limited to Hawaii Community College or the University of Hawaii at Hilo

Applicants can be either male or female. Applicants do not need to have just graduated from high school; parents who have stayed home to care for their child and now want to return to school are eligible.

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Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action's Traffic Task Force has scheduled the following meeting in Waimea:

WHEN: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

WHERE: KTA Waimea Center - upstairs room 2C

The Traffic Task Force continues its work on the key islandwide safety issue identified at the Solutions 2003 Seminar held last year: Speeding through Neighborhoods.

Other agenda items: review Bill HB 2290 - Graduating License. Also, a report on the recent Traffic Conference held on Oahu. Continue work on the Pace Car Program.

To review articles and results of an islandwide survey, go to www.solutionsislandhawaii.com . Click on Traffic. For further information, contact Laura Ward 331-1422 or email whde@verizon.net

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There is a bumper crop of free mulch currently available at the Hilo Transfer Station, which is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management sponsors the mulch program.

Residents may self-load the mulch for free or receive loading assistance from the site operator for a fee ranging from $10 - $40 depending on vehicle size.

Thanks to the participation of all the island’s residents and businesses, nearly 18,000 tons of greenwaste were diverted from landfills in 2003 under the County’s diversion program and processed into high quality mulch for the public.

In Kailua-Kona, the Kealakehe Transfer Station base yard is still accepting drop-offs of greenwaste, while a new public pickup area is being prepared for the processed mulch. The free mulch program will resume at Kealakehe sometime in March or April once the site modifications are completed.

For more information, please contact the County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.

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Please join us for a fun, interactive and informative 2-part workshop on intermediate and advanced composting.

WHERE: Kea`au Recycling & Reuse Center (Kea`au Transfer Station)

• The first half of our workshop will focus on backyard composting, basic biology and fundamentals of compost, compost critters, control factors, compost and compost "tea," troubleshooting common problems, and a Q&A session.

Take a tour of our compost demonstration site and see working bins in action. All are welcome to join the fun.

• The second half of this interactive workshop, entitled "Worms Worms Worms!", will explore intermediate and more advanced vermi-composting in Hawaii.

Composting with worms is an easy and fun way to save money and turn your kitchen scraps into garden "gold" or free fishing bait.

Highlights include a "How To" demonstration on home worm bins, management and troubleshooting, basic worm biology, reproduction, compost and harvesting tips. A few worm bins (and worms) will be given away to lucky workshop participants as "door prizes," so come join us to learn about composting and worms in Hawaii.

A free compost hoop will be given to each family participating. This project is funded by the County of Hawaii to satisfy county obligations under a consent agreement with the State Department of Health for past solid waste violations.

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UH Cooperative Extension Service Workshops on Fruit Flies

County Agent/Community Educator Nancy Honda is the featured speaker at a workshop entitled

"Fruit Flies-Having Fruit Fly Problems in your Yard, or Is it your Neighbors?". If you’re interested in protecting your peaches and many other fruits, come to this workshop and we’ll partner and solve this problem. Come and learn how to make your own fruit fly traps.

Where: Waimea Civic Center (back of courthouse)

When: 4/14, 5/12, 6/9, 2004. Time: 4-5:30 P.M.

Supplies: Free

For further information, call Nancy Honda at UH Cooperative Extension Service at 959-9155.

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An evening fit for royalty takes place when Hulihe`e Palace lights up for the annual Evening at the Palace-Hulihe`e After Dark on Saturday, April 3 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Browse among oceanside culinary stations featuring chefs from the best restaurants and resorts in West Hawaii. Enjoy beer and wine provided by local purveyors, dancing under the stars to Pacific Fusion, live and silent auctions and guided tours of Hulihe`e Palace.

See the spectacular koa armoire commissioned by King Kalakaua that won a silver medal at the 1889 International Exhibition in Paris. Other palatial standouts include two imposing, century-old makaloa mats made from the perennial sedge and an inlaid table featuring 20 different Hawaiian woods. Marvel at the trunk Queen Kapi`olani used in 1887 to carry her belongings to England for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee-it was one of six. Lead-lined for waterproofing, it bears her motto: Kulia i ka nu`u --Strive for the highest.

This year, the caretakers of the Kailua-Kona palace, the Daughters of Hawai`i, are celebrating their centennial and will be honored by the chamber with a special presentation.

Tickets are $70 for members and $75 for non-members and those sold at the door. For reservations, call 329-1758.

Organized by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, this event is also a fundraiser for the Daughters of Hawai`i.

For further information, contact Lori Honl, 960-1868.

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Family ASTRO is a national program to help parents (and other caregivers) to get more involved in their children’s science education, and to spend more time together enjoying hands-on activities. At these evening or weekend events, about 5 to 10 families get together to conduct experiments, play games and explore a particular topic in astronomy.

Family ASTRO brings science to kids and their parents in a fun and comfortable setting. Parents are able to work with their kids to explore hands-on experiments and learn more about a particular topic in astronomy. No astronomy background is required, and take-home games are provided free to families to help them continue the fun at home.

Family ASTRO seeks Event Leaders to bring this program to more youth groups in Hawaii.

Event Leader training will be held in Waimea on April 7, May 12 and June 17th from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. at W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters in Waimea. There is no fee to attend. Activities are designed for children ages 7 and up and their parents or guardians. Event leaders will get supplies and games to lead their own family science nights for groups of 10 or 20.

For registration and more information, please contact Laura Kraft at 881-3827 or e-mail lkraft@keck.hawaii.edu.

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The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club holds its annual spring show and sale April 10 at Keauhou Shopping Center. Browse among award-winning orchids and find the perfect Easter gift from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. near Rocky's Pizza.

In its 21st year, the Daifukuji Orchid Club meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Daifukuji Mission Hall in Honalo. For more information, call 329-7354.

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The 3rd Annual AstrDay 2K4 will be back at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo on Saturday Apr 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event will feature Mauna Kea Observatory exhibits, demonstrations and presentations, Hawaiian Culture displays, student science fair projects, IR cameras, StarLab Planetarium shows, telescopes, comet making and expanding universe for the kids.

After dark, there will be star-gazing at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Gary Fujihara at 969-9101 or email him at fujmon@mac.com.

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Please join us for the second of a four-part spring series offered by Hawaii Community College and its UH Center, West Hawaii in partnership with UH Manoa.

When: Wednesday, April 28, 2004 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an Outrigger Resort

Speaker: Walter Jamieson, Dean, School of Travel Industry Management, UH-Manoa

Admission: Free

Topic: Achieving Responsible Tourism: Moving from Rhetoric to Implementation

Over the last decade there has been a great deal of discussion on sustainable tourism. It is now evident that in order to achieve environmental, social, cultural and economic goals we must look towards a more realistic approach that stresses the responsibility of each of the stakeholders in the tourism development process.

Jamieson’s presentation will look at the challenges facing the tourism industry and all Hawaii's citizens and will suggest practical means for ensuring that tourism in Hawaii is seen as an important development tool that meets the needs of the community as well as the visitor. Issues that are of particular interest to those on the Big Island will be identified and discussed.

Jamieson has been involved in a significant number of academic as well as consultancy activities over the last 30 years. His consultancy activities include working with the World Tourism Organization, ESCAP and UNESCO.

He has been director of research and outreach centers at the University of Calgary and team leader on a number of projects in Asia. He has published solely or jointly over 135 publications, papers, presentations and outreach lectures. In 2003 he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his work in heritage preservation in Canada.

This lecture is part of the Visiting University of Hawai'i Professors, Deans and Directors Lecture Series.

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Where/Location: South Kohala District; Mamalahoa Highway – Lindsey Road to Lalamilo Farm Road.

What: Restripe centerlines and edge-of-pavement lines.

Where/Location: Hamakua and South Kohala Districts; Saddle Road at various locations.

What: Restore centerlines, edge-of-pavement lines and raised pavement markers at locations where asphalt resurfacing was completed.

Where/Location: North Kona District; Hualalai Road.

What: Restripe edge-of-pavement lines, stoplines, arrows, lane lines and guide lines – between Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Mamalahoa Highway.

Where/Location: North Kona District; Hualalai Road.

What: Continue with restriping work.

Where/Location: South Kohala District; Waikoloa Road and Kawaihae Industrial, Kaei Hana 11.

What: Restripe STOP AHEAD legend and restore centerline and stopline markings.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Complete restriping job.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Wailoa Street – Kinoole Street to Kapiolani Street.

What: Restripe centerline and crosswalk markings

Where/Location: Puna District; Huina Road (State Highways Project).

What: Install conduit and foundations for future traffic signals.

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When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition.

To properly adjust the left mirror place your head against the left window and adjust the mirror so that you can just see the left side of the car. For the right, move your head towards the center of the vehicle and adjust the right mirror in the same way.

When you are sitting correctly in the driver's seat, you will not be able to see your vehicle, but your blind spots will be greatly reduced.

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Preliminary sewer repairs are currently underway and will continue for the next several weeks at Kea’a Street, off Kalaniana’ole Street in Keaukaha.

We apologize for any temporary traffic delays or inconvenience caused during the work.

For further information, please call Peter Boucher at the WasteWater Division, County of Hawai`i at 961-8338.

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Island Mechanical – Hawai’i is installing a fiber optic cable system in the Hilo area. The route will extend from the vicinity of Richardson Beach Park (Nene Street) in the Keaukaha area to the vicinity of Kawailani Street/Kanoelehua Avenue from Kalanianaole Street to Leilani Street. We expect the project to take about eight months to complete (April 2004).

We apologize in advance for the temporary inconvenience you might experience during the project. Our standard working hours will be between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. In certain areas, we are using advanced construction techniques (horizontal directional drilling) to minimize pavement disturbance and traffic disruption.

Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this project to: Chuck Eckman, Resident Engineer, Mid-State Consultants, Inc. at (808)640-9509 (new, Hawaii Island number)

Mahalo for your patience and understanding.

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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://www.state.hi.us/calendars.htm
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: http://calendar.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii.com: http://www.hawaii.com/live/
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
UH at Hilo Theatre Events: http://performingarts.net/Theatre/seasoncalendar/calendar.pl
Waikoloa Village: http://www.waikoloa.org/WVCalendar.html
Public School (click on your school): http://doe.k12.hi.us/calendars0203/index.htm

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

To add or remove your name from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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For more information, contact:
Janet Snyder
Phone: (808) 961-8223
Fax: (808) 933-1521
e-mail: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us