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Hawai'i County Weekly News

April 2, 2004


CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLES

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

OTHER NEWS

TRAFFIC ALERT

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION


FEATURE ARTICLES

Traffic Calming – What’s That??

What in the world is "Traffic Calming"??

Well, it’s a fairly new term for physical changes to a road that make it harder for people to drive too fast.

Why do we need to consider traffic calming methods here in Hawai`i County?

While most citizens are careful and law-abiding drivers, some people drive too fast. Speeding on neighborhood streets has become a real safety problem on our island, as well as nationwide. Police enforcement alone hasn’t been able to make a dramatic dent in speeding.

According to recent research published in the Honolulu Advertiser, the percentage of 80+ mph speeding tickets nationwide has ballooned over the past decade, with 66 percent of 80+ mph speeding tickets issued in 2001 versus 20 percent in 1991.

Community traffic safety groups in Hawai‘i County have asked that the County consider traffic calming measures to make it harder for people to speed.

Traffic calming is a new area for the County’s engineers. They are researching traffic calming methods, and they are studying how to adapt these methods to our island’s roadways.

What Challenges Do the Island’s Roads Present?

On mountainous Hawai`i Island, our roads tend to be relatively steep and therefore present special challenges.

The County’s engineers are looking for other communities in the nation that have steep streets or roadways and that use traffic calming.

So far, they haven’t found any.

"So it’s largely a task of charting new territory for us," said Bruce McClure, the County’s Director of Public Works.

What Kind of Traffic Calming Should Hawai‘i County Use?

This question depends on the type of road in question. Local roads have limited traffic, and devices such as speed humps provide a strong incentive for all vehicles to slow down may be appropriate for local roads.

One of the questions still being mulled by County engineers is what kind of traffic calming to use on collector roads (i.e. roads that take people from one locality to another). Examples of collector roads are the mauka-makai Hinalani Drive and Kaiminani Drive in Kona, and Mohouli Street and Kawailani Streets in Hilo. Because emergency vehicles such as police cars and fire trucks need to get from place to place rapidly, some traffic calming methods on collector roads may impact public safety.

Currently, the only traffic calming that has been established on County roads are the speed humps on Royal Poinciana Drive, a local street. Speed humps on public roadways are designed to allow vehicles to drive at a certain speed, such as 25 miles per hour, without difficulty.

The selection of traffic calming method must be based on prudent engineering principles that are feasible given the existing road features, Public Works Director McClure said.

Examples of Traffic Calming Methods

Traffic calming devices used elsewhere in the nation include:

Some traffic calming methods are more appropriate for busy roads such as collectors, and some are better used only on local roads. Also, traffic calming can be retrofitted to existing roadways and streets or included as part of a new road. As an example of traffic calming included in new construction, the County plans to use roundabouts on the new Ali‘i Parkway in place of putting traffic lights at certain intersections.

For readers seeking greater detail on the available alternatives among traffic calming methods, click on www.TrafficCalming.org .

As it considers the task of traffic calming, the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Public Works welcomes input from the community on the methods best suited for our island’s roads. For further information, call the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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County Financial Overview

Many residents don’t understand clearly how the County’s finances work.

For example, many people wonder what the General Fund is. It’s the lion’s share of the County’s operating budget, so that is a very good question.

In the interest of shedding some light on the County’s finances, here’s a basic overview of the two major components of the operating budget: the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds.

The General Fund

This is the big "catch-all" fund in the County’s operating budget. All County government activities that are not required by law to be kept separate are included in the General Fund. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2004, which is the current budget (fiscal) year, the General Fund budget was $178.4 million. That represents 81% of the County’s total operating budget of $221.1 million.

The largest revenue source for the General Fund is real property taxes, followed by federal and state grants. The largest grants are from the state, and consist of the County’s share of the Transient Accommodations Tax levied on visitors and the Emergency Medical Services Grant that funds the Fire Department’s medical response functions.

By far the biggest item that the General Fund pays for is public safety. This includes Police, Fire, Civil Defense and the Prosecutor’s Office. In fiscal 2003-2004, the outlay for public safety came to $67.2 million.

The next biggest allotment from the General Fund is for general government activities. These are administrative in nature. Major departments included in the general government classification are Finance, Planning, Public Works (except for Highways and Traffic), as well as the County Council and the Mayor’s Office. In the current year, the budget for general government activities was $26.5 million.

The allocation from the General Fund for Parks and Recreation, which maintains our island’s parks and recreation areas and runs programs for children, youth, adults and seniors, is $13.3 million in fiscal 2003-2004.

The General Fund also pays for debt service, which is the money to pay off the County’s debt. Most of the County’s debt is held by bond holders. In fiscal 2003-2004, the budgeted amount for debt service is $23.6 million.

General Fund Revenues, FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart
General Fund Revenues
FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart

General Fund Expenditures, FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart
General Fund Expenditures
FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart

The County General Fund and Special Revenues, FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart
The County General Fund and Special Revenues
FY 2003-04 - Pie Chart

Special Revenue Funds

In addition to the General Fund, the County also has includes in its budget various Special Revenue Funds. Special Revenue Funds account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are legally restricted to expenditures for specific purposes.

An example of a Special Revenue Fund is the Highway Fund, which gets its money from the fuel tax, vehicle weight tax and public utility franchise taxes. In fiscal 2003-2004, the Highway Fund budget is $17.6 million. The Highway Fund is used to pay for maintaining the County’s 900+ miles of highways and streets.

Another example is the Sewer Fund, funded by sewer use fees. In fiscal 2003-2004, the Sewer Fund budget is $7.9 million. The Sewer Fund is, as its name implies, used to operate the County’s various sewerage (wastewater) systems.

The other major Special Revenue Fund is the Solid Waste Fund, funded by landfill tipping fees, disposal permit fees, and a subsidy from the General Fund. In fiscal 2003-2004, the Solid Waste Fund budget stands at $12.6 million. This fund is used to operate, maintain and administer the County’s landfills, transfer stations, recycling program and other related activities.

There are a number of smaller Special Revenue Funds including the Cemetery Fund, the Golf Course Fund, the Vehicle Disposal Fund and others. Each of these has a specific dedicated fee that provides the money to fund its operations.

Conclusion

As described above, the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds make up nearly all of the County’s operating budget. If you have further questions, you may call the Finance Department at 961-8234.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

New 2004 Real Property Tax Assessments on County Website

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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2004 Real Property Tax Assessment Notices to be Mailed by Mar 15

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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Kona Coastview/Wonderview Water System Improvements Status

The plans and specifications for the water system improvements of the Kona Coastview and Kona Wonderview Subdivision will be 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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PUBLIC MEETINGS ON LARGE-CAPACITY CESSPOOLS

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.)

April 16 District 8 – No.Kona, Kailua-Kona Venue: Imin Center 10:00 a.m.

April 16 District 8 – No.Kona, Kailua-Kona Venue: Hale Halewai 5:00 p.m.

April 30 District 7 – South & North Kona Venue: Kainaliu Coop. Ext. Svc.

May 14 District 4 – So. Hilo & Keaukaha Venue: Aupuni Center Conf. Rm.

May 28 District 5 – Lower Puna Venue: Pahoa Community Center

June 18 District 9 – North & South Kohala Venue: Waimea Community Cntr.

July 9 District 6 – Ka’u, So.Kona & Puna Venue: Na’alehu Community Cntr.

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

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Fair Housing Seminars in Hilo on April 12 and Kona April 19

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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County Resource Center Has Money for the Community

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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Job Announcements

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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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

Kona Crime Prevention Committee Luncheon April 7 at Royal Kona Resort

Kona Crime Prevention Committee’s "Officer of the Month" April 7 luncheon at the Royal Kona Resort will honor Officer Sharlotte Bird. The noon luncheon is open to the public.

Cost is $12 per person. Reservations taken by Liz Holey at: 326-7787. Please come and support your local police officers.

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Kona Outdoor Circle Offers Scholarship – Deadline April 30

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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Islandwide Solutions 2004 Seminar in Waikoloa on May 1

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:

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).

Go to our website for registration form, agenda, letter and flyer: www.solutionsislandhawaii.com

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

"Solutions" is working to generate solutions to key issues that challenge our communities. We value your participation. Together we can make Hawai`i Island a better place to live.

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HawCC Lecture Series in Kona on Whales, Dolphins, Turtles

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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Hawai’i Community College Seeks Director, Continuing Education

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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Rotary Scholarship to Encourage Teen Parents to Go to College

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:

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.

For more information please see the application form or call Barbara Radford, Scholarship Committee Chair Phone: 1-808-934-7748; email: babsradford@verizon.net

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Traffic Task Force Meeting in Waimea April 13

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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Mucho Mulch at Hilo Transfer Station

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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OTHER NEWS

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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Kona-Kohala Chamber, Daughters of Hawai`i Present Hulihe`e After Dark

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 Program Comes to Waimea Apr 7, May 12, June 17

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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Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Holds Spring Show in Keauhou

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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3rd Annual AstrDay 2K4 on Apr 24 at Prince Kuhio Plaza

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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Lecture at HawCC West Hawai`i on Responsible Tourism

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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TRAFFIC ALERT

Signs and Markings Projects

April 5, 2004

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kilauea Avenue and Kawailani Street intersection.

What: Restripe crosswalks, stoplines, lane lines and arrows.

April 6, 2004

Where/Location: Puna District; Pahoa Village Road.

What: Continue with restriping of edge-of-pavement lines.

April 7, 2004

Where/Location: Puna District; Nanawale Estates Subdivision.

What: Restripe crosswalks, stoplines and edge-of -pavement lines.

April 8, 2004

Where/Location: Puna District; Nanawale Estates Subdivision.

What: Restripe centerline markings.

April 9, 2004

Good Friday - holiday

Contract Crew Striping Projects

March 29, 2004 – April 2, 2004

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Continue restriping job.

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

What: Restripe centerline and crosswalk markings.

Traffic Signal and Street Light Projects

Week of April 5, 2004

No projects this week.

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Traffic Tip of the Week from your Hawai`i County Police Department

When driving on a two-lane road that allows parking on the right, stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car.

This forethought will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no parking allowed on the road, position your car toward the right to allow for more room between you and oncoming traffic.

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Preliminary Sewer Repair Work Underway at Kea’a Street, Keaukaha

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 Waste Water Division, County of Hawai`i at 961-8338.

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Fiber Optic Cable System Work in Keaukaha through April 2004

Island Mechanical – Hawai’i is installing a fiber optic cable system in the Hilo area.

Motorists are advised of the following lane closures and work locations as contractors work on a fiber optic cable system in the Hilo area.

From March 29th through April 9th, Island Mechanical Hawai’i will be boring and trenching in the following locations:

The work along Baker and Todd Avenues will start at 8:30 am and continue until 4:30 pm.

Work along Kalanianaole Avenue will start at 8:30 am and continue until 3:30 pm. All work will be done during the weekdays, weather permitting.

Contractors are in their 27th week of work and estimate that this leg of the project will be completed at the end of April 2004.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the work area and to allow for extra travel time. Mahalo for your patience and cooperation.

Questions can be referred to Chuck Eckman (Resident Engineer), Mid State Consultants, at 640-9509.

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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://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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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

Use the following links to the specific region:
North Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/nh/NH-M.htm
East Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/eh/EH-M.htm
South Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/sh/SH-M.htm
West Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2k/K2K-M.htm

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


WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

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

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

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Hawai‘i County ... a nice place to live.

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