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Hawai`i County Weekly News

June 11, 2004

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer


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

User’s Guide to Getting a Building Permit

Going through the building permit process may be seen as a rite of passage, or an ordeal, depending on how smoothly it goes.

The Building Division of the Department of Public Works has some suggestions for making things go more easily during the building permit process.

What are building permits for?

Building permits are meant to ensure a standard of safety in houses and other structures.

First of all, when do you need a building permit?

You need a building permit:

Please note that for temporary tents, booths and shelters for special functions, fairs, carnivals, religious and similar events need approval from the Building Division. You’ll need a temporary permit in letter form for this kind of structure.

Okay, so when do you not require a building permit?

You won’t need a building permit for:

When in doubt, call the Building Division at 961-8331 in Hilo or 327-3516 in Kona.

There are a few other handy tips that the Building Division would like to pass along.

What should I bring to the Building Division when I apply for a building permit?

Two sets of construction plans for residential type structures. Three sets of construction plans for all other structures.

Remember that drawings should be on 24"x36" paper.

What goes into the drawings – what’s the minimum that I need to show?

You need to show on your drawings:

No freehand drawings should be submitted.

(For more detailed information, see the Building Division’s handout "How to Obtain a Building Permit"). It’s available online at co.hawaii.hi.us/permits/permits.htm . Click on How to Obtain Building Permits.

So what agencies must approve the building plans, and in what order?

After the drawings are received by the Building Division, they go to:

1. Engineering Division

2. Planning Department

3. State Department of Health

4. Waste Water Division if the building will be connected to the County sewer system.

How long will it take at each agency?

How long it takes depends mainly on the complexity of the project, and on the number of other applications.

What other suggestions will help things go smoothly?

We apologize because it’s taking a little longer to issue your building permits.

In an effort to serve our customers better, the Building Division has begun issuing building permits with a new computer system. However, it’s taking us a little longer to issue permits as we work to get the system up to 100% efficiency. We humbly ask the community’s patience in the meantime.

For further information, please call the Building Division at 961-8311 in Hilo or 327-3520 in Kona.

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Animal Control

So who are you going to call if there’s a stray dog in the neighborhood? Or a vicious dog on the loose?

In the old days, you called the dog-catcher.

Animal control means more than dog-catching, though. In Hawai`i County, the enforcement of animal control laws is contracted out by the Police Department to the Hawai`i Island Humane Society, which operates three animal shelters on the island -- in Kea’au, Waimea and Kona.

It is the Humane Society’s responsibility to respond to residents’ complaints about stray or vicious dogs. In many cases the public calls the police regarding a nuisance dog, and the complaint will be relayed to the Humane Society for follow-up. The police also respond to complaints of vicious dogs and dogs that bark excessively (unprovoked, for more than 20 consecutive minutes).

The Humane Society’s officers also dispose of dead animals killed on the public roads, euthanize animals and spay and neuter dogs and cats. Their shelters take in thousands of abandoned or unwanted animals every year, and the Humane Society works to find them homes.

There are currently 11 animal control officers employed to cover the island, and there is always at least one animal control officer on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Because the Humane Society’s contract is administered by the Police Department, the Humane Society cooperates closely with the police. The Humane Society’s animal control officers are encouraged to attend police recruit training classes on report writing, the use of force issues, crisis intervention and police procedures and citations. Once the training requirements are met, the officers are commissioned for two years and issued their badges.

An important task of the Humane Society is to educate the public on various county ordinances and laws related to animal control, such as the Dangerous Dog Ordinance that took effect in December 2002.

The Dangerous Dog Ordinance addresses dog bites, aggressive behavior and killing of other animals. The owner of a dog responsible for this kind of behavior, for example, may be charged with a petty misdemeanor and spend up to 30 days in jail or pay a fine of $200 to $2,000. The owner is also responsible for any damage caused by his or her dog.

There are also animal control ordinances on the books regarding barking dogs and keeping dogs on a leash. Dog owners are required to keep their dogs confined to their property or to walk them on a leash when in public. It’s illegal to allow your pet to stray onto public roads or your neighbors' property.

The Humane Society encourages pet owners to license their animals and micro-chip them for identification. Licenses and micro-chip services are available at the three Humane Society shelters.

For more information on the subject of animal control, call the Hawaii Island Humane Society at 966-5458.

Rodent control is the responsibility of the Vector Control Section of the Department of Health. The health agency maintains three offices on the Big Island -- in Hilo, Honokaa and Kealakekua. For further information on vector control, call 974-4238.

To recap: Call the Humane Society at 966-5459 during business hours or at the emergency off-hours hotline at 934-5577:

Call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311:

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Transportation Security Screener Jobs Fair in Kona June 11-19

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking applicants for the position of part-time Transportation Security Screener at Kona International Airport.

The Transportation Security Agency office in Kona is holding job fairs to fill 60 part-time positions on the following dates:

Friday, June 11, 2004 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, June 14, 2004 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 from 11a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 17, 2004 from 11am-7pm

Friday, June 18, 2004 from 11am-4pm

Saturday, June 19 2004 from 11am-4pm

Where:

TSA Job Fair

US Dept of Homeland Security

74-5620 Palani Rd, Suite 200

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

808-327-5900

Applicants may also apply online at this website: http://tsacareers.recruitsoft.com .

interested applicants may also call toll-free at 1-800-887-1895.

These are Federal Part-Time positions with federal benefits. There is potential to work Full-Time hours or even convert to Full-Time status. In addition, there is a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for these areas which alters the pay rate as follows:

Pay Rate

From $11.30/hr + $1.86 (16.5% COLA) = $13.16/hr

To $16.96/hr + $2.80 (16.5% COLA) = $19.76/hr

Job Description

As a Transportation Security Screener:

You will perform a variety of duties related to providing security and protection of air travelers, airports and aircraft. Specifically, you will be responsible for identifying dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and/or on passengers; and preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft. You are required to perform various tasks such as: wanding, pat down searches, operation of X-ray machines, lifting of baggage (up to 70 pounds), and screening and ticket review using electronic and imaging equipment. As a Transportation Security Screener, you may perform passenger screening, baggage screening or both. You are expected to perform these duties in a courteous and professional manner.

You will continuously and effectively interact with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries in a reasonable tone and manner.

You will maintain focus and awareness within an environment containing numerous distractions, people, and noise.

You will stand and remain standing for periods up to 3 hours without sitting.

You will lift and/or assist another individual to lift (from the ground) an object weighing 70 pounds.

You will work within a stressful environment, which includes noise from alarms, machinery, and people, distractions, time pressure, disruptive and angry passengers, and the requirement to identify and locate potentially life-threatening devices and devices intended on creating massive destruction.

You will make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations.

Work Schedule: Part-time (20-32) hours per week. Part-time work hours for this position consist of shift-work on any day from Sunday through Saturday which may include irregular hours, nights and week-end shifts, changing shifts, and split shifts. Specific work schedules will be determined by the airport.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Health Insurance: Part-time employees who participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program receive the same coverage as full-time employees but pay a greater percentage of the premium because the Government’s share is prorated based on the number of hrs the employee is scheduled to work each week. For example, an employee on a 20-hour-per-week schedule receives one-half the Government contribution towards the premium.

Annual Leave: An employee w/ less than 3 years of service earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 20 hours in a pay status; w/ 3 years but less than 15 years of service, the employee earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 13 hours in a pay status; and w/ 15 or more years of service earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 10 hours in a pay status.

Sick Leave: Part-time employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for each 20 hours in a pay status.

Family and Medical Leave: Part-time employees are also covered by the rules governing the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Federal Employees Family-Friendly Leave Act.

Holidays: If a holiday falls on a day the employee normally works the employee is paid for the number of hours he or she was scheduled to work, not to exceed 8 hours, except for an employee on a compressed work schedule. A part-time employee is not entitled to a holiday that falls on a day the employee is not normally scheduled to work.

Retirement: Retirement annuities are based on an employee’s length of service and the highest annual base pay received for any three consecutive years. Each year of part-time service counts as one full year toward the length of service requirement. However, the annuity calculation for periods of part-time service after April 6, 1986, is prorated to reflect the difference between full-time and part-time service.

Life Insurance: A part-time employee is eligible to participate in thee Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program. The amount of insurance for which an employee is eligible is based on the part-time employee’s annual salary applicable to his or her scheduled tour of duty. If your scheduled tour of duty is 20 hours, and you work 24 hours, your premium is based on 20 hours of work. Additionally, any benefit received is based on 20 hours of work.

Pay: Gross pay is computed by multiplying the employee’s hourly rate of basic pay by the number of hours worked during the pay periods. Except for certain employees on alternative work schedules (AWS), overtime rates apply only to the hours in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40-hours in a week.

Social Security: Social Security benefits are based on an employee’s earned credits and the amount of earnings. An employee’s average earnings over their working years determine the amount of the monthly payment. Each year of part-time service counts as one full year toward the length of service requirement.

Workers Compensation: The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) applies to all federal employees regardless of the length of time on the job or the type of position held. Probationary and temporary employees are covered on the same basis as permanent employees.

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Solid Waste Presentation at Council Committee Meeting June 14

Barbara Bell, Director of the Department of Environmental Management, and staff will offer a Solid Waste presentation at the Hawaii County Council Committee on Parks and Environmental Management. This important meeting is on Monday, June 14, 2004, at 11 a.m.

To more adequately explain the administration's request for funding, the presentation will address: how the Sort Station facility fits into the whole County solid waste program; how it can extend the life of the Hilo landfill which is expected to close in 2006; and how the utilization of the Sort Station facility will decrease trucking of garbage to the West Hawaii landfill at Pu`uanahulu.

Also included will be timelines addressing what has been done to-date, where we are now and where the County needs to go.

For further information, call the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8083.

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Public Meeting on Ali’i Drive Improvements along Oneo Bay

The Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting to discuss the Ali’i Drive Improvements Along Oneo Bay project (Federal Aid Project No. STP-0186(2)) on Thursday, July 1, 2004, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

The Ali’i Drive Improvements project is part of the Federal Highway Administration Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program to identify transportation enhancements which can be implemented by the County.

The project span is along Ali’i Drive from Hualalai Road to Waula Road and includes the area along Oneo Bay.

The purpose of the public meeting is to identify issues and concerns, and possible improvement alternatives to pedestrian and bicycle circulation, landscaping, and scenic enhancements for inclusion and discussion in the Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Engineering Report for the project.

For more information contact Galen Kuba, County of Hawaii Department of Public Works in Hilo at 961-8422 or Barry Toyota or John Sakaguchi, Wilson Okamoto Corporation in Honolulu at 1-808-946-2277.

If you require special accommodations or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print), please call John Sakaguchi at 1-808-946-2277.

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Public Meetings on Large-Capacity Cesspools

The County of Hawaii 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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Semi-Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days for Hilo, Kona

The County of Hawai`i will hold its semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections in Hilo and Kailua-Kona in June.

Donąt miss this opportunity to clean your garage of unwanted and potentially dangerous items. Sponsored by the County of Hawaiiąs Department of Environmental Management, the collection is an amnesty program to dispose of household hazardous waste products properly.

The collections will take place Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Hilo Transfer Station and Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the Kealakehe (Kailua-Kona) Transfer Station from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Household hazardous waste poses a serious risk to our health and our island environment. Landfilling these hazardous waste products is not recommended and has been banned in other states. The County of Hawai`i is especially concerned about the illegal dumping of potentially toxic materials and its impact on our environment. Hazardous waste collected on these dates is shipped to the mainland for lawful and safe disposal.

Hazardous waste materials accepted at the collection include automotive materials, all batteries, corrosives, mercury thermometers, oil-based paints, garden supplies, poisons, and miscellaneous hazardous household chemicals. In addition, clean and/or contaminated used motor oil and antifreeze will be accepted.

Materials that WILL NOT be accepted include: any waste generated by a business, explosives, pyrophoric, water-reactive, biological, infectious, radioactive, and shock sensitive materials, as well as, latex paint and base, compressed gas cylinders, flares, fire extinguishers, detergents, non-hazardous items and non-household generated waste.

Questions regarding this program call the County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.

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CompuSwap Recycling Drive at Aupuni Center June 26

Recycle Hawai`i is sponsoring the Big Island’s 1st CompuSwap in Hilo on June 26, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will give residents and the public sector a chance to recycle e-waste (i.e. computers, monitors, keyboards and other computer components.)

Drop off your used computer equipment and peripherals and receive a tax deductible receipt for reusable equipment from Recycle Hawai`i. If available, bring operating system disks and software.

Where: Civil Service Conference Room – (formerly Firestone). To get there, drive through the makai side covered driveway of the new County Building Complex on the corner of AupunI & Pauahi Streets

Computer technicians will be on hand to assist in removing any personal or proprietary information from your hard drives. Computers that are working or can be repaired will be donated to non-profit organizations on the Big Island. Non-profit organizations in need of computer equipment should present a "wish list" to Recycle Hawai`i prior to the event. Non- working computers and parts will be sent to the mainland for recycling.

With the imminent closing of the Hilo Landfill, the recycling of solid waste on the island of Hawai`i has become of critical concern. E-waste recycling is one of the ways to address this problem.

Paul Buklarewicz, Recycle Hawai`i Executive Director said: the first CompuSwap, which is a pilot project, will take place in Hilo. "We will then be looking into having CompuSwap projects in other locations on the Big Island," Buklarewicz said.

CompuSwap is brought to you by Recycle Hawai`i with funding from the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management, with co-sponsors Community Technology Center Hawai`i and Keep Hawai`i Beautiful.

For more information about computer recycling or how your organization can sign up to receive a used computer, please call the 24-hour InfoLines at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or email at info@recyclehawaii.org . For additional recycling information, visit the Recycle Hawai`i website at: www.recyclehawaii.org .

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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

Landlord Training Program: Keeping Illegal Activity Out of Rental Property

Sponsored by:

Chronic drug house activity is a major cause of neighborhood decay and most drug house activity is on rental property. The Landlord Training Program is designed to help owners and property managers keep illegal drug activity and other criminal activity off their property.

Date: July 19, 2004 at the Outrigger Waikoloa

Cost: $20 per person (due at time of registration)

Program Content:

Effective property management can have a major impact on the health of a community. There are legitimate techniques which can be used to stop the spread of drug activity on rental property. The training includes:

Included with the training is a comprehensive manual, complete with applicable laws and references.

This course has been approved for six hours of Hawaii Real Estate CE elective credits (two elective CE credits). Additional fee: $15.

For a registration form, please call the Office of Housing & Community Development at 961-8379, or you may register online at www.hawaiirealtors.com. Deadline to register is July 9, 2004.

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Hulihe’e Palace Concert Honors King Kamehameha June 13

The Daughters of Hawai`i present a free concert at 4 p.m. on June 13 at Hulihe`e Palace to remember the late King Kamehameha I (Paiea). Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and the Hulihe`e Palace Band. Seating is limited so bring a beach mat or chair.

Born in 1758 in Kohala on the Big Island, Kamehameha conquered the Big Island, Maui, Moloka`i and O`ahu and brought Kaua`i and Ni`ihau under his sovereignty through diplomacy. By 1810, the Kingdom of Hawai`i was established under him.

The scene of the tribute to the King is Hulihe`e Palace, located at 75-5718 Ali`i Drive in the heart of Kailua Village.

Caretakers of the historic landmark are the Daughters of Hawai`i. Founded in 1903, the organization opens its membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai`i prior to 1880.

Helping the Daughters in their efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins, whose membership is available to all.

For further information call 329-1877 or click on www.huliheepalace.org .

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Positive Coaching Alliance Refresher Meeting June 15 at UH-Hilo

A positive coaching refresher meeting organized by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Big Island will be held at the University of Hawaii-Hilo the evening of June 15.

The meeting is open free to the public in Room 115 of the new University Classroom Building (UCB) on Kawili Street. Registration will be available at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 6 p.m.

The Big Island refresher meetings are scheduled during the year for parents, coaches, and youth sports leaders to share what they learned at PCA workshops—most recently held in March in Hilo.

PCA believes that winning is a goal in youth sports but that there is a second, more important goal of using sports to teach life lessons through positive coaching.

In the United States, youth are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate. A major contributing factor is the "win at all cost" mentality of many parents and coaches that creates a pressure-filled environment for the kids and ultimately turns them away from sports.

According to Michigan State University’s Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, children participating in organized sports tend to achieve higher results in school, develop excellent interpersonal skills and lead healthier lives.

PCA provides live, research-based training workshops and practical tools for coaches, parents and leaders who operate youth sports programs to get them on the same page about what it means to Honor the Game.

PCA also educates adults who shape the youth sports experience by offering partnership programs with youth sports organizations, schools, cities, and national sports governing bodies.

PCA Info: For national information on the Positive Coaching Alliance, go to http://www.positivecoach.org .

For information on PCA Big Island activities and services, contact Jeanne Yagi at PCABigIsland@hotmail.com.

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Free Mulch Available at Kealakehe, Hilo Transfer Stations

Back by popular demand! High-quality free mulch is now available at the new public pick-up area adjacent to the Kealakehe Transfer Station. The access to the new mulch pick-up area is directly across the street from the transfer station chutes. Residents may self-load mulch at the site from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. Bring a pitchfork and help yourself.

Plenty of free mulch is also available at the Hilo Transfer Station which is open 7 days a week, 7:00am-5:00pm. The greenwaste pick-up and drop-off area is just past the entrance to the transfer station chutes on the right-hand side of the road.

The County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management sponsors the free mulch program. At this time, loading assistance for small vehicles is available only at the Hilo location and fees range from $10-$40 depending on vehicle size.

If you want to arrange for a large truckload to be delivered to your residence, business, or farm, from either the Hilo or Kona greenwaste processing sites, please call the Big Island Recycling representative at (808) 306-1876 to make those arrangements.

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

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Kona's Aloha Patrol seeks Volunteers

What is the Aloha Patrol? It’s made up of a group of resident volunteers who patrol Ali’i Drive, Downtown Kona, down Palani Road to Ali’i Drive then to Huggo's on the Rocks and back.

Patrolling happens once or twice a month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm or from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Patrol nights are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and they hope to patrol on Wednesdays too.

Kona's Aloha Patrol is a fun volunteer venture and doing it only twice a month means it doesn't take too much of your time. Patrolling is never done alone, always in pairs, threes or fours.

To sign up or for more information, call Dick Dresie at 329-5801.

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OTHER NEWS

League of Women Voters Seeks Help in Registering Voters, Counting Votes

The League of Women Voters in East Hawaii is gearing up once again for this busy election year. Please call us to join in any one of our upcoming events. You needn't be a member to assist us with these things, but we welcome all men and women interested in joining.

On June 1st we’ll be offering voter information and registration at a table on campus as part of the UHH Women's Center’s special day. We could use several people who are free to help during the day, and someone who is already a voter registrar would be a plus.

On Saturday June 12th we need vote counters at two separate locations for association elections and on June 14th or 15th at a third vote count. Counting and certifying votes is one of the community projects the League offers to local clubs and associations.

Watch for more events coming up, such as the election year Candidates' Nights that the League of Women Voters sponsors with the American Association of University Women, held in the past few years at the Palace Theater and broadcast live.

Please consider becoming a member of the League of Women Voters. The membership fee is $35 annually, and this year our organization will consider some honorary one-year memberships. Both men and women are invited to join the League by calling Lois Cecil at 969-9408 or cell phone at 895-3530.

Or contact Lois Cecil at loiscecil@hawaii.rr.com or by mail c/o League of Women Voters, P.O. Box 665, Hilo, HI 96721

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Positive Coaching Refresher Meeting at UHH June 15

Parents, coaches, and youth sports organizations leaders and supporters are invited to a refresher meeting organized by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Big Island at University of Hawaii-Hilo on the evening of June 15.

The meeting is free to the public, and will be held in Rm. 115 of the new University Classroom Building (UCB) on Kawili Street. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting will start at 6 p.m.

The Big Island refresher meetings are scheduled during the year for parents, coaches and youth sports leaders to share what they learned at PCA workshops.

In the United States, youth are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate. A major contributing factor is the "win at all cost" mentality of many parents and coaches that creates a pressure-filled environment for the kids and ultimately turns them away from sports.

PCA provides research-based training workshops and practical tools for coaches, parents and leaders who operate youth sports programs to get them on the same page about what it means to Honor the Game. PCA also educates adults who shape the youth sports experience by offering partnership programs with youth sports organizations, schools, cities, and national sports governing bodies.

For information on PCA Big Island activities and services, contact Jeanne Yagi at PCABigIsland@hotmail.com .

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Family Astro Program Comes to Waimea 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 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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West Hawai`i Fisheries Council features Great Barrier Reef Expert

The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization, announces their meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2004 will feature Karin Flynn, a Marine Sanctuaries expert who worked on the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef. Ms. Flynn will show an overview of the great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s rezoning process and talk about the results of that process.

The meeting begins at 6:30pm at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at the Honokohau Marina in Kailua Kona.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most important natural wonders, stretching for more than 1300 miles along the northeast coast of Australia. Ms. Flynn will tell us how a handful of dedicated staff and a nation of concerned citizens created the largest Marine Sanctuary in the world -- and made it work.

The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council acts as a community source for formulating and recommending West Hawai`i fisheries management actions and changes to the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Council has eight active committees which are always seeking new members.

All interested residents are cordially invited to Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

For information and/or directions, please call Marni Herkes at 987 2171 or email marnih@turquoise.net .

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Substance Abuse Intervention Training for Community Advocates

You are cordially invited to attend the 'People Helping People’ Substance Abuse Intervention Training session for community advocates.

When: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sat., June 26, 2004

Where: . The Fairmount Orchid.

Sponsored by North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition and its 4 community response to ICE task forces from Hamakua, North Kohala, Waikoloa and Waimea. Designed to help North Hawaii family and community members learn about the process and signs of addiction, treatment options, the legal system, CPS involvement, and the philosophy of and strategies for advocacy. Also, recovery success stories. No charge but there is an application process. For further information contact Alison Welch Keliihoomalu (887-0756).

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Queen Lili’uokalani Trust holds Informational Meeting in Kona July 1

The Queen Lili'uokalani Trust invites the Kona community to attend an

informational meeting on Thursday, July 1 at 5:30 pm at the King

Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

The evening presentation includes an overview of the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, its mission and the early stages of master planning the lands of Keahuolu, Kona.

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Hilo to Host International World Sprints Championship Aug 9-15

Showcasing the splendor of Polynesian cultural tradition, the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) and the Kekua Foundation take great pride in hosting the 11th International Va‘a Federation (IVF) World Sprints Championship at Hilo Bay in Hilo August 9-15, 2004.

The World Sprints Championship is the foremost event on the international outrigger canoe racing calendar. More than 2,000 participant paddlers are expected, with 5,000 or more spectators and worldwide media exposure.

Entrants are expected from as many as 22 countries.

Founded by the Tahitians, the first World Va’a Sprints was held in 1984 at Newport Beach, California.

During the August 9-15 events, races and practice will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, at Bayfront Beach Park with three evening events from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Tennis Stadium.

According to organizers, Hilo provides excellent sprint conditions, with its protected harbor and races running parallel to the shore. Viewers will be able to watch races from start to finish.

Based on a commitment to encourage and preserve outrigger canoe racing and to promote international Ho‘okuku. (competition), the organizers seek to present a unique event that is rich in meaning, filled with activities designed to perpetuate, enhance and raise the sport to extraordinary, memorable, even legendary levels.

For further information, click on http://www.kekua.org/2004/ .

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Non-Partisan Candidate Forum in Waimea on Sept 9

The Waimea Community Association will sponsor a non-partisan candidate debate on Thursday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m at the YMCA’s Kahilu Town Hall.

The debate will feature candidates for all major public offices in the area in preparation for the coming elections. No charge to attend Waimea Community meetings. Membership not required but recommended.

For further information call: John Ray (885-5875).

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TRAFFIC ALERT

Signs and Markings Projects

(All project schedules based on weather permitting)

June 14, 2004 Monday

Where/Location: South Hilo – Mamalahoa Highway from Route 19 to Puueopaku.

What: Repaint edge of pavement lines and berms.

June 15, 2004 Tuesday

Where/Location: South Hilo – Hualalai Street/Kinoole Street intersection area.

What: Thermoplastic crosswalks, lane lines, and parking stalls.

June 16, Wednesday

Where/Location: South Kohala – Mamalahoa Highway, from Waimea Police Station to Lindsey Road.

What: Repaint centerlines. \

June 17, 2004 Thursday

Where/Location: South Kohala – Puu Nani Subdivision.

What: Repaint centerlines.

June 18, 2004 Friday

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kaumana Drive/Lele Street.

What: Thermoplastic intersection markings.

Street Lights and Traffic Signal Projects

June 14, 2004 – June 18, 2004

Where/Location: North Kona - King Kamehameha III Road.

What: Underground streetlight circuit work.

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

Safe Driving Tip of the Week

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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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 Nonprofit Community Events (HCF): http://www.hcf-hawaii.org/hcf/hcfg/comcal.jsp
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
Hilo Downtown Improvement: Go to www.downtownhilo.com (click on Hilo Activity Guide, and follow directions on how to submit an event.) For information call Alice Moon at 933-9772.

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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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