County and federal officials recently signed a major loan and grant for the installation of a county dedicable water system in the Kona Coastview and Kona Wonderview subdivisions in North Kona.

The Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided a grant of $1,823,600 and a loan of $3,696,400 and the Department of Water Supply provided a loan of $191,093 to fund construction of a new public water system for the two Kona subdivisions.

Under the arrangement, the two subdivisions have been designated as an Improvement District by the County of Hawai`i for purposes of the project. The homeowners within the Improvement District, which involves 437 lots, are being assessed equally for their shares of the cost of the project.

Each homeowner will be assessed $9,694.50 for their share of the project cost. Owners are provided the option of paying off the balance in whole or paying in monthly installments over 35 years.

The total cost of the project is $6.06 million. The estimated time of completion is within 18 months.

The new water system will be a County standard water distribution system, to be operated by the Hawai`i County Department of Water Supply.

The two subdivisions were developed in the 1960s. The forerunner to the Planning Department, the County Planning and Traffic Commission, did not require any water system improvements as part of the subdivision approval process for the two subdivisions, due to the financial hardship of extending the existing waterline 2.5 miles north of the intersection of Palani Road and Mamalahoa Highway.

Instead, potable water to each lot was provided by individual catchment systems.

From the 1970s, private water companies began acquiring water meters from the Department of Water Supply and simultaneously granted private water meters to lots within the two subdivisions, charging monthly consumption fees.

Both subdivisions had been served by these private water companies. However, over the years, problems arose with the private water system that could not be addressed.

A major problem was that the subdivisions’ myriad consumer waterlines, commonly referred to as "spaghetti lines," were exposed to deteriorating sunlight and were subject to frequent leakage. Water service to residents was frequently interrupted.

The Department of Water Supply, realizing that disruptions or discontinuance of water service would ultimately affect the health, welfare and safety of the residents, worked out the loan and grant arrangement with the help and cooperation of the residents, the County Council, the Planning Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.

The County Council was instrumental in making this possible through their initiation of the Improvement District and the adoption of nine different pieces of legislation to authorize its implementation.

Besides County-standard water service fronting every Coastview and Wonderview household, the new water system will bring fire hydrants to the subdivisions.

The Kona Coastview and Wonderview community worked together with the County and USDA to help make these infrastructure improvements happen. The experience shows the importance of cooperation between government and the community to help make Hawai`i Island a better place to live.

It is hoped that this community-based effort will serve as a model for other subdivisions throughout the island that currently do not have water service.

For further information, contact the Department of Water Supply at 961-8050 or visit www.hawaiidws.org .

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Due to ongoing dry weather conditions and exceptionally large water consumption in both areas; and, due to repairs to the Laupahoehoe Well for Affected Area #2, the Department of Water Supply would like to notify consumers in the Affected Areas that they are under Water Conservation. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

Due to ongoing dry weather conditions and exceptionally large water consumption, the Department of Water Supply would like to remind consumers in the Affected Areas that they are under Water Conservation. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

To reach the 10% reduction goal, here are a few tips:

Agricultural users should irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure reduces water loss due to evaporation and minimizes water system drain during peak demand.

For more information, please contact Dennis Lee at the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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Hawaiian Civic Clubs to Sign Wave against Drugs October 15

Members of the 11 Big Island Hawaiian Civic Clubs will honor the memory of the late Princess Ka'iulani and share a message of hope with their respective communities during an anti-drug and anti-alcohol sign waving from 3:00 –5 p.m., Fri., October. 15, 2004.

Mabel Tolentino, president of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, is working with Hawaiian Civic Clubs around the island, and invites community members to join them in the effort against drugs on our island.

To support the Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Solutions: Neighborhoods in Action will hold their third islandwide "Hugs Not Drugs!" sign waving for 2004 that same day from 3-5 p.m.

The Waimea sign wavers will be at historic Church Row Park.

The event falls on the Friday closest to the birthdate of the late Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawêkiu Lunalilo, who was born on October 16, 1875 in Honolulu.

The Hawaiian Civic Clubs have committed to honor various Hawaiian ali'i (chiefs) throughout the year with a sign waving advocating healthier, safer families and communities. The following sign waving will be Friday., December 10. They will salute the birth and death of Kamehameha V. (Born on Dec. 11, 1830, Kamehameha V became king in 1863 and died on his birthday, Dec. 11, 1872.)

For information on the Oct. 15 event, call Mabel Tolentino at 887-9320.

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If proven successful, this will keep more of our recyclable stuff out of our landfills.

For more information, contact Recycle Hawai`i at 329-2886 or email info@recyclehawaii.org .

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The County of Hawaii and its consultant Townscape, Inc. have completed the Ka’u to South Kona Water Master Plan Final Report, dated September 2004.

The Master 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 Ka’u to South Kona region.

The plan is now available on the County of Hawaii website at: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2skwmp/info.htm .

Hard copies of the report will also be available at Pahala, Naalehu, and Kealakekua Public Libraries and at the Ocean View Community Association Center.

Townscape, Inc. wishes to thank everyone who contributed to this plan. We would also like to thank those who participated in the development of this plan, attended public meetings, and/or provided suggestions and help.

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

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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 green waste 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 green waste 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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E Mau Na Ala Hele, a local non-profit group advocating protection of trails and providing free island hikes, invites you to join us on one of the six hikes on Saturday, October 9, 2004. These hikes are to celebrate the first La Ho`ala Ala Hele, (Trail Revitalization Day).

This day commemorates the 1892 Highways Act, signed by Queen Liliuokalani. This law ensured public access to all roads and trails in use in 1892.

E Mau Na Ala Hele’s experienced trail hike leaders will lead hikes in all six districts of the island of Hawaii. T-shirts commemorating this special event will be on sale for $15 and the group invites you to become a member of E. Coolers, and gloves and plastic bags for trail clean-up will be provided by Aric Arakaki, Superintendent, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.

Recommended attire: broad-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, shirt, shorts, sunscreen, and hiking shoes/socks. Swimwear optional. These trails are not suitable for slippers/flip-flops. Small camera highly recommended! Please bring one to two quarts water, snack, sunscreen, lunch, and small towel in a comfortable day pack.

Please contact the hike leaders for further information or arrive at the designated time and place:

1. Kohala: Mo`okini Heiau and birthplace of King Kamehameha. Meet at the Upolu Airport off Highway 270, several miles before Hawi, at 9:00 A.M. Flat hike on road, approx. four miles round trip on level ground. Hike Leaders: Mark Short 325-0534, Barbara Schaefer 885-7132, and Nita Isherwood 328-2112.

2. Kona: Pueo bay, coastal and inland trails. Anchialine ponds and variety of trails. Three miles over a variety of terrain. Fun for families with children! Meet at makai side of road, Mile 78 in North Kona (gravel parking lot by gate to Weli-Weli) at 9:00 A.M. Two swim/snack/lunch breaks planned. Hike leaders Betsy Morrigan 328-8911 or 938-4492, and Mike Donoho, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the National Park Service, Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail.

3. Ka`u: Whittington County Beach Park to Punalu`u Park. Hike route about six miles over mixed terrain. The trail passes through beautiful Kawa Bay, by two large heiau, and several interesting anchialine ponds, including the unusual "ice pond" at Kawa. Not suitable for young children due to length. Meet at 8:30 A.M. in Whittington Park. Hike leader Scott Mandel 322-0718.

4. Puna: Old Volcano Trail, two mile section. This trail is a historically important old trail that is being re-established through the efforts of County Councilman Bob Jacobson, who helped start this County Trail Revitalization Day along with this trail hiking group. Hikers will meet at 9:00 A.M. At the Old Volcano Trail Head, which is about one mile makai of the highway on south Glenwood Road (near the Hirano Store in Glenwood). Bob will accompany the group on this trail. Hike leader Jim Rashick. Call for exact details on meeting place, 933- 2317.

5. Hilo: Family day hike to Papa'i Bay (site of incident of broken paddle and Kamehameha I). Distance five miles, over coastal trail. Hike along level jeep road or climb rocky shoreline to beach-park area. Wear footwear suitable for scrambling safely across rocks. Optional swimming. Meet at Richardson's Ocean Center at 7:30 A.M. For information call hike leader Toni Thompson at 982-9287.

6. Hamakua: In the Hamakua District, the La Ho`ala Ala Hele hike will be on trails in Kalopa State Park and will be led by Hugh and Kaulana Montgomery. Though these trails are of modern origin, we will check out an older gulch crossing that give us an opportunity to consider the patterns of travel in ancient and historic times as necessitated by Hamakua's topography. We will walk to the uppermost limit of the Park and loop back along Kalopa Gulch, a distance of 3 to 4 miles, returning in time for lunch on the main grounds. The trail may be overgrown in places and is subject to windfalls, and therefore brushy. The footing varies, and roots, logs and rocks require caution and some agility. The hike begins at 9:00 a.m. at the open picnic pavilion of Kalopa State Park. Contact Hugh and Kaulana Montgomery at 775-0372.

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New parents, caregivers and early childhood professionals are invited to attend one of a series of training workshops around the Island of Hawai`i between October 16-19.

According to Big Island early childhood expert Angela Thomas of Good Beginnings Alliance, research and experience confirm that babies strongly bonded with parents and caregivers are happier, healthier children and adults.

Strongly bonded babies grow to have better self-esteem, an eagerness to learn and are less at-risk for substance abuse and child abuse. They are also more resilient -- able to rebound from life’s troubles.

Waimea: Sat., Oct. 16 - 9 a.m. – Noon, Waimea School Cafeteria

Sponsored by the Big Island Good Beginnings Alliance Community Council (BIGBACC) and the North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition (NHDFC), the workshops will feature baby bonding researcher and author Dr. Alice Sterling Honig.

Dr. Honig is professor emerita of child development at Syracuse University and a licensed New York State psychologist. She has published hundreds of articles for professional journals, and taught courses on child care, parenting, moral development and cross-cultural child rearing.

Advance registration is required. For information and to register, call Angela Thomas at 887-1228.

The Baby Bonding workshops are the first of a year-long, three-step program on the Big Island to raise public awareness about the importance of infants’ emotional relationships and their long-term impact on whole and healthy adolescents capable of making good life choices.

Every mother giving birth at North Hawaii Community Hospital beginning in November 2004 through October 2005 will receive a personal visit by Healthy Start and "Baby Steps" Newborn Basket including:

A ‘Baby Steps’ Resource Directory: This directory, developed specifically for this program, will include all of the programs, services and professionals who work with children 0-5 years of age and their families. It will explain services available and provide contact information. Playgroup schedules and locations will be included as well as resources for special needs children.

A Front-Pack Infant Carrier: Research confirms these carriers, sometimes called Snuglis, increase the amount and quality of parent-child interaction and attachment, reduce child abuse and lessen drug and alcohol use. Studies conclude that infants carried in front-pack carriers are 83% more likely to be "bonded" to their parent or caregiver.

Baby’s First Book: "Read To Me International" is providing baby’s first book for each infant. Studies show that listening to stories, especially between 1 and 3 years of age, is significantly associated with teacher ratings of oral language skill at 5 years and reading comprehension at 7 years. This is especially true if the reading/listening interaction is between a caregiver and child.

A Child Development Book Series: "Healthy Start – Grow Smart" is a series of booklets produced by the U.S. Department of Education. It will be included in each Newborn Basket. These include basic tips about parenting and what to expect the first year.

A group will be assembled including family care providers, home visitors, preschools and social service agencies to determine the greatest needs for training. Four training workshops will be presented incorporating the most current information regarding the effects of drug use on the families served.

Hui members see first-hand the effects of ICE use and other substance abuse on the youngest of our children – from exposure in utero, to parents use, to living in houses where ICE is made or handled. Faced with a generation of children growing up in a drug culture, effective training can provide practitioners with useful information and tools to more effectively help these children.

Nearly a dozen Big Island organizations are partnering in this project with BIGBACC and NHDFC including Waimea Power of Choice, KTA SuperStores, Family Support Services of West Hawaii – Healthy Start Program, Five Mountains Hawaii, Hawaii County Prosecutor’s Office, Kamehameha Schools – Preschools Division, Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, Read to Me International, Tutu’s House – Friends of the Future and Waimea Elementary and Middle Schools.

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If you’ve never experienced a native Hawaiian rainforest, it’s time to set aside Saturday, October 16.

Find your binoculars, get out your raingear and make your reservations for the annual Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge open house.

And if you’ve already been there, you’ll probably want to return again!

"We have folks who come every year as well as newcomers who have no idea Hawaii even has rainforests," said Refuge Manager Dick Wass. "All are welcome to join us in celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week by spending a day in Hakalau Forest."

Residents and visitors are invited to hike through the Pua ‘Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest, many native birds such as ‘i‘iwi and ‘elepaio, and significant numbers of endangered species including the Hawai‘i creeper and Hawai‘i ‘akepa. A historic 110-year old koa cabin also will be open for viewing.

Visitors will be met by refuge staff and tour leaders at the Pua ‘Akala Barn anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will receive a briefing on refuge management objectives and strategies and a description of the plants and animals the Refuge protects. Rainforest hikes of varying lengths will be offered.

The hikes will be led by biologists and staff familiar with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the refuge greenhouse and learn about the forest restoration program. Cultural resource protection, weed control projects and the University of Hawaii’s field station will also be highlighted.

Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the two-hour drive from Hilo, Waimea or Kona. "We don’t recommend this trip for young children or those who lack an adventurous spirit due to the long rough ride, rugged terrain, and primitive facilities," said Wass.

Visitors should come prepared for wet chilly weather and bring their own lunch, water, binoculars and rain gear.

Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the refuge office in Hilo at 933-6915 by October 13. Directions and additional information will be mailed to all participants.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge consists of 32,730 acres of native forest and grassland on the windward slope of Mauna Kea between the elevations of 2,500 and 6,500 feet. The Refuge was established to protect and manage endangered forest birds and their habitat, and contains some of the finest stands of koa-‘ohi‘a forest in the state.

To make reservations or for more information, contact Josephine Oishi at 1-808-933-6915.

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The new Teen Closet for East Hawai’i youth is operated by teens and staff of Community Technology Center Hawai’i to assist other teens and families in need.

Donations of clothing are taken in Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Distribution events are held on the last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to Noon starting October 30th.

WHERE: Community Technology Center Hawaii at 200 Kanoelehua Ave., Suite 105, Waiakea Square Warehouse (next to Payday Loans).

The Teen Closet needs clothes for teens, boys and girls. We’re also looking for teen volunteers who want to help with the program.

COST: Free. The number of pieces of clothing per teen will depend on inventory.

For more information, call Community Technology Center Hawai`i at 934-7748.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Where/Location: Saddle Road from the State Park to the 23-mile marker.

What: Repaint centerlines.

Where/Location: Saddle Road from the State Park to the 23-mile marker.

What: Continue repainting centerlines.

Where/Location: Saddle Road from the State Park to the 23-mile marker.

What: Continue repainting centerlines.

Where/Location: Saddle Road from the State Park to the 23-mile marker.

What: Continue repainting centerlines.

Where/ Location: Saddle Road from the State Park to the 23-mile marker.

What: Continue repainting centerlines.

No projects scheduled.

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Avoid distractions: Turn off your radio or keep it at a very low volume, except to obtain emergency information, such as inclement weather conditions. Keep your air conditioner or heater on the lowest possible setting to minimize background noise.

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Motorists are advised of the following lane closures and work locations as contractors continue work on installing a conduit system for Sandwich Isles Communications in the Kaumana area.

From Monday, October 11th through Friday, October 15^th, Willocks Construction will be boring and trenching in the following areas:

• Along Kaumana Drive between Chong Street and Akala Road – Lane Closures

In addition, please be advised of the upcoming lane closures from Monday, October 25th through Friday, October 29th as Jas Glover will complete the final paving of this project in the following areas:

• Along Kaumana Drive between Puuhina Street and Kilua Road – Lane Closures

The work will start at 8:00 am and continue until 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes (Waianuenue Avenue/Akolea Road or Puainako Extension) to avoid traffic delays/congestion and allow for extra travel time.

Contractors are in their 15th week of work and estimate this project to be completed in November 2004.

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

Mahalo for your patience and cooperation.

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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 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.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp

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