February 18, 2005

Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

• Workshops on Sustaining Community Initiatives in Kona, Kea'au, Na'alehu
• Positive Coaching Workshops in Hilo Feb 16, March 2, March 16
• Free Mulch Now Available at Kealakehe, Hilo Transfer Stations

The County's affordable housing requirements for private developers are contained in Chapter 11 of the Hawai'i County Code.

On February 2, 2005, the County Council passed a revision to the Affordable Housing Policy which puts "teeth" in the code, and gives developers real incentive to actually build affordable housing units or else pay a considerable in lieu fee to the County so that the County can build units.

How was it before?

Under the previous requirement, 10% of units constructed by a developer had to be affordable to families at 140% of the median income. A developer could request to pay an "in lieu" fee to the County instead of providing actual affordable units. This fee presently comes out to $472 per unit developed. For example, the total in lieu fee for a 100-unit housing development was $47,200. The intent of the in lieu fee was to provide the County with money to build affordable housing units if the developer does not. However, the amount of money assessed was so small, it did not provide enough funds to actually build any housing units.

The revised provisions

Under the revised requirements, a developer can satisfy his affordable housing requirement in several ways. A developer could either:

• Provide some affordable units within a project;

• Provide some affordable units off-site (at another location); or

• Pay an in-lieu fee

These options are discussed in more detail below.

Affordable units within a project

One way to satisfy this requirement is to actually build affordable housing units in the development. The number of affordable units required depends upon the size of the development and the price they will be sold at. For example, 40 percent of units can be provided at prices that are affordable to families earning no more than 140% of median income. Twenty percent of the units can be provided to families earning no more than 120% of median income. Or 10% of the units can be provided to families earning less than 80% of median income. Affordable rental units are also an option for developers to satisfy the affordable housing requirement.

Affordable units offsite

Another option for a developer is to provide the required affordable housing units at a different site than his main development (but within 15 miles).

In lieu fees

If a developer does not want to provide actual affordable housing units, a fee would be assessed equal to 20% of the difference between the actual sales price of the units and the affordable price for a family of four earning no more than 120% of the median income. For example, if the units in a project sold for $400,000, the in lieu fee would be about $30,000 per unit because the amount considered affordable at 120% of median is about $250,000. There is no cap on the in-lieu fee. The in lieu fees would then be used by the County to support affordable housing opportunities in the same general area.

Incentives for developing units

The new policy would give developers an incentive to build affordable units instead of paying the in lieu fee. This incentive would allow the number of units (the density) of a development to be increased by 10%, and the lot size reduced by 10%.

Conclusion

This proposed affordable housing policy puts real teeth into the County Code, and give developers with an incentive to provide affordable housing units for our residents.

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Real property tax bills for the second-half installment of taxes due for the 2004-2005 tax year have been mailed to all property owners or their respective agents servicing their accounts. The second-half installment of taxes must be paid on or before Tuesday, February 22, 2005, or they will be delinquent and subject to penalty and interest charges.

If you are responsible for paying the real property taxes and HAVE NOT RECEIVED your real property tax bill, please call the Real Property Tax Division, County of Hawaii, at 961-8282 for a duplicate bill. Persons who have recently paid-off their mortgages should also call to insure that tax bills are sent to their attention, rather than the bank or financial institution.

Payments Should Be Mailed To:

COUNTY OF HAWAII, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
REAL PROPERTY TAX DIVISION
AUPUNI CENTER, 101 PAUAHI STREET, SUITE 4
HILO, HI 96720-4224

REAL PROPERTY TAX DIVISION
AUPUNI CENTER, 101 PAUAHI STREET, SUITE 4
HILO, HI

WEST HAWAII REAL PROPERTY TAX DIVISION
75-5706 KUAKINI HIGHWAY, SUITE 112
KAILUA-KONA, HI 96740

Or, if you have your tax bill, you may use the drop box located outside the building next to the U.S. Mailbox by the Motor Vehicle Registration Office or the drop box located in our office at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, HI. Your cancelled check will be your receipt.

Property owners are reminded that failure to pay your taxes by the due date because of non-receipt of any tax bill will not excuse you from being assessed a penalty of 10% plus interest of 12% a year. The postmarked date is the date of receipt.

For further information contact: Real Property Division at 961-8282

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What's IN:        Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include:

Soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and certain alcoholic drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass, or plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What's OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include:

Milk, wine, and hard liquor containers.

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

Atlas Recycling Center, LLC provides mobile redemption sites in certain rural communities. Please contact Atlas at 935-9328 or 329-6868 for specific locations and hours of operation.

• Containers must be empty to be redeemed. Do NOT crush the containers.

Please call the Recycling Specialists with the Department of Environmental Management, County of Hawai'i, at 961-8527 or 961-8549 for information about the HI 5¢ program or visit:

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

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The County of Hawai'i Department of Environmental Management, Wastewater Division will be renovating the King Kamehameha Sewage Pump Station located at the corner of Ali'i Drive and the Kailua-Kona Harbor Access Road fronting the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

This work is commenced during the 3^rd week in January of 2005 and will last approximately five (5) months. Work will take place between the hours of 8 am and 5:30 pm during week days and possibly Saturdays.

This renovation project will add capacity to the pump station resulting in better ability to accommodate the increasing number of future developments in Kailua-Kona. As an added benefit, renovation of the King Kamehameha Sewage Pump Station helps with preparing for future abandonment of the Queen Emma Sewage Pump Station located at Emma Square. This should enhance the area for nearby businesses as maintenance activities by Wastewater Division personnel will no longer be required in Emma Square.

During the construction period of the renovation project, businesses along Ali'i Drive can anticipate uninterrupted sewer service and conduct their business in a normal fashion.

Pedestrian traffic will be safely re-routed around the construction area at the King Kamehameha. There will be very little impact to vehicular traffic.

Some construction work will take place at the Emma Square location while giving consideration to pedestrian traffic. This work may include minor improvements to the rock wall and concrete walkways with the intent of making the area safer for pedestrians.

The public is welcome to direct any questions or concerns during construction to the Construction Manager, SSFM International, Inc. at 933-2727. General questions may be directed to the Wastewater Division at 961-8338.

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Due to ongoing dry weather conditions, exceptionally large water consumption, and repairs being done at the Hualalai and Kalaoa Wells, the Department of Water Supply would like to remind customer in North Kona that they are under Water Conservation.

The Water Conservation Notice is a request to reduce your daily water usage by 10%. Listed are some ways to conserve water to reach the 10% goal:

• Wash full loads of laundry only.
• Wash full loads of dishes only.
• Serve drinking water only when requested.
• Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.
• When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
• Do not fill up the bathtub.
• Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.
• Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
• Stop lawn sprinkling.
• Stop car and boat washing.
• Stop dust control watering.
• Use drinking water wisely.

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

If this trend of large consumption continues, the next water conservation action will be mandatory reduction. Please conserve water.

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

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The Department of Research and Development annually solicits proposals for projects/activities that aim to improve the economic condition of Hawai`i County. The department is currently soliciting proposals in preparation of the fiscal year 2005-2006.

The Department will consider proposals for supplemental grants in fiscal year 2005-2006 for the following project areas:

• Agriculture. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) innovative agricultural research with application to Hawai`i County; 2) research in areas of urgent interest to the agricultural community; 3) agricultural market research and promotion; and 4) collection and dissemination of agricultural information related to Hawai`i County.

• Tourism. The Department funds programs that market and advertise Hawai`i County as a visitor destination at the national and international levels and provides partial sponsorships of sporting events.

• New Industry and Industry Development. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) development of heritage corridor in Hawai`i County; 2) dissemination of business related information that will enable Hawai`i County businesses to expand, diversify and compete; 3) development of local workforce; and 4) partial sponsorship of leadership capacity building training.

• Energy. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) improvement in efficiency of energy use in Hawai`i County; 2) utilization of renewable energy resources for electricity generation or fuel production; and 3) energy education at K-12 scholastic levels.

• Film. The Department funds small grants to showcase multi-cultural films to the Big Island community.

Sealed proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m., January 31, 2005, in the office of the Department of Research and Development, County of Hawai`i, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai`i.

All proposals reviewed and recommended for supplemental funding by the Department of Research and Development shall be subject to the County of Hawai`i's Executive and Legislative budget review process.

Notification of the Department's approval and recommendation for funding will be on February 27, 2005. Proposals submitted after the deadline may be considered, depending on availability of funds.

Questions regarding clarification of any information contained in the Solicitation for Proposals document, including all attachments, must be received in writing on or before January 17, 2005.

For further information call the Department of Research and Development at 961-8366.

The County of Hawai`i reserves the right to reject any proposal.

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Mayor Harry Kim is seeking the public's assistance to recognize older individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others or in their community.

Mayor Kim is seeking nominations to the Hawaii County Office of Aging for the prestigious Outstanding Older American Awards. Applications for nominating outstanding older Americans may be obtained by calling the Hawaii County Office of Aging at 961-8600 (Hilo) or 327-3597 (Kona).

The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2005.

Agencies, clubs and individuals are encouraged to nominate an individual (age 65 plus) to honor and recognize their achievements after attaining the age of 60 and their contributions to our community. All nominees will be honored at a special awards luncheon to be held on May 13, 2005 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

To express his deep appreciation for the immeasurable contributions made by seniors in Hawaii County, Mayor Kim has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month.

The theme for this year's Older Americans Month will be "Celebrate Long Term Living." The theme reflects a positive view of aging and longevity. As only 5 percent of our senior population reside in an institutional settings, millions of older Americans continue to be active contributing members of society. With continuing improvements in health care and a growing trend towards healthier life styles, we need to indeed celebrate long term living.

For further information, call the Hawaii County Office of Aging at 961-8600 (Hilo) or 327-3597 (Kona).

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Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8.

Kuakini Highway will be widened to four lanes for automobiles, including two through-lanes in each direction, and a pocket lane for left turns where appropriate. In addition, there will bicycle lanes on both sides throughout most of the project. The construction will last 18-24 months.

One lane will be open at all times from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while construction is in progress. Outside of these hours, one lane in each direction will be open.

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, will work with the adjacent businesses and residences to assure that a reasonable access to the businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction period. However, motorists traveling in the area should drive with caution.

We are most grateful for the public's patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The public is invited to a weekly update on the Kuakini Highway, Palani Road to Hualalai project every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor's West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, and the County, Public Works Department are available at the meetings. Everyone is welcome at these informal "talk story" sessions.

Update as of February 15

Kalawa Street temporary connection to Hualalai is expected to open on Thursday, February 17, 2005. The public is advised to drive safely and comply with the No Parking, access, and speed requirements.

A large project map and a complete set of plans are available for reference at the Kona Mayor's office.

The Tuesday morning updates will continue, and information will also be available via the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us.

For more detailed information on the construction, please contact Hawaiian Dredging Contracting Co., Inc. at (808) 483-4270. You can also call Pete Hendricks, Deputy Managing Director at 329-5226.

Mahalo nui loa for your support of this community improvement project.

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

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

Hawai`i County Resource Center and the Hawai`i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development present workshops in Kona, Kea'au and Na'alehu on Sustaining Community Efforts.

The workshops will focus on:

• Strategies and tools to help community groups maintain their passion
• Interactive discussions and exercises
• Ways to collaborate and celebrate
• How to bring in new participants

How to determine when you've completed your mission

Three dates and locations to choose from

February 19 in the Mayor's Conference Room in Kailua-Kona

February 26 at the Ola`a Community Center in Kea`au

March 5 at the Na`alehu Community Center - Senior Nutrition Center

All workshops begin at 9:30 am and end at 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided, and we will work through lunch.

Cost (pay at the door)

$8.00 for lunch and materials

Who should attend:

• Informal grassroots community groups
• "Healing Our Island" mini-grant recipients
• Coalitions between schools and communities
• Small 501(c)(3) groups

To Register (limited to 2 persons per group):

Please provide name(s), organization, and contact information to hcrc@co.hawaii.hi.us , or call Louise Winn (324-1021), Debbie Chang (961-8085) or the HCRC message line (961-8035).

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The Positive Coaching Alliance will be holding its latest series of workshops in February and March.

The following workshops are scheduled:

• Leadership workshop on Wednesday, February 16

• Coaches workshop on Wednesday, March 2

• Parents workshop on Wednesday, March 16

Registration on all three days begins at 5:30 p.m. Workshops begin at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Aupuni Center conference room on the Hamakua end of the old J.C. Penney's on Pauahi Street, Hilo (which now houses the new County offices).

Materials fee: $5 per person (collected at the door).

All workshops are open to the public.

For information and reservations, send name, contact telephone number and email addresses to PCABigIsland@hotmail.com .

For more information on Positive Coaching Alliance, check http://www.positivecoach.org .

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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.

Please also note that green waste drop offs have resumed at the Kealakehe Transfer Station. A big Mahalo to all residents for your patience and cooperation.

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.

The Aloha Arborist Association is conducting intensive, hands-on Chain Saw Safety and Field Maintenance Workshops in Hilo and Kona this month.

These workshops are designed for commercial, private, municipal, state and Federal government workers, supervisors and managers involved in tree and landscape management activities where chain saws are used.

WHERE AND WHEN:

February 25 - Hilo - Division of Forestry & Wildlife Baseyard, 19 E Kawili St.

February 26 - Kona- Kona Cooperative Extension Office (across from Aloha Theater).

Registration Fee: $25 per person (Due 7 days prior to workshop date)

Mail Registration Form With Payment To:

Aloha Arborist Association
P.O. Box 893953
Mililani, Hawai'i 96789-0953

Please indicate whether there are special needs.

For further information call Carol Kwan at cell: (808) 381-1342, fax: (808) 625-4287 or email: ckwan@hawaii.rr.com .

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Hawaii's oldest Hawaiian quilting club, Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea, presents its biennial Hawaiian Quilt Show February 26-27 at Kuhio Hale in Waimea. Club members will display their quilts and offer lessons on the Hawaiian style of quilting.

How-to sessions will include pattern tracing. The Hawaiian quilt traditionally features a pattern in a single color that is appliqued on to a background of white or solid color. Stitches in Hawaiian quilts follow the outlines of Hawaiian motifs like breadfruit, explains Dorothy Badua, Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea president.

"It's as if they echo a pattern's shape, just as the ocean waves echo the shores of the islands." The topographical lines of Hawaiian contour quilting create a subtle and effective visual rhythm that is special in the world of quilting, " Badua said.

The non-profit group will sells patterns, pillows, wall hangings and quilts during the show from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday February 26 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, February 27. For further information, call 775-9894.

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Hui Lau Lima O Kekaha Kai, a not-for-profit, community-based group established to ensure the protection of the natural, cultural and scenic resources of Kekaha Kai State Park in North Kona will be having their 2005 Annual Meeting at Kikaua Point Park at Kukio on Saturday, March 5, 2005, at 11:30am.

All those interested in this public/private partnership are encouraged to attend. Bring a picnic lunch and discuss the recreational, educational and cultural opportunities that are planned for this park.

For more information contact: Bobby at 967-7787, Hannah at 325-5126 or Christine at 325-4102.

Dr. Paul Jokiel, researcher at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, will give a talk entitled "Are Land-Derived Sediments Affecting Reef Ecosystems?" in Waimea on March 8.

Dr. Jokiel will provide insights on the effect of land use practices on reef ecosystem inhabitants, with an emphasis on land-derived sediments. Dr. Jokiel has conducted extensive reef research among the Hawaiian Islands for over 30 years. He will focus on understanding coral reef ecosystems and has disturbing, but not surprising, information to share.

Where: Thelma Parker Memorial Library at Waimea Middle School

Admission is free.

REEFTALKS are co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the Malama Kai Foundation, the Hawaii Community Foundation and CZM/DBEDT.

For more information, call University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program Extension Service at 329-2861.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Temporary Loading Zones on Ali'i Drive go into effect till March 18

The County of Hawai'i Department of Public Works advises the public that from December 21, 2004 four temporary loading zones will go into effect along Ali'i Drive as follows:

• 30-minute freight loading zone on mauka side of Ali'i Drive north of the Ocean View Restaurant
• 30-minute freight loading zone on the mauka side of Ali'i Drive south of the Ocean View Restaurant
• Three-minute passenger loading zone on mauka side of Ali'i Drive south of the Ocean View Restaurant
• 30-minute freight loading zone on the makai side of Ali'i Drive across from Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel

This change will be in effect for a 90-day trial period and will remain in force until 12 noon on March 18, 2005. No parking will be allowed in these zones, and the no-parking rule will be enforced. The Department of Public Works asks for your patience and cooperation during this trial period.

For further information, please contact the Department of Public Works, Traffic Division at 961-8341.

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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://165.248.6.166/data/calendars0405.asp
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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HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

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FOR MORE INFORMATION