February 25, 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 Hawai`i County Police Department has more than 50 vacancies to fill at the Police Officer I level, the entry position to the County's police force.

The following article is a brief introduction to this very important position, whose mission is to protect our community.

We encourage our residents and non-residents to seek a career in the Hawai`i County Police Department.

What are the duties of a Police Officer I?

A Police Officer I performs a variety of law enforcement, crime prevention, investigative or other specialized duties as a trainee police officer. The new recruit attends police classes and receives extensive training in the principles, practices, procedures and techniques of police work, and performs other related duties as required.

What are the minimum requirements for this position?

This position requires a combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school.

• Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
• Qualification For Firearms: The applicant must be qualified to carry and/or possess any firearm or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws. That means, for example, the applicant must not have any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions. Applicants must complete and submit SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICATION FORM FOR POLICE OFFICER I with their application. Failure to submit a completed supplement will result in your application not being accepted.
• Driver's License Requirement: The applicant must have a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license, class 3 or any other valid comparable driver's license. Applicant should present the driver's license at the time of filing an application or attach a copy of the driver's license with the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not being accepted.

• Physical Requirements: The applicant must have a correct ratio of weight to height; possess good eyesight, and have good physical condition and agility according to standards set by the County of Hawai`i's Pre-Entry Medical Examination Guide. You can view the Pre-Entry Medical Examination Guide at the Department of Civil Service. Distant vision - 20/20 binocular vision, with or without correction. Vision correction by soft contact lenses: Soft contact lens wearers must have 20/200 or better binocular vision before correction, corrected to 20/20. Applicants must provide certification that he/she has successfully worn soft contact lenses for the past 12 months. (If selected for Police Officer I position, certification by a licensed physician must be provided at time of pre-entry medical examination.) Vision correction by other than soft contact lenses: (e.g., glasses, hard contact lenses, semi-rigid contact lenses). Wearers must have 20/40 or better binocular vision before correction, corrected to 20/20.

After fulfilling the minimum requirements, what comes next?

Police Officer I applicants take a multiple-choice timed written examination, which tests for the applicant's knowledge of grammar, spelling and word usage.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare for the examination by using study guides available at the public library or bookstores.

What's the next hurdle?

Upon passing the written examination, applicants will be given a physical agility test. The test involves running an obstacle course within 70.0 seconds.

Having passed the written examination and the agility test, what's next?

Your name will be placed on the Police Officer I eligible list by the Department of Civil Service. Certification of names from the eligible list may be made during the one-year life of the list to the Hawai`i County Police Department.

The selection process

The selection process involves a background investigation, personal history questionnaire, an interview conducted by a review board, psychological assessment, polygraph examination, drug urinalysis test, pre-employment medical examination after an offer of employment is made by the Hawai`i County Police Department.

Salary and benefits

The salary for the Police Officer I position is $3,011 per month, or $36,132 a year.

The fringe benefits for this position are as follows:

• 13 paid holidays per year, plus all election days except the primary election.
• Vacation - 21 work days per year with the privilege of accumulating up to 90 days.
• Sick Leave - 21 working days per year, unused portion may be accumulated towards retirement.
• Military leave - Full pay up to 15 working days per year, for active duty or annual training.
• Funeral leave - 3 working days with pay
• Accidental Injury Leave - Full pay up to 120 working days for each work-related injury
• Health insurance - Partly subsidized by the County of Hawai`i
• Dental plan - Fully subsidized for dependents under 19 years of age.
• Life insurance - Fully subsidized group life insurance for $25,000. Coverage varies with age of employee.
• Uniforms and equipment - Furnished by the Hawai`i County Police Department as required.
• Automobile subsidy - Monthly allowance for private automobiles in police use, plus fuel, oil and tax exempt motor vehicle registration.
• Liberal benefits - Eligible for retirement with 25 years of service.

What special working conditions are involved?

Police officers work irregular hours. Their hours involve shift and weekend work. Police officers are exposed to hazards as required.

Recruit Training

Those hired by the Hawai`i Police Department will participate in the department's 38-week police recruit training program (classroom and field training) in Hilo.

During this training, the following academic and physical standards will be applicable to the recruit. Other requirements, as specified by the Hawai`i Police Department, may also be imposed as follows:

• Pass weekly examinations in classrooms.
• Note-taking in a designated format will be required during all phases of instruction. Notes will then need to be typewritten (set format) and available for inspection within 72 hours of the course of instruction.
• Pass a proficiency examination in the Police Combat Pistol Course.
• Pass a proficiency examination with the standard police shotgun.
• Pass a physical fitness assessment program by completion of the recruit classroom training.
• Candidates' personal appearance and grooming, as noted in the Hawai`i Police Department General Orders, will be inspected twice daily, in the morning and again in the afternoon.

For further information regarding the recruit training program, you may contact the Hawai`i Police Department's Administrative Division at 961-2261.

To obtain an application, visit the Department of Civil Service at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2, Hilo or the Kona Mayor's Office at Hanama Place. Business hours: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or call the 24/7 Job Hotline at 961-8618. You can also visit our website at co.hawaii.hi.us Click on employment opportunities to download the announcement and application forms.

Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

(go to Contents)

The public is invited to a meeting to discuss the proposed South Kona Solid Waste Transfer Station and the future of the Miloli'i Solid Waste Transfer Station. This meeting is primarily to update residents who use the temporary solid waste transfer station located at Miloli'i.

Among those attending will be Bob Jacobson, Councilman, District 6, Nelson Ho, Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Management and Ron Terry, Consultant. Geometricians and Associates.

When: Tuesday, March 2, 2005, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: Miloli'i Community Center

The County is in the initial stages of locating a new solid waste transfer station at Highway 11 near the 86 mile marker. This proposed solid waste transfer station has been sited to provide service to the Ocean View and Miloli'i/Hoopuloa communities. In addition to being a household refuse collection facility, it is planned to offer enhanced recycling opportunities including facilities for the collection of bulky goods (appliances, furniture) and green waste.

An environmental assessment for the proposed transfer station is now underway and all area residents are encouraged to participate.

Currently, the Miloli'i area is served by a small roll-off container on a tiny parcel in Miloli'i village. The facility lies within the State Land Use Conservation District, lacks the required permits, and represents a nuisance in its current location. Misuse of the facility and illegal dumping have been ongoing problems.

The steep narrow, winding road from State Highway 11 to Miloli'i village makes it unsafe to use standard County waste hauling trucks and also precludes use by mauka residents.

The State Departments of Health and Land and Natural Resources have informed the County that the site is inappropriate for its current use and that the Dept. of Environmental Management should move the site. County costs to operate this low-volume facility are substantial and continue to increase annually.

The nearest transfer stations include the Waiea transfer station located near the 99 mile marker and the Waiohinu transfer station located near mile marker 66. Increased levels of solid waste collection and recycling services are needed for the South Kona and Ocean View areas.

A modern solid waste convenience center that is capable of replacing the Miloli'i transfer station and serving the residents of South Kona and Ocean View will benefit the 'aina.

For further information contact Councilman Bob Jacobson at 961-8225.

(go to Contents)

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

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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).

(go to Contents)

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 22

The temporary Kalawa Street extension to Hualalai Road is now open. Please drive safely and responsibly.

 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.

(go to Contents)

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

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Education, training and/or experience in the field of public administration, public policy, legislative processes, elections or other related fields; experience in a supervisory, consultative, or managerial capacity; able to develop and complete special projects; proficient in word processing, data base, spreadsheet, and presentation programs; able to develop and deliver presentations. Must be a team player, an organizer, a good communicator.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Assists the County Clerk in administering the Office of the County Clerk-Council, including attending Council meetings, conducting elections, managing personnel, implementing records management system; coordinating Clerk's public outreach efforts.

Other requirements: Must have State of Hawai'i driver's license, be a U.S. citizen and be willing to travel.

Application: Submit resume with three references and two writing samples to: Office of the County Clerk, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 209, Hilo, HI 96720

Application deadline: Postmarked by March 11, 2005.

Salary: $74,975.00 (Position is exempt from civil service laws and classifications.)

Hawai'i County Charter requires the County Clerk to appoint the Deputy County Clerk with the approval of the County Council.

Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Duties: Research, draft reports and legislation, analyze budgets, and perform other duties related to the County Council.

Desirable qualifications: clear writing, government experience, Masters degree, excellent computer skills.

Persons seeking appointment must meet health and physical condition standards. This position is exempt from Civil Service laws.

Salary Range: $24,000-$39,120 based on education and experience.

Application deadline: March 7, 2005

Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

(go to Contents)

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:

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).

(go to Contents)

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 .

(go to Contents)

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.

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.

The Kona Outdoor Circle, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural resources and active in Kona since1948, is offering a $1,000 scholarship for the 2005-2006 academic year.

Applicants must be residents of West Hawaii (North Kohala to Ka`u) who are 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 (with 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.

Kona Outdoor Circle accomplishes these goals through public area plantings, education programs and public advocacy.

The application deadline is April 30, 2005. Applicants must complete a 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 all high schools in West Hawaii; University of Hawaii Financial Aid Offices; the Educational Talent Search Program at the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii; the Kona Outdoor Circle office at the intersection of Kuakini and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highways. Applications are also available on-line at the KOC website, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org , click on Education.

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

(go to Contents)

(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Pedestrian Safety

• Don't expect motorists to see you even though you can see them.
• Make eye contact with drivers to know that they see you before crossing the intersection.
• Use Crosswalks and sidewalks where available.
• Always walk on the left facing oncoming traffic.

Next Week's tip:

Walk Defensively.

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.

(go to Contents)

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

(go to Contents)

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

(go to Contents)

FOR MORE INFORMATION