March 4, 2005

Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

The following information was provided by our County's Immigration Specialist, Rose Bautista.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, has created a streamlined naturalization process for military personnel who are not U.S. Citizens.

Recent changes to the Immigration and Naturalization Act make it simpler for qualified military personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces to become U.S. citizens.

The U.S. Armed Forces include the following branches:

• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Certain Reserve components of the National Guard
• Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.

How do I qualify for citizenship?

There are general requirements that must be met for you to become a U.S. citizen. They include:

• Demonstrating that you have good moral character
• Demonstrating knowledge of the English language
• Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. government and history
• Demonstrating attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

These exceptions are outlined below in Section 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

• You have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for a total of one or more years.
• You are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• You will be filing your application for naturalization while still in service or within six months of being discharged.

You may apply for citizenship under Section 329, Immigration and Naturalization Act if you fulfill the following requirements:

• You served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during an authorized period of conflict. **Note: The President signed an Executive Order identifying September 11, 2001 and after as an authorized period of conflict.
• After enlistment, you were lawfully admitted as a permanent resident of the United States, OR at the time of enlistment, reenlistment or induction you were physically present in the United States or a qualifying territory.

Additional benefits to members of the military

As of October 1, 2004, no fees will be charged when you file for naturalization.

In addition, the naturalization process will be made available overseas to members of the Armed Forces at U.S. embassies, consulates and where practical, military installations abroad.

Posthumous Benefits

The Immigration and Naturalization Act allows for the awarding of posthumous citizenship to active-duty military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In addition, surviving family members seeking immigration benefits are given special consideration.

For more details, contact your military point-of-contact or the local district U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.

• N-400, Application for Naturalization
• N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
• G-325B,Biographic Information

How can I get these forms?

To get these forms, call the USCIS Form Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request a "Military Packet" and obtain a handbook, "Guide to Naturalization." Or visit the website www.uscis.gov .

What if I need help filling out the forms?

Every military installation should have a designated point-of-contact to handle your application and certify your Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (Form N-426).

You should inquire through your chain of command to find out who this person is, so he/she can help you with your application packet.

Your point-of-contact will send your N-400, certified N-426 and G325B to:

The Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7426

What happens after my forms are sent?

The Nebraska Service Center will review your application and perform the necessary security checks. Then they will send it to the district office closest to your location.

If you have a preference as to where you would like to be interviewed, you may provide that information in a cover letter attached to your naturalization packet.

The district office will set a date to interview you and test your knowledge of English and U.S. Civics (government and history).

If granted, the USCIS will inform you of the date you can take your oath of allegiance.

What about other general information about naturalization?

For further information, visit the website www.uscis.gov or call our County Immigration Specialist at 961-8220.

(go to Contents)

The following is the agenda for the next meeting of the Environmental Management Commission.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2005, 9:00 a.m.

(Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant visit following meeting.)

WHERE: Kona Council Office Conference Room

75-5706 Hanama Place, Room 109, Kailua Kona, HI 96740

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER & ANNOUNCEMENTS
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 19, 2005
3. APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND/OR ITEMS SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
4. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
5. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE

• Solid Waste Division Chief's Report
• Wastewater Division Chief's Report
• Director's Report

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Status Report: Request for Proposal No 2146 - Waste Reduction Technology
• Status Report: Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container Program ( Bottle Bill)
• Status Report: New Commission Members
• Review: 2005-2006 Department Budget
• Scheduling: County Site Visits by the Commission
• Update: EMC 2005-01 Resolution supporting Waikoloa Curbside Recycling

7. NEW BUSINESS

• EMC2005-02 Ordinance to change subdivision sewer connection distance (currently 300 lineal feet)
• EMC2005-03 Resolution requesting Police Department to designate officials to coordinate the enforcement of environmental crimes
• EMC2005-04 Resolution requesting the creation of a position of Investigator in the Department of Environmental Management
• Discussion and recommendation on Department Rules Revision

8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
9. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Wednesday, May 25, 2005, 9 a.m., Hawaii County Council Room, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo
• Wednesday, July 27, 2005, 9 a.m. Waimea, HI, Place TBA

10. ADJOURNMENT

If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print), please call 961-8083 ten days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to Department of Environmental Management, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 210, Hilo, HI 96720 or emailed to cohdem@interpac.net .

(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)

The Department of Water Supply is experiencing drought conditions around the island and is requesting our customers to conserve drinking water. Due to continuing dry weather conditions, water consumption in the affected areas has increased to a point where water sources and water distribution systems are strained. Drought conditions may last for some time, and the Department is requesting all our customers around the island to use water wisely.

This Water Conservation Notice is a request to reduce your daily water usage by 10%.

The following areas are under WATER CONSERVATION:

1. SOUTH KOHALA - Waimea Town.
2. HAMAKUA - Ahualoa, along Kahaua Drive, Kalopa State Park, Kapahu, Paauilo Mauka, and Pohakea.

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 shall 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.

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

(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 March 1

Also, work on the bottom of Ololi Road is continuing. Driveway access to McDonald's on Kuakini has been completed.

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.

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.

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

Please email resumes and writing sample to: ckiriu@co.hawaii.hi.us.

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

Walk Defensively.

• Scan the traffic situation - look left-right-left before crossing, even though you have the right of way.
• Watch out for vehicles backing out of parking spaces and driveways.
• Stop on the curb before entering the street or roadway.

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.

(go to Contents)

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION