April 8, 2005

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

The Benefit of Support Groups for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Being a caregiver for someone with dementia can be an soul-wrenching task. One important service that the Alzheimer’s Association provides is Neighborhood Support Groups for caregivers.

When I think of support groups, I always think of a meditation written by John Donne: "No man is an island, no man stands alone, each man’s joy is joy to me, each man’s grief is my own."

There’s no need to go through it alone without the moral support that a support group can give.

Support groups for caregivers are a boundless source of information and sustenance. Caregivers need education and emotional support during the stressful stages of dementia.

Attending a support group allows the participant to be a listener for as long as needed. When a caregiver is ready to discuss any given situation or feeling, the group is ready to provide support and suggestions.

Just talking about a situation and having someone listen can be comforting.

To see other people who are going through similar trials and tribulations, gives credence to the turmoil a caregiver feels. A caregiver can listen to others’ stories and realize that their loved one may or may not develop some of those very same symptoms. "When you have met one Alzheimer’s person you have met one Alzheimer’s person," is a phrase I utilize in many of my groups.

Knowledge of the various stages, possible symptoms, eventual progression and various interventions/options can provide some reassurance and comfort as compared to the stress of the unknown.

Intellectually understanding the reason behind the behaviors related to dementia helps to reduce the blame and frustration commonly felt by caregivers. Unresolved issues can become resolved by a supportive atmosphere of other caregivers.

A caregiver may witness another caregiver struggle through the stages of grief and allow the process to occur for oneself. When a caregiver is able to identify and process the grief and loss, then they can become more balanced and focused.

A caregiver who gets stuck in denial, bargaining, anger and depression, cannot provide comfort care for their loved one. The Alzheimer’s person may not comprehend language but is very susceptible to emotion. If the caregiver is tense and anxious, then the care receiver will become anxious and agitated.

If the caregiver attends a support group and gains knowledge and support there, then he or she may become more relaxed with the loved one.

Once a caregiver accepts the disease process, then they can focus on proper interventions and interactions with their loved one. The support group can be a wealth of information as to how to deal with any given situation.

Suddenly the various members of the group who felt helpless during the early stages of the disease process are able to feel competent not only with their loved one but also with fellow caregivers. Coming to the group to get support and then eventually to be able to give support can be rewarding.

Caregivers tend to be just that -- caregivers. The people who gravitate to this role tend to want to give and provide care and typically go overboard in the care they provide.

Illness often strikes the caregiver before the care receiver. Support groups can help the caregiver remember to take care of oneself first.

Laughing about the situations we get into and trying to relax with someone who can relate to these awkward situations, helps caregivers to be less serious about this devastating disease process.

Support groups can give "permission" for caregivers to utilize the various community services available and actually feel good about having a respite. No one in a group has ever regretted taking the big step of accepting assistance with caregiving.

Frequently this peer pressure helps the novice caregiver to consider the role of caregiving as less onerous.

A caregiver gradually loses one role such as being a daughter or a husband and gaining a new role: caregiver. The caregiver has a very serious and complex task when the care receiver fluctuates in his or her ability and is unaware of his or her inabilities.

People in a support group who are living through this same experience can relate to this unsettling situation without even saying a word.

The Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides six support groups for caregivers on the Island of Hawaii. They are in Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Pahoa, Keaau and two in Hilo.

The Alzheimer’s Association chapter representatives on the Big Island, Iris Yugawa and Chris Ridley, coordinate the groups and welcome new members.

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A brand new one-stop center for employment, job skills training and a variety of social services has recently opened in Hilo.

See what’s under one roof at the old Kino’ole Food Fair at 1990 Kino’ole Street (whose sign currently says "Kino’ole Shopping Plaza"):

• The Workforce Development Division, Suite 102 at 981-2860
• Unemployment Insurance Division, Suite 101 at 974-4086
• The Office of Housing and Community Development’s Existing Housing Division (for Section 8 housing), Suite 105 at 959-4642
• Department of Human Services, South Hilo and Central Unit (for food stamps and financial assistance), Suite 108 at 981-2753.
• Department of Human Services, Central Hilo Unit (for First to Work and Childcare Connection), Suite 109 at 981-7290

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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:

** Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1-2pm for lunch.**

Please contact Atlas at 935-9328 or 329-6868 for further information.

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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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.

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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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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.

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.

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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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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

Transportation in Puna – Puna Regional Circulation Plan Meetings

The County Planning Department will be holding subregional meetings on the Puna Regional Circulation Plan.

The primary purpose of the meetings is to receive comments on the Draft Report. Topics of discussion will include community values, traffic congestion, Hele-On bus route expansion, implementation of bikeways and pedestrian paths, new roads, and connectivity and expansion of existing roads.

We welcome your participation in this process and look forward to working together to develop transportation solutions for the Puna area.

The Draft Report will be available for review after March 25th at the public libraries in Pahoa, Kea’au, Mountain View and Hilo. A limited number of hard copies will be available and may be reserved on a first-come-first served basis by contacting either Larry or Hilarie (see contact information below).

The report will also be posted on the County's website at: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm.

The following subregional meetings will be held at a location near you:

WHEN: Tuesday, April 5th, 2005 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Aupuni Center (Old Firestone Tire Center on Pauahi Street, Hilo)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 5th, 2005 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Nanawale Longhouse, 14-855 Kehau Street

WHEN: Wednesday, April 6th, 2005 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Cooper Center, Wright Road, Volcano

WHEN: Thursday, April 7th, 2005 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Kea’au Community Center

For more information, contact Hilarie Keehne, Project Manager at Townscape, Inc., the County’s consultant for this project. Phone: (808) 536-6999, ext. 103, email: mail@townscapeinc.com

For special accommodation (sign language, foreign language translation, or accessible parking) contact with at least 3 days notice: Larry Brown, Project Coordinator at County Planning Department at 961-8288 or email lbrown@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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Two Solutions Task Force meetings are scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2005.

At 10a.m. on April 11 the Solutions Traffic Task Force will have a videoconference between the Kona Mayor's Office and the Hilo Prosecutor's Office. The focus is on continuing work on "Speeding" in our Neighborhoods. For additional information contact Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or konalil@hawaii.rr.com

At 7 p.m. on April 11 Solutions Animal Control Task Force will be having a working meeting at the Keaau Community Center, 16-186 Pilimua Road. The objective of this meeting will be to work on the Animal Control Ordinance Bill 4 Draft 5 Section 4-12: Fees, Section 4-24: Noisy Dogs and Section 4-30: Stray Dogs.

All community members, hunters, breeders, dog kennel owners are encouraged to bring solutions for a workable ordinance. To view or copy this ordinance go to website www.solutionsislandhawaii.com . For additional information contact Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net .

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The Hawai`i County Resource Center is administering funds appropriated by the State Legislature for community anti-drug initiatives. These funds were established to address the drug and substance abuse problems affecting our youth, our families and our neighborhoods.

The funds are to be made available to non-501(c)(3) organizations and community-based initiatives that traditionally do not have access to other sources of funding.

Application forms are available at www.healingourisland.com and the County’s Research and Development Office in the County Building at 25 Aupuni Street, Room 109.

For further information, please call Debbie Chang of the Hawai`i County Resource Center at 961-8085. Deadlines for submitting applications are March 15, April 15 and May 15.

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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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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.

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A free public lecture is scheduled for both Kona and Hilo and sponsored by Hawaii Community College and its UH Center, West Hawai'i. The HAWAI'I NOW Lecture series presents the topic Eruptions and Earthquakes in Hawai'i nei. Jim Kauahikaua, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will be the featured speaker.

The focus of the talk will be volcano hazards with a discussion of earthquakes and tsunamis. The Hawaiian islands are volcanoes, nice enough to stick out of the ocean so we can live on them. Many are still active - on Hawai'i island, Kilauea volcano is currently erupting and Mauna Loa is growing restless. There are natural hazards associated with this island lifestyle and residents should be aware of them. We have frequent eruption, earthquakes, and even some tsunamis.

In Hilo the seminar will be at Hawaii Community College Cafeteria on the Manono Campus, Thursday April 21, 2005 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 125.

In Kona, the seminar will be at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, Wednesday, April 27, 2005 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact UH Center, West Hawai`i at 322-4850.

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The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council, a community-based marine advisory organization, will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua Kona.

On the agenda is a presentation on the initiative to sink an old ship (with environmental sensitivity to the location and method of sinking the ship) to provide more diving opportunities on the Kona coast.

The West Hawaii Artificial Reef Foundation will inform the Council what ship they have chosen and the steps remaining before they can bring it here.

The mission of the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is to manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance near-shore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use.

All members of the ocean community are cordially invited to the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

For more information, contact Marni Herkes at 987-2171 or marnih@turquoise.net

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UH Hilo professor and researcher Dr. Michael Parsons will present the results of a multi-year study to determine if nutrient impacts are evident on two reef sites in West Hawaii.

Dr. Parsons has analyzed sediments and turf algae, staged nutrient enrichment studies and monitored the impacts of herbivorous fishes on algae growth. He compares present-day nutrient concentrations with historical data.

When: Tuesday, April 12th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Kealakehe HS Library, mauka of Honokohau Harbor, Kona

When: Tuesday, May 17th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where Thelma Parker Memorial Library, at Waimea Elementary School

These 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.

Talks are free of charge.

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

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A conference on E ‘Imi Pono (best practices) in substance abuse treatment will be held at Hawai`i Community College July 17-21, 2005.

This conference is sponsored by Hawai'i Community College Substance Abuse Counseling and Administration of Justice Programs and the Office of Continuing Education and Training.

Among the internationally renowned presenters will be Terence Gorski, Stephanie Covington, Dennis Daley and Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele.

Topics of the conference will include:

• Adolescent and Adult Relapse Prevention
• Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System
• Adolescents and Adults with Co-occurring Disorders
• Native Hawaiian Approaches to Substance Abuse

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

"Walk" or Walking Man symbol: This is like a green light for pedestrians. Pedestrians facing either the "Walk" or Walking Man symbol can begin their crossing. Many of our signalized intersections require that a push button be pushed in order for you to get the "walk" light.

Flashing "Don’t Walk" or Flashing Hand symbol: This is like an amber signal for pedestrians. Pedestrians facing a flashing "Don’t Walk" or flashing hand symbol should continue their crossing at a normal pace if they are already in the crosswalk. Pedestrians facing a flashing "Don’t Walk" signal who have not started their crossing should wait for the next "Walk" signal.

Steady "Don’t Walk" or Hand symbol: This is like a red light for pedestrians. Wait at the sidewalk area for the "Walk" signal.

Remember, our "walk" and flashing "don’t walk" signals are calibrated using an average walking speed of four feet per second. So it is not necessary to run across the street whenever you are legally crossing in a marked crosswalk at intersections that have pedestrian indications. However, be aware of inattentive drivers, especially those making a right turn on red.

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The County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works advises the public that on December 21, 2004 four temporary loading zones went 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 was to remain in effect for a 90-day trial period until 12 noon on March 18, 2005.

Field adjustments were made and it was determined that further evaluation was necessary. The Department of Public Works has extended this trial for an additional 90 days, to end at 12:00 Noon on June 15, 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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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.

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Hawai‘i County ... a nice place to live.