April 15, 2005

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

They’re so small, you can hardly see them. But if you get stung by one, ouch!

From 1999, the Island of Hawai`i’s Puna district reported an infestation of the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata). Check out http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/npa/npa99-02-lfireant.pdf

The little fire ant is tiny, measuring 1/16 inch long -- smaller than most ant species found in Hawai`i. The little fire ant is pale orange and very slow-moving.

Some people confuse the little fire ant with the red ant (or tropical fire ant), which is larger and faster-moving.

The little fire ant packs a wallop, with a painful sting that can cause large red welts that last for several days. The sting can feel like a painful needle sensation at first, and then cause intense spells of itching.

The sting of the little fire ant is arguably the most painful compared to the other six species of stinging ants in Hawai`i.

They are native to central and northern South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Populations of little fire ants have been found in the southern United States mainland, notably in Florida and on several islands in the South Pacific.

They are often found in potted plants, flowers and ornamental foliage or on the ground. Colonies are small, numerous and not under ground They can be in virtually any protected spot such as under a single leaf.

To date, there are about 40 infestation sites in East Hawai`i.

According to Patrick Conant, entomologist with the State of Hawai`i’s Department of Agriculture, it is believed that the little fire ants have spread in East Hawai`i primarily via potted plants.

"We need to concentrate on controlling little fire ants in nurseries and landscapers so the ant is not spread around inadvertently," Conant said.

According to the University of Florida’s Department of Entomology and Nematology, the little fire ant nests under leaf debris, rotten tree limbs, rocks, and in trees or clumps of grass. Nests are frequently found behind the sheaths of palms. The little fire ant is highly adaptable, nesting in both open and shaded areas, seeming to thrive equally well under moist or dry conditions.

During heavy rains nests may be moved into buildings or trees.

Food in homes, such as butter, peanut butter, and other oily materials are preferred by the ant.

The tropical fire ant, known locally as simply the red ant, has been established in East Hawai`i for many years. It stings people too.

There are other ant species that sting but the little fire ant and the tropical fire ant are now the most visible ones in East Hawai`i.

Although it is not here in Hawai`i, the red imported fire ant, an alien South American species that has taken over the warmer regions of the United States from Florida to California, has a nasty sting. The Department of Agriculture does surveys of Hawai`i’s harbors and airports to detect this species. So far, it hasn’t arrived in Hawai`i.

Nurseries and landscapers with little fire ants should treat their plants with insecticides before transporting them. Doing this would go along way toward solving the problem of spreading infestation, according to entomologist Patrick Conant.

Meanwhile the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture also requires inspection of potted plants moving off the Big Island.

The Department of Agriculture has used Amdro ant bait to eliminate a few of the smaller infestations of little fire ants (of less than a few acres) on the Big Island. Larger infestations are extremely difficult to eradicate.

Amdro ant bait is readily available at local gardening supply and hardware stores. Be sure to read the label before purchase so you know where it is legal to use and what the hazards of using it are.

Please report any possible fire ant infestations by submitting specimens to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.

Here’s a homemade method of taking ant specimens. Chopsticks smeared with a thin coat of peanut butter works best. Put the chopstick in shady spots, at the bases of trees and shrubs, and leave it out for about an hour. Put the ant-laden chopstick in a Ziploc bag, label it with your name and phone number, and put in the freezer overnight.

Call Kyle Onuma or Patrick Conant at the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture at 974-4140 to arrange for the specimen delivery.

Little fire ants prey on other insects and small animals. If left uncontrolled, the little fire ants may become a danger to our native insect and bird populations. There are unsubstantiated reports from other parts of the world that the sting of little fire ants can blind animals.

For further information or to report any new little fire ants, call Kyle Onuma or Patrick Conant of the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture at 974-4140, or visit this website: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/npa/npa99-02-lfireant.pdf

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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

Healing Our Island Grant Applications Available

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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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.)

Right turns on red are allowed at signalized intersections if not prohibited by signs. Motorists are cautioned to be especially aware of pedestrians who are legally crossing the street on a green, "walk" or flashing "don’t walk" signal. Pedestrians are also cautioned to be aware of motorists who are making the right turn on red. It’s a good practice to make eye contact with the driver whenever crossing any street to help assure a safer crossing.

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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.