May 6, 2005

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Work crews from the County Highway Maintenance Division just completed construction of a new right-turn lane on Waikoloa Road as it connects with the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. The purpose of the project was to ease traffic congestion at this intersection for those motorists that needed to turn right.

By separating those motorists that want to turn left from those that want to turn right, more vehicles can pass through this intersection and reduce the traffic that was backing up on Waikoloa Road.

What was significant about this project is the teamwork of County Highway Maintenance Division workers and equipment that were brought together from around the island (Kohala, Kona, Hamakua, Hilo, and Puna Baseyards) to help make road improvements to a County Road’s intersection with a State highway.

As the County’s commitment toward reducing traffic problems in West Hawaii, our workers stepped up to the plate to complete the project months sooner than if the project had been designed and constructed through the normal State Highways construction process.

We would like to thank our Highway Maintenance Division for going the "extra mile" for the community.

For further information, please contact Jiro Sumada at the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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Members of the Hawaii County Police Department, their families and friends are planning the 15th annual Hawaii Police Commemorative Fund Tournament, scheduled for May 13-15, 2005, at the Kawananakoa Gymnasium and Hualani Park field in Keaukaha.

The three-day, multi-sport event is a fundraising tournament, with the proceeds going towards scholarships at both the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College in memory of Hawaii County police officers killed in the line of duty.

The tournament was established following the death of Officer Ronald "Shige" Jitchaku, who was killed on May 7, 1990 while attempting to break up a large brawl on Banyan Drive in Hilo.

The memorial tournament events

• In memory of Officer Jitchaku, the Shige 5K Fun Run and 1.5 Mile Walk were established as events in this tournament. For information regarding the Shige 5K Fun Run and 1.5 mile walk, call Lieut. Mitch Kanehailua at 326-4646, Ext. 226.

• The Manuel Cadinha Memorial Softball Tournament, in memory of Officer Manuel Cadinha, who was killed while making an arrest of a combative male in 1918. This year's softball tournament will be held at the softball field next to the Kawananakoa Gymnasium. For information regarding the Manuel Cadinha Memorial Softball Tournament, call Officer Masa Pagay at 925-9687 or 961-8892.

• The Kenneth K. Keliipio Memorial Co-ed Softball Tournament, named in memory of Officer Kenneth Keliipio, a South Hilo Patrol officer who was killed in a motor vehicle collision while assisting a stranded motorist in 1997. The tournament will also be held at the Hualani Park ballfield during the weekend (May 13-15). For information regarding the Kenneth K. Keliipio Memorial Co-ed Softball Tournament, call Officer Masa Pagay at 925-9687 or 961-8892.

• The Daison 'Froggie' Morita Mixed Volleyball Tournament was established in memory of Daison Morita, an airport firefighter who was killed in a motor vehicle collision in 1998. Morita had been actively involved in every facet of the tournament since its inception in 1990. The volleyball tournament will be played at the Kawananakoa Gymnasium. For information regarding the Daison 'Froggie' Morita Mixed Volleyball tournament, call Tammy Kealoha at 331-4715 (pager).

• In addition, a basketball tournament is also scheduled for the same weekend, also at the Kawananakoa Gymnasium, as part of the three-day event. For information regarding the basketball tournament, call Lieut. Randy Apele at 326-4646, Ext. 230.

• Finally, a golf tournament will be held Sunday, May 15, at the Naniloa Banyan Golf Course with check-in time at 7 a.m. and tee time at 8 a.m. Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Naniloa Golf Course or the Hilo Police Station at 349 Kapiolani Street. Walkers are also welcome to participate. For information regarding the golf tournament, call Officer John Stewart or Sergeant Darren Horio at 961-2211.

Teams or individuals wanting more information about this community event, which is open to the public, are asked to contact the following event coordinators:

For overall information, contact event chairman Detective Greg Esteban at 961-2384.

Two scholarships have been established at the University of Hawaii's Administration of Justice program in memory of Officers Jitchaku and Keliipio.

Two other scholarships have also been established in memory of the two officers at the Hawaii Community College, Administration of Justice program.

For further information about the scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Department of the University of Hawaii at Hilo at 974-3334 and Hawaii Community College at 974-7663.

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The County of Hawai`i’s Department of Public Works invites the public to an informational meeting on Thursday, May 12 regarding South Kona traffic solutions.

This will be an opportunity for community input and discussion concerning two experimental traffic initiatives which will affect commuters, residences, and businesses traveling through the towns of Honalo and Kainaliu, Kona. All are invited to attend.

WHEN: Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria

Representatives from various County and State agencies and departments will be present to answer your questions and concerns.

If you require special accommodations or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print) or for more details on the meeting, please contact our Department of Public Works, at (808) 961-8321.

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The Hawai’i County Housing Agency and the Hawai’i County Council have approved the County of Hawai’i’s 2005 Action Plan with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and have authorized the Mayor to execute and submit the Action Plan to HUD for the CDBG and HOME programs.

The County of Hawai’i plans to utilize its 2005 CDBG and HOME allocation for the following projects:

The County of Hawai'i anticipates that the County’s total 2005 CDBG allocation will be $2,672,100.00. To meet the County’s five-year Consolidated Plan’s priorities and objectives, the following projects will be included in the 2005 Action Plan.

The CDBG project amount for the Removal of Architectural Barriers - Various County Facilities may change to accommodate the actual amount of grant funds or program income received or if there are any cancelled project(s) or reprogramming of CDBG funds.

In its efforts to expedite and implement its projects in a timely manner, the public is advised that the County of Hawaii may utilize County funds to incur pre-award cost under the CDBG program that will not exceed 25% of current CDBG allocation. This is in accordance with the CDBG regulations 24 CFR 570.200(h)1), Reimbursement for pre-award costs.

Based on the approved 2005 CDBG funds, the County estimates that 100% of the 2005 CDBG grant funds will benefit low- and moderate-income persons in accordance with CDBG regulations.

The State of Hawai'i is required to submit its 2005 Action Plan to HUD for the 2005 HOME program. It is anticipated that the State will continue to divide the HOME funds among the three Neighbor Island counties. The County of Hawai'i anticipates it will receive approximately $963,000 for 2005 HOME program and $21,554for the American Dream Grant for a total of $984,554.

To prepare for the 2005 HOME program, the County requested project proposals and will submit the following projects to the State’s Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai'i (HCDCH) for approval.

The amount for these projects or Administration may change to accommodate the actual amount of grant or program income received or if there are any cancelled or reprogramming of HOME funds.

As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the County’s 2005 Action Plan will be available for public review from May 9, 2005 to May 13, 2005, at the Hawai’i State Public Libraries in Kamuela, Honokaa, Pahala, Pahoa, Kohala, Kailua-Kona and Hilo and also at the following locations, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.

• Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Phone: (808)961-8379
• Hawai’i County Services, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Ste. 103, Kailua-Kona Phone: (808) 329-5226

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The East Hawai`i Computer Recycling Day campaign will accept any make or model of computer and related equipment, including computers, monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, laptops and cell phones.

Electronics items NOT accepted include: televisions, stereo equipment, household appliances, etc.

Drop off is free of charge to residents, schools, non-profits and government agencies.

Usable equipment will be refurbished and reused. Refurbished systems will be made available to local schools and non-profit groups via Community Technology Center Hawai`i.

To sign up for a refurbished computer, please contact Community Technology Center Hawai`i directly at 934-7748.

For more information, contact County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942 or Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676.

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In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, the Fire Department is sponsoring the Fifth Annual EMS 5K Family Fun Run/2 Mile-Walk on Sunday, May 22, 2005. The Run and Walk both start at 8:30 a.m. at Liliuokalani Park.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the expansion and renovation of the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room and also help a young mother of three from Hilo who is battling cancer.

The route of the run/walk proceeds from Lihiwai Street to the lighthouse tower at Bayfront Highway, then back along the same route to the park. The 2-mile walk also begins at the park to a shorter turn-around point and back.

Registration forms may be obtained at the Spencer Health and Fitness Center, the Fire Administration office located in the County Building, at any district fire station, or by calling 961-8297 during normal business hours.

The entrance fee is $20 for adults, $10 for students & seniors (60+), and $5 for children 10 and under. Deadline to guarantee a shirt is May 14.

Awards will be presented following the completion of the event. All participants will also become eligible to receive random drawing prizes.

The family fun run/walk will also kick off various events and displays that will continue throughout the day. The Hawaii Bone Marrow Registry, American Heart Association, Ululani Pharmacy, and Keiki ID will also be on hand to provide free services to the public.

The Emergency Medical Services Week coordinators are Fire Equipment Operator /Mobile Intensive Care Technician Lance Uchida (Central Fire Station, telephone 961-8325) and Fire Captain Jerry Lum (Honokaa Fire Station, telephone 775-7506).

The fun run/walk race director is Firefighter/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Jesse Ebersole at 961-8325.

This year marks the 30th year that the Fire Department has been providing emergency medical services in the County of Hawaii. Established in 1975 under then Fire Chief Elvin Kamoku, the first County Mobile Intensive Care Technicians were Garfield Arakaki and Edward Bumatay. The first Emergency Medical Technicians were Wayne Robledo and Michael Kobayashi.

The County of Hawaii’s Emergency Medical Services Division provides 24-hour quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to the residents and visitors on Hawai`i Island. Last year, EMS responded to 12,937 calls for assistance island wide.

To learn more about your local EMS Division, contact Battalion Chief Paul Paiva at 961-8319.

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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 Kailua Harbor Sewage Pump Station (formerly known as 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 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 County Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Division will be commencing with the installation of a new 12-inch influent line to their existing Kailua Harbor Sewage Pump Station (formerly known as the King Kamehameha Sewage Pump Station) located at the corner of Ali’i Drive and the Kailua Pier Harbor entrance starting the evening of May 8, 2005, ending Friday May 13.

Construction activities have been scheduled for nighttime hours to minimize the impact to the neighboring businesses, pedestrian traffic, and vehicular traffic. Please pardon the inconvenience.

Anticipated hours of work will be:

Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. has been contracted by the County of Hawai’i as the General Contractor for the project with SSFM International, Inc. providing construction management services.

For more information, please contact Daniel K Kaniho of SSFM International, Inc. at 937-7525.

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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%. (See above article which lists some ways to conserve water to reach the 10% goal.)

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, 2004.

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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Job seekers from Pahala to Ocean View are invited to a job fair in their community on Tuesday, May 10.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, Norwegian Cruise Lines America, ChoiceMart, Altres Staffing, ABC Stores, CareResources Hawaii, Love's Bakery, HPM Building Supply, McDonalds West Hawaii, the County of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, the Arc of Hilo, Pleasant Holidays, Safeway, Ross Dress for Less and Warehouse Demo Services are among the employers conducting on- site interviews.

Applicants are asked to report on time at their nearest site as time is limited to one hour at each location.

Information about the new Hele-On bus routes will also be available.

WHERE: 10:30am in PAHALA (Ka’u Rural Health Community Assn. 96-3126 Puahala Street)

For more information about this event, please call the Big Island Workplace Connection, Lori Sasaki at 327-4797 or Kathy Kirk at 327-4770.

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Life Care Center of Hilo invites the public to a weeklong celebration of Nursing Home Week May 8-14.

The celebration will feature free health screening and a cooking demonstration by Derek Kurisu and George Yoshida of "Seniors Living In Paradise" TV show fame.

Life Care Center of Hilo, located at 944 West Kawailani Street, has been serving the Island of Hawaii since the 1970’s. Among the services Life Care Center offers are skilled and intermediate care, special care units, as well as in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation.

Life Care is celebrating Nursing Home Week with a long list of festivities for the residents and their family members. In addition to the usual celebrations, this year the trained professional staff will be offering several free community services on Wednesday, May 11, from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Nurses will be available for blood pressure screens. Social service workers will be performing memory checks. Rehabilitation staff will provide balance checks. Tours of the facility will be provided by appointment throughout the week.

Derek Kurisu and George Yoshida from "Seniors Living In Paradise" will do a cooking demonstration Wednesday, May 11, at 5:00 pm. for the residents, their families and the community. The KTA-sponsored segment will air at a later date on Channel 27.

For further information, call Chris Ridley at Life Care Center of Hilo at 959-9151.

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Solutions: Neighborhoods in Action Task Force groups will hold videoconferences on Monday, May 9th at the Hilo Prosecutor's Office and the Kona Mayor's Office.

• Monday, May 9th 10am - 11am The Traffic Task Force group will be meeting to review the Community Road Safety Watch Program. Our main focus is speeding in our neighborhoods and how to deter this unsafe behavior. For further information contact Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com .

• Monday, May 9th 11:15am - 12:15pm The Animal Control Task Force will be meeting to review the revisions in the Animal Control Ordinance Bill 4 Draft 5 Sections: 4-12. Fees, 4-24. Noisy Dogs, 4-30. Stray Dogs. We will discuss the outcomes of the four public hearings, plus the Waimea and Keaau task force meetings.

To view or copy Bill 4 go to website: www.solutionsislandhawaii.com . For additional information contact Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net

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The community is invited to a presentation on the multiple effects of deployment on the Big Island community, given by Dr. Janice M. Brencick, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has long experience serving in Army Combat Stress Control teams.

Brencick, who has been an Army Reserve Officer for more than 20 years and who worked with soldiers and families during the first Gulf War, is currently in private practice in North Hawai`i.

Her presentation will cover the effects of deployment on families, soldiers and the community at large.

For further information, contact Janice Brencick, APRN-BC, Ph.D at Aloha Clinic at 885-9393.

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The Alzheimer’s Association and the Hawaii County Office of Aging will sponsor a "Brief Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Understanding and Managing Specific Challenging Behavior" of persons with Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, May 14 at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

WHEN: Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon

WHERE: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Islander Conference Room..

The workshop is free and is open to the general public, but a $5.00 donation is welcome. Parking at the King Kamehameha Hotel is $2.00.

The workshop will be presented by:

• John "Keoni" Kealoha Devereaux, Jr., Ph.D in Neuroscience and Vice President of programs of Alzheimer’s Association-Aloha Chapter.
• Janet Eli, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association – Aloha Chapter.

There are more than 2,000 individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease on the Island of Hawaii, 27,000 in the State of Hawaii, and about 4.5 million in the United States.

This disease affects 10% of people over 65 years old, and nearly 50% of those age 85 and older.

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia and results in the impairment of memory, thinking skills, and behavior. Many individuals and families are unaware of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Symptoms and behaviors are often ignored or not taken seriously, which often leaves families in stressful and confusing dilemmas. It is essential that our community members seek the education and support they need to help those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The workshop will include information on Alzheimer’s disease, communication, activities of daily living, hallucination/delusions, angry/agitated behavior, paranoia, wandering, as well as problems with bathing, dressing, driving, eating/dining.

For more information or to register for this workshop please call Iris Yugawa at 981-2111.

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Throughout the month of May there will be six Alzheimer’s disease caregiver support groups meeting throughout the Island of Hawai`i.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

• 2^nd Monday, May 9 at Pahoa Family Health Center, 10 am–11:30am
• 2^nd Friday, May 13 at Hawaii Island Adult Day Center, 9 am–10:30 am
• 2^nd Friday, May 13 at Neighborhood Place of Kona, 5 pm–6:30 pm
• 3^rd Tuesday, May 17 at Tutu’s House (Waimea),11 am–12:30 pm
• Last Wednesday, May 25 at Keaau Bay Clinic, 9 am–10:30 am
• Last Monday, May 30 at Hilo Lagoon Conf. Room, 5 pm–6:30 pm

For information on these free support groups, please call Iris Yugawa at the Alzheimer’s Association at 981-2111.

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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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The County of Hawaii is offering to deliver large loads of shredded mulch to farmers, residents, landscapers or organizations on the West side of the Big Island for a limited time.

From now until the end of June, the County will provide FREE delivery of large loads of approximately 30 cubic yards of shredded green mulch to the following locations:

• From Kawaihae to Ho’okena
• From Palani Road through the Pu’uanahulu District to the Saddle Road Junction.

Call to arrange for FREE delivery on the West side of the island at (808)306-1876.

If you only need small amounts of mulch, you can visit the pick-up area at the Kealakehe/Kailua-Kona Transfer Station. The operator will load your truck for free from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Or bring a pitchfork to load your own vehicle during regular Transfer Station hours 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. For more information, call the County Recycling Specialist at 961-8549.

Plenty of free mulch is also available at the Hilo Transfer Station which is open 7 days a week, 7am-5pm. 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.

Loading assistance is also available free of charge from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (no loading fees at this time).

For more information, contact the County’s Recycling Specialist at 961-8549.

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The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a program of UH Hilo’s College of Continuing Education and Community Service, offers noncredit classes to diverse communities of lifelong learners throughout the Big Island, focusing on those 45 and over. There are no tests, grades, or papers – just learning for enjoyment, personal growth and intellectual stimulation.

OLLI, funded in 2004 by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco, California, is one of more than 60 such programs based at universities across the United States, from Maine to Hawaii, from Harvard to UH Manoa. Lectures, short courses, educational activities and events are planned by community members in collaboration with OLLI coordinators.

Classes and programs are taught by a wide range of talented community members in the arts, sciences, humanities, recreation and health, with a goal of using regional resources and topics of interest. OLLI also seeks to partner and collaborate with art centers, theatres, libraries, schools, clubs, businesses, and community organizations.

The first series of North Hawaii OLLI classes are taking place from May through August. They are:

• Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening: May 21 and June 25, 9-11:30 am, Waimea Outdoor Circle, Ulu La’au Park, Waimea, $25/class
• Play the Ukulele with Grammy-Winner Keoki Kahumoku: May 23, 1-4 pm, Hotel Honoka’a Club, Honoka’a, $25
• Mixed Level Watercolor Painting: June 17 and August 19, 9-11:30 am, Hale Kukui Orchard Retreat, Kukuihaele, $40/class
• Introduction to Organic Agribusiness: June 17, 1–3:30 pm, Volcano Island Honey Co., Ahualoa, $25.

For more information on these and OLLI classes taking place in other regions of the Big Island, to register for classes, or to connect with your area coordinator to discuss future program opportunities, call UH Hilo’s College of Continuing Education and Community Service at 974-7664.

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The Hawai`i Island Leadership Series (otherwise known as Ulu Mau – Lifelong Learning) is seeking applicants for its next class, starting in September 2005.

The series, whose first class began in 2003, is a yearlong program that aims to expand the ranks of community leadership. Once a month classes provide a broad range of leaders from all over the Big Island with knowledge and incentive to meet the needs of our community.

The new class year begins in September 2005 with an orientation, followed by a two-day retreat. From October to June 2006, the classes meet once a month with full-day sessions around Hawai`i Island to provide working knowledge of pertinent issues facing our community.

Subjects explored include: Hawaiian values and history, government, health and human services, the judicial system, diversity of agriculture, sciences and tourism, and future plans for Hawai`i Island.

The class also is assigned a volunteer project to complete within the Ulu Mau class year.

A $10 non-refundable application fee is to be submitted with each application, payable to the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Once notified of acceptance, the $1,000 cost for the series is payable. The fee includes the cost of class meetings, speaker and facilitator fees, accommodation and meals for pre- and post-retreats.

Applications are due no later than May 31. Notification of acceptance will be done on or before June 30.

For more details on the Hawai`i Island Leadership Series or to receive an application form, visit the Kona-Kohala Chamber’s website at www.kona-kohala.com .

Or pick up an application form at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce office at 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 208, Kailua-Kona 96740. Phone: 329-1758.

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Where did all the opihi go?

The prevailing public belief is that every year there are fewer and fewer opihi, and there is some truth to this. However, commercial harvest of opihi has been relatively stable since 1960. No significant decline of the opihi population has occurred on since the 1.25" size restrictions were implemented in 1978, but there has been no recovery of population, either.

Join presenter Chris Bird to learn about the complex interactions between humans, opihi, haukeuke (shingle urchins), limu (seaweed), and other organisms that have impacts on opihi growth rates, reproduction and, ultimately, opihi population size.

REEFTALKS are co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College

Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the Malama Kai Foundation. Talks are free public service presentations, held monthly, alternating between the Waimea/Kamuela and Kona areas.

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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.)

Our County traffic painters face a multitude of hazards and frustrations daily while painting traffic markings such as centerlines on County roadways.

Although speeding or inattentive drivers create the most hazards, the most frustrating are those motorists who run over the wet paint.

Ample gaps are left unpainted whenever possible so drivers can make turns across the centerline without running over the wet paint.

Please kokua by looking for signs that say "Men Painting Road" or for orange traffic cones on the wet paint.

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.