February 10, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Hawai`i County's Coordinated Services for the Elderly

• Hele On Bus Extends Pahoa Route Effective February 13
• County Departments Recognized for Good Safety Record in 2005
• Deputy Voter Registrar Classes to be Conducted in Hawai`i County
• Puna District Community Development Plan -- Explanatory Meetings for Public
• "Mapping the Future" Workshop for Kona on February 18
• Environmental Management Commission Seeks Applicants
• County Seeks Applicants for Cost of Government Commission
• HI 5¢ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation
• Kuakini Highway Update -- Weekly Talk Story Sessions Resume
• Job Announcements

• Chinese New Year Celebrations in Downtown Hilo February 10, 11
• Chinese New Year Block Party in Kona February 11
• Seeking Young Filmmakers to Enter 1st Annual Big Island Film Contest
• February Composting Workshops
• Composting Workshops March through June
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

• Puna Holds First Community Job Fair Feb 11 at Pahoa High
• Visitors Aloha Society of Hawai`i Recruiting Volunteers in West Hawai`i
• Free Tax Preparation Assistance in Kona Sponsored by AARP, IRS
• UH Offers new Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology Program
• Recycling Conference in Kona for Hawai`i Island Community May 20

• Signs and Markings Projects
• Update on Fiber Optic Cable Project in Hilo

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Residents around the island may spot the white passenger vans emblazoned with the County of Hawai`i seal and the words "Coordinated Services for the Elderly."

For many of our older citizens Coordinated Services provides a lifeline that makes it possible for seniors to maintain their daily routine -- and their independence.

The County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation, Elderly Activities Division, administers Coordinated Services for the Elderly.

The target population are individuals aged 60 years and older. Indirectly, families and caregivers of the senior individuals may benefit from the multi-faceted support that Coordinated Services provides.

The program promotes the independence of older adults by giving them linkage to:

• Information and referral services
• Outreach and assistance services
• Transportation/Escort to appointments
• In-home services
• Other support services (Senior ID cards, friendly visiting, etc.)

Coordinated Services works to provide adequate information about the various agencies and organizations that focus on seniors.

Coordinated Services conduct interviews and carry out assessments of the needs of individual seniors so that referrals can be made to the appropriate community resources to best meet their needs and solve problems.

Although the County of Hawai`i is blessed with a variety of services for seniors, it can be confusing where to look for them.

Coordinated Services works to increase seniors' awareness of the opportunities available in the community.

Following up on individual seniors' needs helps ensure that the older individual or their caregiver is linked up with the appropriate service.

Coordinated Services can also act as an advocate on the seniors' behalf when needed services are not being adequately provided by an organization within the service delivery system.

Coordinated Services works to reach out to seniors to identify them and inform them about the nature of the services they can avail themselves.

Filling out application forms can be a major hurdle for some seniors, and Coordinated Services workers are ready to help. The program issues Senior ID cards which entitle the holders to a variety of discounts from local businesses.

Coordinated Services maintains an up-to-date resource file and directory of services. They also help the Hawai`i County Office of Aging in maintaining essential information about older persons.

Getting from A to B can be a challenge for seniors, many of whom do not drive.

Coordinated Services staff provide transportation to seniors 60 years and older, as well as to the disabled under 60 years of age in the Hilo district and limited services in other districts on a priority basis.

Transportation priorities are given to:

• Medical care
• Access to resource agencies to qualify for benefits or services
• Essential shopping assistance

In-home chore assistance can help seniors maintain independent living.

Through Coordinated Services, the disabled and frail seniors may get help with:

• Routine housecleaning
• Meal Preparation
• Food shopping
• Other shopping assistance
• Personal care
• Running errands and escorting to appointments

Priority is given to older individuals having physical and/or mental impairments which require one or several supportive services in order to carry out normal activities or daily living. By providing such services, the senior individual may be able to remain in his or her own home as long as possible, rather than be institutionalized.

Among the other support services include:

• Friendly visiting
• Financial assistance
• Language interpreting/translation
• Letter writing/reading
• Case management
• Housing assistance
• Liaison with other agencies with food surplus distribution
• State and federal income tax preparation
• Meal delivery

In Hilo, Coordinated Services's main office is located at 127 Kamana Street. Phone: 961-8777.

In Kona, Coordinated Services is located at Haleki`i Senior Center, 81-951 Haleki`i Street, Kealakekua. Phone: 322-1812.

In Kohala, Coordinated Services is at the Old Courthouse, P.O. Box 1218, Kapa`au. Phone: 889-6502.

In Waimea, Coordinated Services is at Lily Yoshimatsu St. Center, P.O. Box 2671. Phone: 887-3008.

In North Hilo, Coordinated Services is at Papa`aloa Hawaii Housing, P.O. Box 215, Papa`aloa. Phone 962-2101.

In Puna, Coordinated Services is at Kea`au Community Center, P.O. Box 337, Kea`au. Phone: 966-5800.

In Pahala, Coordinated Services is at Pahala Hawai`i Housing Center. Phone: 928-3100.

In Na`alehu, Coordinated Services is at Na`alehu Community Center, P.O. Box 705, Na`alehu. Phone: 939-2504.

Each district office is open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Effective February 13, 2006, the Mass Transit Agency will extend its Pahoa Bus Route to Pohoiki, Kalapana, and Seaview Estates. Buses to Pohoiki, Kalapana, and Seaview Estates will depart Hilo at 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Buses from Pohoiki, Kalapana, and Seaview Estates to Hilo will depart at 8:50 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Days of operation are Monday through Friday.

There are also some revisions to the existing Pahoa bus schedule effective February 13, 2006. Please note the following changes:

• The 8:45 a.m. run from Hilo to Pahoa has changed to 10:00 a.m.
• On the 10:00 a.m. route, the bus will enter Hawaiian Beaches for pick up once at 11:20 a.m. to Hilo.
• The 3:05 p.m. stop in Hawaiian Beaches has been deleted. Riders can board the bus at 2:20 p.m. to travel to Pahoa and Hilo.

For more information, please call the Mass Transit Agency at 961-8744 or log on to www.co.hawaii.hi.us.  Getting you from A to B -- for free!

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Mayor Harry Kim recognized and commended several County Department and Agency Heads for their outstanding safety records at an informal ceremony Thursday, February 9, 2006.

Receiving awards for their respective departments for an accident-free year in 2005 were:

• Alan Parker, Director of the Office of Aging
• Lanny Nakano, Acting Administrator for the Civil Defense Agency
• Michael Ben, Director of Personnel, Department of Civil Service (Gabriella Cabanas received award on behalf of the Department of Civil Service)
• Constance Kiriu, County Clerk
• Clayton Yugawa, Director of the Data Systems Department
• Edwin Taira, Administrator of the Housing Agency
• Janice Pakele, Director of the Department of Liquor Control
• Tom Brown, Administrator of the Transit Agency
• Dixie Kaetsu, Managing Director (Office of Management)
• Chris Yuen, Director of the Planning Department
• Jane Testa, Director of the Research and Development Department

Receiving awards for their respective departments for reductions in the number of accidents in 2005 compared with the previous year were:

• William Takaba, Director of the Department of Finance (reduction by 50% over calendar year 2004 )
• Bruce McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works(reduction by 22 % over calendar year 2004).
• Darryl Oliveira, Chief of the Fire Department (reduction by 4 % over calendar year 2004 ).
• Patricia Engelhard, Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation (reduction by 41% over calendar year 2004 ).
• Milton Pavao, Manager of the Department of Water Supply (reduction by 7% over calendar year 2004 )

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The Office of the County Clerk-Elections Division will be conducting Deputy Voter Registrar classes to be held on the following dates and times:

Individuals interested in registering voters can sign up for the classes by calling the Elections Division at 961-8277. A minimum class size of 10 is required.

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The community is cordially invited to attend one of four meetings whose aim is to explain a community development plan for the Puna District, a collaborative effort involving residents, planning professionals and government agencies.

Amid rapid growth in the Puna district, there is an urgent need to develop a long-range plan to better manage growth in Puna.

A Community Development Plan would afford the opportunity for the community to work in partnership with government to achieve a desired future. Quality-of-life issues are very much the focus of creating such a Community Development Plan.

Four introductory meetings have been scheduled to explain what a Community Development Plan is and how the community can get involved in this very important effort.

The public is encouraged to attend one of these four initial meetings:

• February 23 at the Nanawale Community Center
• February 24 at the Hawaiian Paradise Park Homeowners’ Association Center
• February 28 at the Kea`au Community Center
• March 3 at the Volcano Cooper Center

The County of Hawai`i's Planning Department has selected PlanPacific Inc. of Honolulu as the consultant to conduct the Puna District Community Development Plan.

PlanPacific prepared the Kaua`i General Plan that was adopted in 2000, and is currently engaged in the Maui General Plan update and a plan for the Kilauea sub-area on the north shore of Kaua`i.

In compliance with the County's General Plan requirements, a Steering Committee will be formed to provide guidance and input throughout the Puna District Community Development Plan process. The process is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Consultant PlanPacific Inc. will work with this volunteer Steering Committee to ensure that the planning process is inclusive and reflects a broad-based public involvement process.

The goal is that the Community Development Plan is prepared in the best interests of the health and welfare of the community.

The Planning Department is accepting applications for the Steering Committee. According to the General Plan, the Steering Committee members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council.

Applications are available at the County of Hawai`i Planning Department’s Hilo office or by calling 961-8288, Extensions 257 or 254. Forms can also be downloaded from the County of Hawaii Planning Department web site at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_plan.htm.

Deadline to postmark or receive applications in the Planning Department’s office is Wednesday, March 22, 2006 by 4:30 p.m.

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The community is cordially invited to a workshop entitled "Mapping the Future" for the Kona region. This workshop is a key step in the ongoing Kona Community Development Plan process.

The community's participation in the workshop will help ensure that diverse points of view be presented and heard as we move forward in preparing the plan.

When: Saturday, February 18, 2006, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Keauhou Convention Center

The Community Development Plan, mandated by the 2005 Hawaii County General Plan, will translate the broad policies and goals of the General Plan into specific implementation actions in areas such as: land use, transportation, public utilities, public facilities, housing, economy, environmental quality, energy, historic sites, recreation, flooding and other natural hazards, and natural resources.

This workshop is designed to review a number of complex issues that the Community Development Plan must address as it deals with location and type of future development. These issues were identified by the hundreds of Kona residents who participated in facilitated meetings held throughout Kona in November, December, and January. This is your opportunity to hear the results of the meetings and to participate in deciding how the plan should address the issues.

The workshop will be a combination of presentations and group activities. It will begin with a review of the results of the public meetings and a presentation of conditions and trends in Kona. This will be followed by two group activities.

Seating is limited. To reserve, please call the Kona CDP Hotline at 808-326-7269 or email tfukuda@wilsonokamoto.com,   by Wednesday, February 8, 2006.

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The Environmental Management Commission will soon have two vacancies when terms expire on December 31, 2005. Community-minded residents are encouraged to apply for the vacancies for commissioners to represent. :

• District 2 (Council member Donald Ikeda's district) and
• District 5 (Council member Gary Safarik's district).

Members of the Environmental Management Commission advise the Department of Environmental Management on waste reduction strategies, recycling, litter control, community involvement, and other issues related to the functions of the department.

Under the Hawaii County Charter, appointments to the commission are made by the Mayor with Council approval. Commissioners serve 5-year staggered terms.

The commission is made up of nine members, each representing one of the nine Council districts.

To obtain an application, please contact the Office of Information and Complaints, Mayor's Office, Room 217, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo. Phone: 961-8223 or at the Kona Mayor's Office, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona. Phone: 329-5226.

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Hawai`i County is currently recruiting a citizen volunteer to serve as commissioner to represent District 8 (Council member Angel Pilago's district) on the Cost of Government Commission.

The Commission serves for a period of 11 months only, and is empaneled one year after the Mayor is elected into office.

Their mission is to study and investigate present operations within the County of Hawai`i, and make recommendations to the Mayor and Hawai`i County Council on how improvements in County government may be made.

For further information, please contact Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida at 961- 8251. Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to Lincoln Ashida at the Office of the Corporation Counsel at the Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720.

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The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

What’s IN: Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include: soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include: milk, wine and liquor containers.

Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

Please contact Atlas Recycling LLC at 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona) for further information about additional scrap value paid on aluminum cans and their mobile redemption sites in rural communities.

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment. The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has a new information line? Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information. Or visit:

www.hi5deposit.com / http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm

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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.

Here is the update for this week:

• Concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk work north of Kuakini/Palani intersection is on-going.
• Telephone duct work continues at the Kuakini/Hualalai intersection, with waterline work to follow.
• Fence installation work at various locations is on-going.
• Work to install drywells on Hanama Place is slated to resume Monday, February 13, and will continue for approximately two weeks. During the work, Hanama Place will be a one-lane road in each direction, with access controlled by a police officer/flagman.
• Utility relocation work continues along the project corridor.

Information on project status will be provided via this newsletter, the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us and the Mayor's West Hawaii Office at 329-5226.

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Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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The Palace Theater in Historic Downtown Hilo kicks off Chinese New Year Friday, February 10 with an evening of Chinese folk dancing and lion dancers. The Big Island Shaolin Arts Lion Dancers bless the Palace Theater with firecrackers and continue on into the theater with exhibition dancing.

Afterwards, the Evergreen Dance Troupe from Honolulu takes the stage, entrancing the audience with traditional Chinese folk dance, and colorful costumes that represent different regions of China. Presented by Alice Moon & Company and the Friends of Palace Theater. Sponsored by Pacific Asian Affairs Council and Aiwana Artists & Education Coordination. Call 808-933-9772 for information and tickets, or email amoon@bigisland.com. 

WHEN: Friday, February 10, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Downtown Hilo

Admission: $10 General; $8 Seniors, Students; Children Under 12 free (with advance ticket & adult supervision)

The community is also cordially invited to the 4th Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival, a day of free events and activities in Downtown Hilo on Saturday, February 11.

Come howl in the Year of the Dog in the historic Downtown Hilo, and welcome the Chinese New Year with firecrackers, lion dancers and a day full of festivities, food and fun!

At 9 a.m. the Big Island Shaolin Arts Lion Dancers start the year off with a traditional bang outside the Kress Building on Kamehameha Avenue, blessing several downtown businesses, and dancing their way to nearby Kalakaua Park for more firecrackers and exhibitions. Park festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include food booths, cooking demonstrations with Audrey Wilson and G Cruz, live music and drums, and much more. All free to the public.

Presented by Alice Moon & Company and the Friends of Palace Theater, and sponsored in part by a grant from the County of Hawaii Research & Development through the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For more information call 808-933-9772 or email amoon@bigisland.com. 

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The community is cordially invited to a Chinese New Year Block Party will be held in Kailua-Kona on Saturday, February 11, 2006 from 3:00 pm-10:00 pm.

To ensure safety, the following road closures in Kailua Village will be in effect from10:00 am to 1:00 am:

• All streets feeding onto Ali'i Drive from Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel (adjacent to Hualalai Road) to the Kailua pier (at Ka'ahumanu Place). We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

If you have any questions please contact the Mayor's West Hawai`i office at 329-5226.

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Big Island youth are invited to participate in the first annual Big Island Youth Video Contest, culminating in the grand prize winners traveling to the set of "LOST" on Oahu. Also, the top 10 winning films will be showcased at the first Big Island Film Festival on May 20, 2006 and will air on Na Leo O Hawaii Community Television, Channel 54.

The contest was the brainchild of Hawaii County Council member Angel Pilago, who spearheaded a committee made up of community members, the Big Island Film Office (part of the County's Department of Research and Development), and Na Leo 'O Hawaii Community Television.

The contest's aims are twofold:

• to encourage youth to send an "Alternative to Drugs" message to their peers and
• to teach youth a skill that will enhance their lives.

Na Leo O Hawaii will be offering free video training classes to youth participating in the contest.

The theme of this year’s contest is "Alternative to Drugs". There are two contestant categories: Category I, ages 11-16 and Category II, ages 17-22. The grand prize will be awarded in each category. Each entry will win one of the more than 20 prize donations from the community.

Contestants should produce a 1-7 minute anti-drug video. Prizes will be awarded to the videos that show the greatest amount of originality, creativity, and communicating the anti-drug message.

The videos will be judged by producer/actor & musician Pomai Brown, radio personality Tommy Ching "Kahikina", film producer & director David Cunningham; Big Island Film Commissioner Marilyn Killeri, and Hawaii International Film Festival director of programming Anderson Le.

Submissions are due by April 10, 2006. An entry form must accompany each video entry. Entry forms are available at Na Leo O Hawaii (Kona & Hilo), Big Island schools, Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club (Hilo), Kona Boys (Kealakekua), Rite of Passage (Pahoa) and www.filmbigisland.com/videocontest.

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Learn how to compost green waste and kitchen scraps for a healthier environment, better soil, and even free fish bait! Reduce what goes into the Hilo landfill-compost.

Workshops take place rain or shine. Kids participate for free.

Workshop space is limited. Please register to reserve your spot. Send an email to www.PiperSelden.com.  Tab on location for directions to workshop or call for information.

Or call (808) 937-2233.

Sat, Feb 11 Waimea from 8:30 am-2:30 pm, Waimea Outdoor Circle Plant Sale. FREE demonstrations. Local plants and crafts are for sale.

Sat, Feb 25 Puna La'akea Community from 1-3pm, Basic Composting, $10/adult.

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Learn how to compost green waste and kitchen scraps for a healthier environment, better soil, and even free fish bait! Reduce what goes into the Hilo landfill-compost.

Workshops take place rain or shine. Kids participate for free.

Workshop space is limited. Please register to reserve your spot. Send an email www.PiperSelden.com.  Tab on location for directions to workshop. Or call for information (808) 937-2233.

• Sat, Apr 1: Hilo from 1-3 pm, at the WORM Club (at UH Komohana Extension.)

• Sat, Apr 8: Hilo from 1-3 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, at UH Komohana Extension, $10/adult.

• Sat, Apr 15: Puna from 1-3 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, La'akea Community, $10/adult.

• Sat, Apr 22: Hilo from 8 am-5 pm, University of Hawaii at Hilo Earth Day Celebration, UHH Library Lanai, free to the public. Local plants and information booths to help make every day an Earth Day. Contact UHH for more information: (808) 974-7567. Street address: 200 W. Kawili Street in Hilo.

• Sat, May 6: Hilo from 1-3 pm. at the WORM Club (at UH Komohana Extension.)

• Wed, May 17: Volcano from 4-6 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, $10/adult.

• Sat, May 20: Hilo from 1-3 pm, WORM Composting, at UH Komohana Extension, $40/adult. Includes fully loaded Worm Condo composting unit with local composting worms and complete instructions.

• Thurs, May 25: Kea'au from 1-3 pm, Basic Composting, at KRRC, $10/adult.

• Sat, Jun 3: Hilo from 1-3 pm. at the WORM Club (at UH Komohana Extension.)

• Sat, Jun 10: Kea'au from 1-3 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, at KRRC, $10/adult.

• Sat, Jun 17: Hawi from 10 am-12 pm, Basic Composting, at "The Barn," $10/adult.

• Sat, Jun 17: Pa'auilo from 2-4 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, at Pa'auilo School, $10/adult.

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The County of Hawai’i has FREE MULCH at the public pick-up area of the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Station available 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. This mulch is being processed by EKO Composting and is a higher-quality product than previously available.

Bring a pitchfork to load your own vehicle or have EKO Composting operators load with a backhoe from 7 am to 4 pm only. No loading fees.

If you want large loads delivered to your property contact a local trucking firm to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch. Again, no fees are charged to load any sized truck.

For inquiries, call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.

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A Puna Community Job Fair will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006 at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Employers throughout the island will be recruiting for workers and numerous social service agencies will be on hand to offer valuable information to assist individuals and families.

The Puna Community Job Fair is a joint project of the Big Island Workplace Connection, Puna Roundtable and the Pahoa Weed & Seed Initiative.

For more information, call Leonard Chow at 981-2860.

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The Visitor Aloha Society of West Hawai’i (VASH West Hawai’i) is recruiting volunteers to provide supportive services to visitors who are victims of crime and medical emergencies while vacationing in West Hawai’i. Volunteers are needed from North Kohala to South Point.

Our volunteers assist by initiating contact with visitors after receiving referrals from the Police Department and hospitals. Volunteers assess the needs of the visitor in distress, providing information, emergency transportation and acting as a liaison with other agencies on behalf of the victim.

Volunteers willing to assist with some administrative tasks are also most welcome.

Bilingual volunteers are in great demand to assist in translation for foreign visitors. Volunteers can designate their preferred areas of involvement and the amount of time they are willing to work.

A volunteer orientation and training session will be held on Tuesday, February 21st from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the offices of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.

An additional training session may be scheduled in the Waikoloa area at the end of February, depending on the level of interest.

For more information or to register for the training, please contact Linda Allen at 808-756-0785 or by email at vashwh@yahoo.com   .

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AARP and the IRS are again sponsoring a group of volunteer IRS trained FREE tax preparation assistors in the Kona and Captain Cook areas.

This assistance is offered in four different locations to include a new site, the Mayor's Kona Office Conference Room at Hanama Place. (This site replaces the Lanihau/IRS location.) Sites are open on four different days.

All sites offer electronic filing.

Also, new this year is a counselor who is trained for preparation of military returns

For more detailed information, please call the AARP office at 334-1212.

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UH-Manoa College of Education is pleased to announce the Online Master of Education in Educational Technology, commencing Fall 2006.

The application deadline is March 1, 2006.

The Online Master of Education welcomes busy professionals from Oahu’s neighbor islands who hold a bachelors degree. The degree program targets professionals interested in better understanding how diverse technologies can create powerful communities of learning.

For more information, visit http://etec.hawaii.edu/omed.html.   Contact: curtis@hawaii.edu .

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The Hawaii Island Economic Development Board is pleased to host a Recycling Conference to be held on May 20, 2006 at the Maunalani Bay Resort and Bungalows in Kona.

This Recycling Conference offers an opportunity for our Hawaii Island community to explore future planning issues and challenges to our islands waste stream. So please reserve the date on your calendar now and plan to attend.

The conference promises to be exciting with special guest speakers and networking.

Conference fee of $35.00 includes a Continental breakfast and lunch.

HIEDB would welcome your assistance in making this a full day of learning and sharing ideas for a greener Hawaii Island.

Also, if you are interested in booth space to share your company information, recycled art works or just planning to attending, please assist us by providing your name and address on the attached form and either mail or fax the form to our office as soon as possible.

For further information and registration forms, please call Skylark Rossetti at (808) 935-2180.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting:)

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Motorists are advised of the following work locations as contractors continue installing a conduit system in the Hilo area.

Motorists are advised there will be no lane diversions or lane closures this week. From Monday, February 13 through Friday, February 17, Willocks Construction crews will be working along the Wailoa Bridge area but they will be off to the side of the road.

The work will start at 8:30 am and continue until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the work area and to allow for extra travel time.

Contractors expect the work to be completed at the end of February 2006.

For further information, please contact Chuck Eckman (Resident Engineer), Mid State Consultants,

at 640-9509. Mahalo for your patience and cooperation.

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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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County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/

Information & Complaints: cohinfo@co.hawaii.hi.us
County Departments: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/email.htm
Hawaii County website: co.hawaii.hi.us

To add or remove your name from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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For more information, contact:
Janet Snyder
Phone: (808) 961-8223
Fax: (808) 933-1521
e-mail: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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