February 17, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Hawai`i County's Health & Safety Division -- Commonsense Safety Tips
• Safety Awareness Pays Off for County Departments in 2005

• S. Hilo Waste Reduction Technology Facility EIS Preparation -- Public Meeting
• Hawai`i County Centennial Exhibit in Kailua-Kona till March 31
• Hele On Bus Extends Pahoa Route Effective February 13
• 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
• Space Available for Big Island Residents on Maui Trash Tour April 3
• 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

• 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

• Visitors Aloha Society of Hawai`i Recruiting Volunteers in West Hawai`i
• Energy Self-Sufficiency Newsletter Starts Publication on Hawai`i Island
• 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
• Road Closure, Water Shut-off in Ohai Street Area, South Hilo

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Inspect work areas for safety compliance daily. Before the start of each workday, make sure to take the time to inspect and take appropriate steps to make your work area safe for you and your fellow employees.

• Is the floor wet, creating a potential slip hazard? Are there ragged carpets that could cause someone to trip and fall?
• Are there sharp objects (such as protruding nails, broken glass etc.) that could potentially cause a cut or puncture wound?
• Are there exposed equipment parts (like paper cutters) that could potentially injure someone?

No matter where you work, it is important to do a quick safety check of your work area to ensure that it is safe for you and your follow employees.

Take a few extra minutes to inspect your work area.

It pays to be aware of your workplace surroundings, because emergencies may occur when least expected.

Be aware of where the nearest fire extinguisher and first aid kits are located. Know where the facility exits are located.

Know if, where and what types of hazardous chemicals are stored at the worksite.

Know your best escape route in the event that you need to evacuate. What other operations are going on in the vicinity of your work area? Is there any moving machinery or equipment in your vicinity?

Encourage colleagues to also pay attention to what is going on in the vicinity.

In order to be alert, make sure you report to work well-rested.

Aside from creating more pleasant surroundings, it's good commonsense to keep your work area neat. Put away all tools and equipment after use.

Messy work areas can cause tripping and fire hazards. Don’t let a messy work area cause an injury.

A clean, well organized work area is a safe work area.

Before you act in an emergency, always take a moment to think. Ask yourself, what if …?

Ask yourself, what are the hazards if I take a certain course of action? It pays to anticipate the outcome.

Remember to think before you act.

If your employer has provided you with personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses or goggles, gloves, hearing protection, respirator, etc., use it. This equipment has been issued to protect you.

Anytime you get into a vehicle or equipment, remember to always fasten your seatbelt. Remind your passengers to buckle up too! Seatbelts save lives.

Anytime you have questions about an assignment, ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question. Your question could help keep you and your colleagues safe. More than likely, if you have questions, your fellow employees have the same questions. Be the one to ask for clarification.

Report injuries, incidents, near-misses or illnesses immediately to your supervisor.

Reporting such events immediately can sometimes make the difference between a minor or major injury/illness.

Report safety issues or concerns immediately to your supervisor. By doing so, remedial action can be taken in a timely way.

We all have a responsibility for ensuring our own safety and well-being, but we can all depend on each other to help create a safer world. Create a culture of safety in the workplace, at home, in the community, and on our roads and highways. Let’s work together to make Hawaii a safe place to work and live!

For further information, please contact the Department of Civil Service, Safety Division at 961-8215.

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The following County departments and agencies were recently commended by Mayor Harry Kim for an accident-free 2005:

• Office of Aging
• Civil Defense Agency
• Department of Civil Service
• Office of the County Clerk
• Department of Data Systems
• Office of Housing and Community Development
• Department of Liquor Control
• Mass Transit Agency
• Office of Management
• Planning Department
• Department of Research and Development

The following County departments and agencies were commended for reductions in the number of workplace accidents in 2005:

• Finance Department    50% reduction in workplace accidents
• Public Works                 22% reduction in workplace accidents
• Fire Department            4% reduction in workplace accidents
• Parks and Recreation   41% reduction in workplace accidents
• Water Supply                    7% reduction in workplace accidents

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The Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management announces a public meeting in association with the upcoming release of an Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) for the proposed South Hilo Waste Reduction Technology Facility.

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Aupuni Conference Room, in the new County Building on Pauahi Street in Hilo.

As the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill approaches its design capacity, the County needs to develop new options for the ultimate disposal of its municipal solid waste.

The development of a waste reduction technology facility is one component of the overall long-term solid waste management approach identified by the County in the Update to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, and it is one of several solid waste management options currently being considered by the Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management.

As currently envisioned, the waste reduction technology facility would be sited adjacent to the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill and would provide measurable benefits to the County’s overall solid waste management approach by:

• Providing reliable, cost-effective waste disposal using commercially proven technologies.
• Maximizing island self-sufficiency and sustainability by the beneficial utilization of waste through energy, soil amendments and/or reused materials.
• Minimizing social and environmental impacts.

The various experts who will be on hand to explain the project and answer public questions will include:

• Department of Environmental Management: Director Barbara Bell and Solid Waste Division Chief Mike Dworsky.
• RW Beck: Kyle Rhorer, Vice President, and Pat Tangora, preparers of the Technical Memorandum.
• Hawkins Delafield Wood LLP: Eric Sapir, developer of the Request for Proposal.
• Rifer Environmental. Wayne Rifer, technical consultant to County.
• Geometrician Associates: Ron Terry, chief scientist for the EISPN
• DR Associates: David Robichaux, P.E., technical consultant for the EISPN

For further information please contact Barbara Bell, Director of Environmental Management at 961-8083 or Ron Terry, Consultant 982-5831.

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The County’s Centennial Exhibit entitled "100 years of Service to the Community" is open for public viewing at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. The exhibit is located in the main mall area beginning February 14, 2006.

The exhibit commemorates the first 100 years of County government and features the many achievements of our County as a reflection of the diligence and resourcefulness of our employees and residents.

The public is invited to see old photographs, news clippings, and even a copy of the first budget.

The display will be open until March 31 and admission is free of charge.

More information can be obtained by calling Roxcie Waltjen of the Culture and Community Arts Section at 961-8706.

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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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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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Members of the County Environmental Management Commission and a group of Big Island residents will tour solid waste and wastewater facilities on Maui on Monday, April 3, 2006.

The County of Maui Solid Waste Division has assisted with the coordination of this tour and a staff member will accompany the group as they tour the New Phase IV Central Maui entrance recycling and refuse facility, Pacific Biodiesel, EKO Composting, Kihei Wastewater Treatment Facility and Materials Recovery Facility.

If time permits, additional stops may include a glass processing facility and vermicomposting at Maui Earth Compost facility.

There are approximately 10 empty seats on the tour bus. Attendees are responsible for their own flight arrangements to and from Maui and for their own lunch.

If you are interested in joining the Maui trash tour, contact the County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management at 961-8083. The seats will be filled first come first serve.

The tour hours will be from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will begin from the Kahului Airport.

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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.

Application forms may be picked up in Hilo at the Office of Information and Complaints at Room 217, 25 Aupuni Street and in Kona at the Kona Mayor's Office at Hanama Place, Kailua-Kona. You may also find an application form on line at www.co.hawaii.hi.us  .

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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.

By popular demand, the weekly Kuakini Update talk story sessions have resumed.

Join the project engineers and your neighbors at these talk story sessions, which will take place every Tuesday morning at 7:30 at the Mayor's Kona Conference Room at Hanama Place.. Coffee and doughnuts provided.

• Kuakini Street/Hualalai Road Intersection: - Work will continue for at least another 8 weeks to complete all ductline work, waterlines and traffic signal installation.
• Hanama Place: - Work continues on drilling and installing the two drywells. Work time per day has been extended to at least 10 hours to expedite completion of the job. As a reminder, during this work, Hanama Place is a one-lane road for both directions with access controlled by a police officer/flag person.
• Wheelchair ramp installation at Kuakini/Hanama south-makai corner is slated to be completed this week.
• Palani/Kuakini and Likana Lane by Seaside Hotel: Curb ramp installation is on-going this week.
• Utility 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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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, Mar 4 Waimea from 10 am-12 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, Waimea Community Center, $10/adult.

• Sat, Mar 4 Pa'auilo from 2-4 pm, Basic Composting, Pa'auilo School, $10/adult

• Sat, Mar 8 Hilo from 11 am-11:50 am and 1 pm-1:50 pm. Featured event: 2006 Math & Science Conference for Girls. Contact coordinator Leomi Bergknut for more information at (808) 933-8624 for venue location.

• Sat, Mar 11 Kea'au from 1-3 pm, Intermediate/Advanced Composting, at KRRC, $10/adult

• Wed, Mar 15 Volcano from 4-6 pm, Basic Composting, at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, $10/adult

• Sat, Mar 18 Hilo from 1-3 pm. at the WORM Club (at UH Komohana Extension.)

• Sat, Mar 25 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.

• 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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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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Big Island Energy Self-Sufficiency Update, an email newsletter aimed at residents interested in an energy self-sufficient Hawai`i has commenced publication. Each issue will highlight a particular Alternate Energy Facility in Hawaii and a do-it-yourself project.

Each issue will highlight updates of what is being done to reach the goal of energy self-sufficiency in our state, and how residents can help bring it about.

To subscribe to this E-Letter or send articles or websites for inclusion in it, email David Gomes at dbgomes@hawaii.rr.com   or write to David B. Gomes, 65-1243 La'e La'e Place, Kamuela HI 96743 Phone: 885-4560.

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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 schedules based on weather permitting:)

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Motorists are advised there will be no lane diversions or lane closures this week. From Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24, Willocks Construction crews will 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 Tuesday through Friday, weather permitting.

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

Contractors estimate 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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The Department of Water Supplywill be closing Ohai Street at the intersection of Ohai Street and Wainaku Street for the purpose of installing a main valve.

This valve installation will occur on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, and Thursday, February 23, 2006, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days.

Water will be temporarily turned off in the following areas during this valve installation:

• Area affected by water shut-off: Wainaku Street between Lehua Street and Ohai Street, and Amauulu Road, including Waimalino lane and Waihau Lane in South Hilo

• Area affected by road closure: Ohai Street (Hilo) and local traffic only.

Upon resumption of water service, the waterlines will be flushed and cleaned during which time you may notice turbid and/or discolored water. You may also notice trapped air in your plumbing, which will be released as you initially use water.

Please pardon the inconvenience of the road closure, water shut-off and valve installation work. For further information, please call Carl Nishimura at 961-8790.

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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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