February 24, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• New Deputy Managing Director -- Mayor's Representative in West Hawai`i

• S. Hilo Waste Reduction Technology Facility EIS Preparation -- Public Meeting
• "Malama i ka `Aina -- One Island's Struggle with Illegal Dumping" - Video Showing
• Presentations on Proposed West Hawai`i Civic Center March 15 and 16
• Hawai`i County Centennial Exhibit in Kailua-Kona till March 31
• Housing Department Offers 2006 Action Plan for Public Comment
• Deputy Voter Registrar Classes to be Conducted in Hawai`i County
• Puna District Community Development Plan -- Explanatory Meetings for Public
• 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

• Used Motor Oil Collection Site Opens in Kapa`au
• 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

• State Tax Dept. Expands Customer Phone Service Hours during Tax Season
• 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

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The Island of Hawai`i is enormous -- roughly the size of the state of Connecticut, or the Caribbean nation of Jamaica.

To help deal with our island's diversity of issues, the mayor traditionally has a liaison office based in Kailua-Kona staffed by a Deputy Managing Director. This person is essentially the eyes and ears of the Mayor, and is the on-site person who has day-to-day involvement with West Hawai`i problems and projects.

The newly-appointed Deputy Managing Director, Barbara Kossow, is a familiar face to virtually any person who has visited the West Hawai`i mayor's liaison office at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona since Mayor Harry Kim took office in December 2000.

Starting as secretary to then-Deputy Managing Director Peter Young, Ms. Kossow advanced to administrative assistant to Young's successor Pete Hendricks. With extraordinary grace and efficiency, she performed a variety of administrative services for the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office and for the County departments, providing information and assistance to the citizens of West Hawai’i.

Mayor Kim appointed her to succeed Pete Hendricks in January following the latter's retirement on December 31, 2005.

The soft-spoken Ms. Kossow impresses people with her quiet, unprepossessing strength and knowledge of West Hawai`i -- and her unfailing friendliness.

"I'm a team player able to work well under pressure," she said. "I'm a self-starter with a positive attitude able and willing to work with no supervision to get the job done."

Before she joined the County of Hawai`i, the 1973 graduate of Cannons College of Commerce (now Heald College in Honolulu) was a branch manager at the Kealakekua branch of Bank of Hawaii. Her responsibilities included savings deposit and lending growth, quality customer service, efficient operation of the branch in accordance with associations policies and procedures.

Her experience also included a stint as branch manager for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of America in Kona, which consolidated operations with Bank of Hawaii.

The Kohala High School graduate cares deeply about the community, playing an active role in a very long list of civic organizations including the Rotary Club of Kona, Kona Outdoor Circle, Aloha Patrol, and the Kona Crime Prevention committee.. She also serves as vice president/director of the Kona Adult Day Center.

Kona's legendary parades on Fourth of July and at Christmas benefit from the hard work Ms. Kossow has devoted for years. She continues to play a key role in the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association.

Born and raised in North Kohala, she is the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy Shim. She lives in Kona Palisades with husband Glenn M. Kossow, who owns a landscape maintenance business which employs 20. The couple has three grandchildren, thanks to daughter Kristen and son-in-law Chris Ed Kam.

To contact Deputy Managing Director Barbara Kossow at the Mayor's West Hawai`i office, please call 329-5226.

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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 public is cordially invited to see a 30-minute documentary film that explores the transition from ancient Hawaiian culture, where no resources were wasted, to our modern consumer culture where improper disposal of waste has become an increasing problem.

The video "Malama i Ka `Aina – One Island’s Struggle with Illegal Dumping" was produced with kokua from many of the island’s videographers and Bishop Museum.

It features interviews with Mayor Harry Kim, other government officials, local kupuna and community members regarding the situation on the Big Island and possible solutions to the problem of illegal dumping.

Showings will be at the County Council Room, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo on:

• Friday, March 10 at noon
• Monday, March 13 at noon
• Tuesday, March 14 at 4:30 pm

This documentary video is available in DVD format. If you would like to acquire a copy of this video to show to your school or community organization, please contact Recycle Hawai`i at 969-2012.

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The community is cordially invited to a presentation of the plans of the proposed West Hawai`i Civic Center, a one-stop facility for County services.

Located west from Kealakehe High School along Ane Keohokalole Highway and Kealakehe Parkway, the proposed Civic Center will serve residents by providing a convenient, one-stop facility offering County services, meeting space and government offices, including mayor's representative and County Council offices.

Two initial opportunities will be offered to hear about the proposed West Hawai`i Civic Center:

WHEN: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 6:00 pm -8:00 pm

WHERE: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, 74-5000 Puohulihuli Street

WHEN: Thursday, March 16, 2006, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE: Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria, 81-6469 Mamaloahoa Hwy

The presentations will cover the County’s planning efforts on the Civic Center, including the project scope and timetable, as well as functional and fiscal requirements.

This will be an opportunity for residents to give their input on the proposed facility.

Seating may be limited. To reserve a seat, please call 1-808-597-1155 or e-mail khood@uwarchitects.com  , by March 10, 2006.

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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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The County of Hawaii’s Office of Housing and Community Development has developed and published its draft 2006 Action Plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2006 CDBG and HOME Programs.

The public will have an opportunity to examine the contents of the draft 2006 Action Plan and to submit comments on it.

The County of Hawai'i anticipates that the County’s total 2006 CDBG allocation will be $2,576,271.17. To meet the County’s five-year Consolidated Plan’s, Priorities and Objectives, the following projects will be included in the 2006 Action Plan:

• Removal of Architectural Barriers at various County facilities $1,021,271.17
• Hale Alanoe Group Home – Renovations $55,000
• The Arc of Hilo – Construction $750,000
• Hospice of Hilo In-Patient Facility $300,000
• Construction Management $75,000
• Administration, Planning and Fair Housing $375,000.

The State of Hawai'i is required to submit its 2006 Action Plan to HUD for the 2006 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 $985,417.00 for 2006 HOME program, $10,756.00 for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Grant and has received program income of $21,862.21 for a total of $1,018,035.21.

To prepare for the 2006 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:

• County of Hawaii Tenant Base Rental Assistance $522,279.21
• Self-Help Housing Pacific Paradise Gardens Phase 7 $200,000
• Self-Help Housing Kumakua Increment 1 $200,000
• American Dream Downpayment Initiative $10,756 and Administration $85,000.

The proposed 2006 Action Plan will be available for public review and comment from February 21, 2006 to March 22, 2006 at the Hawai'i State Public Libraries in Honoka’a, Kamuela, Kohala, Pahala, Kailua-Kona, and Pahoa, 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, Hawai'i 96720

Phone: 961-8379

• Hawai'i County Services (Hanama Place)

75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 103

Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740

Phone: 329-5226

Persons, particularly those who are of low and moderate income, are encouraged to submit their comments regarding the activity or activities that are being proposed in their area.

The OHCD will consider any comments and views expressed by citizens on the proposed 2006 Action Plan and may modify the Plan, as it deems appropriate.

Citizens who wish to comment on the proposed plan must submit their comments in writing or fax (961-8685) to the OHCD by March 22, 2006, in order for the Hawai'i County Housing Agency and Hawai'i County Council to consider them in their approval of the final 2006 Action Plan.

The Hawai'i County Housing Agency and Hawai'i County Council will be meeting on April 5, 2006 and April 19, 2006 respectively.

As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, a Plan to Minimize Displacement and the County’s final Annual Community Assessment Report for its program year 2004 with HUD will also be available for public review at the OHCD, Hawai'i County Services in Kailua-Kona and the libraries listed above.

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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.co.hawaii.hi.us/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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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.

• Hanama Place - Drywell drilling is almost complete. The catch basin installation will follow after completion of drilling.
• Hualalai intersection - Telephone ductline installation continues for possibly another week; waterline installation will follow. Approximately seven weeks of underground work still needs to be done at the intersection.
• Rock facing work on retaining walls continues.
• Sculpted gunite facing work for retaining walls in front of the Kona Ranch House is slated to start next week.
• Relocation work involving various utility companies continues.

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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Recycle Hawai`i announces the newest location for the "Do-It-Yourself" used motor oil program, Automotive Connections in Kapa`au. The opening of this service will be at a "kick-off" event on Saturday, February 25 from 9 am -12 Noon.

Regular operations will begin on February 27, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.

The oil collections will cater to residential "Do It Yourself "motor oil changers. The overall plan is to reclaim and recycle used motor oil, to prevent contamination of the Island’s ground water and soil.

On opening day, Recycle Hawai`i will be giving away new WEDCO 12.5 quart used oil drain pans absolutely free. This reusable container will ensure secure temporary storage of residential used motor oil and can be easily used to transport reclaimed oil to a permanent used motor oil collection site. Giveaways are limited to supplies on hand and are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Please keep in mind the following guidelines when managing returning used motor oil:

• No more than 10 gallons of used motor oil per person will be accepted at each site.
• Larger quantities and contaminated used motor oil cannot be accepted at these locations at this time.
• Acceptable materials include used motor oil, gear oil, shock oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil and diesel. Please, do not mix any contaminating substance with used motor oil.
• Unacceptable contaminates include solvents, gasoline, water, and chlorine, brake fluid, thinners, paints and antifreeze.
• Unacceptable containers include any sort of bleach/chlorine/Clorox, antifreeze and pesticide containers. A clean plastic container with a screw top lid, such as a milk or juice jug, is suggested as an appropriate container for transportation.
• Dropping off motor oil without registering your name and address at the site is illegal. Please leave your name and address.

The other permanent used oil collection sites around the Big Island are:

1. Automotive Connections
2. Hilo Auto Recycling Center
3. Hilo Harley-Davidson
4. Kona Harley-Davidson
5. Kealakehe High School Auto Shop
6. Paauilo Village Service
7. South Point U-Cart
8. Waimea Auto Center.

There is an immediate need for sites in South Kona and Puna.

Questions regarding permanent motor oil collection locations and the Residential Used Motor Oil Collection Program should be addressed to Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or visit the Recycle Hawai`i website at: www.recyclehawaii.org .

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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 State Department of Taxation is pleased to announce expanded customer service hours for telephone calls during the 2006 tax season. From February 15, 2006 through April 28, 2006, phone lines will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding State holidays).

Neighbor Islands and mainland taxpayers may call toll free 1-(800)-222-3229. Questions may also be emailed to: Taxpayer.Services@hawaii.gov .

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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 Monday, February 27 through Friday, March 3, 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 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 estimate the work to be completed by the beginning of April 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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