March 17, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Puna Community Development Plan -- The Next Phase
• Aggressive Driving and its Consequences

• Water Shut-Off for Repairs in Waianuenue Area on Sunday, March 19
• "Malama i ka `Aina -- One Island's Struggle with Illegal Dumping" - Video Showing
• Coqui Busting Team Provides Free Training Class in Hilo March 21
• Seeking Applicants for Puna Community Development Steering Committee
• Hawai`i County Centennial Exhibit in Kailua-Kona till March 31
• Housing Department Offers 2006 Action Plan for Public Comment
• Conference on Preventing Senior Fraud and Abuse -- Sessions in Hilo and Kona
• Deputy Voter Registrar Classes to be Conducted in Hawai`i County
• 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

• DLNR Workshops on Integrated Shoreline Policy
• Teen Dating Violence Prevention Conference in Waikoloa on April 7
• Seeking Young Filmmakers to Enter 1st Annual Big Island Film Contest
• Composting Workshops March through June
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

• Gail Reichlin Headlines 'Sanity Saving' Early Childhood Conference March 18
• Hawai`i Community College Spring Course Offerings
• Positive Coaching Coordinator from LA at Big Island Meetings April 6
• Kona Outdoor Circle Offers Scholarship for 2006-2007 Academic Year
• State Tax Dept. Expands Customer Phone Service Hours during Tax Season
• Free Tax Preparation Assistance in Kona Sponsored by AARP, IRS
• East Hawai`i CompuCycle Event Returns to Hilo in May
• 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

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The first four "kick-off" meetings of the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) were well-attended, and now begins the next phase consisting of numerous small group meetings throughout the district.

These small group meetings of 10-12 people will give Puna residents the opportunity to record their issues, concerns, ideas, and desires for their neighborhoods and the region as a whole.

The information obtained during these meetings will form the basis for future workshops and meetings that will influence what goes into the future Puna CDP.

Hosting or participating in a small group meeting is easy. Just call the Puna CDP Hotline at 935-3975 or email Puna@hawaiiislandplan.com to arrange a meeting.

A trained facilitator will be provided to guide you through the group exercises and to document the discussion.

You have several options:

• you can host a meeting of your friends in your own home;
• ask the community liaison person to help find a location for your group’s meeting;
• or ask to be notified when a small group meeting is scheduled in your area.

This is a very different approach to planning than what you’ve experienced in the past. Instead of expecting you to come to a meeting, we are bringing the meeting to you! Please take advantage of this unique opportunity during March and April!

For more information about the Puna Community Development Plan and how you can be a part of it, check out http://www.hawaiiislandplan.com.

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The Department of Transportation defines "aggressive driving" as driving behavior that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says aggressive drivers are more likely to:

• Speed
• Tailgate
• Fail to yield
• Weave in and out of traffic
• Pass on the right
• Make improper/unsafe lane changes
• Run stop signs and red lights
• Make rude hand/facial gestures
• Honk
• Flash their lights.
• Be impaired by alcohol/drugs
• Drive without seat belts.

Aggressive drivers tend to climb into the relative anonymity of a vehicle and take out their frustrations on other drivers, allowing their high frustration levels to diminish concern for fellow motorists.

Studies find that road rage is not gender or age-specific. When you come right down to it, there is no typical aggressive driver.

A majority of drivers involved in road rage incidents are males between the ages of 18 and 26, while one study found hundreds of cases where the "road rager" was between 26 and 50.

However, in a study conducted recently, the most common drivers to be involved in road rage incidents were what might be termed "soccer moms" -- women driving station wagons or minivans with juvenile passengers aboard.

While many are young males with histories of criminal activity and violence, not to mention drug and alcohol problems, there are also some aggressive drivers among successful, well-educated people. While most documented cases of road rage involve men, one study showed that at least 4% were women.

The incidents that lead to aggressive driving behavior are often trivial in nature, and not something you might think would cause the explosions that characterize road rage.

Some reasons given for episodes of road rage include arguments over parking spaces, cutting off another driver or not allowing another driver to pass, minor traffic incidents, obscene gestures, loud music, misuse of the horn, driving too slow, tailgating, not using a turn signal, etc.

But violent traffic disputes are rarely the result of a single incident. Rather, they are the cumulative result of a long series of stress factors in the driver's life.

The traffic incident that turns violent is often the "last straw".

NHTSA has identified three factors that are linked to aggressive driving: lack of responsible driving behavior, a perception of a reduced level of traffic enforcement, and increased congestion and travel in urban areas. Let's look more closely at each of them:

• Lack of responsible driving behavior -- On the road, the focus is often on individual rights and freedom - a "me first" philosophy - not on responsibility to others with whom we share the road. Driving should be cooperative, not a competitive sport;

• Perception of reduced levels of traffic enforcement -- The perceived risk of being apprehended for a traffic violation is directly related to the level of traffic enforcement. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions have cut back on traffic enforcement because of budget constraints;
• Longer travel time/congestion, especially in urban areas -- Since 1987, the number of miles driven in the United States has increased at least 35%, while the number of miles of available roads has increased only 1%. Some drivers find themselves responding to the frustrations of driving in high-density traffic areas by driving and acting aggressively.

Unsafe driving behaviors lead to accidents, and also to lost work productivity, higher vehicle repair costs, and higher insurance rates that are associated with accidents.

However, people often fail to factor in the cost of aggressive driving in terms of higher fuel, tire and maintenance costs. Underestimating these impacts can cost big.

Aggressive drivers tend to push their vehicles hard. Typically, they accelerate hard (adding stress to the engine and transmission, and wasting fuel); speed (driving up fuel consumption and increasing tire wear from tire heating); and tailgate (leads to greater frequency of heavy brake application and causes early wear-out of brake systems and tires.)

Aggressive drivers cost companies a significantly higher amount than drivers who generally follow the speed limit, maintain proper distance between vehicles and slow down more gradually.

Fleets that permit aggressive drivers to wear out their vehicles need to maintain a greater number of "spares" -- spare vehicles to use while the main vehicle is out for maintenance.

A government website - www.fueleconomy.gov   - has been created to educate the public about waste of fuel from improper driving.

According to the website, aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes fuel. It can lower your miles per gallon by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town.

Miles per gallon decrease rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for fuel.

Observing the speed limit is also safer for you, your passengers and your fellow motorists.

For more safety information, please contact the Health & Safety Division at 961-8215.

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The Department of Water Supply wishes to inform the community that water will be temporarily turned off in the Waianuenue Avenue area on Sunday, March 19, 2006, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to change a leaking service lateral.

• Waianuenue Avenue from Punawai Street to Haili Street
• Kahema street, Hale Street, Kaiulani Street including Reed’s Island
• Alae Street, Haili Street, Alamuku Street, Laimana street and
• All side streets on Haili Street up to Kapiolani Street

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 this temporary inconvenience.

If you have any questions, please call Daryl Ikeda, Chief of Operations, at 961-8790.

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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.

This video will air on Na Leo O Hawaii, public access TV Channel 54 at the following dates and times:

• March 17, 2006 (Thursday) at 1:30 pm
• March 23, 2006 (Wednesday) at 2:00 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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Coqui frogs are a noisy pest in our island community. An effective way to eradicate and control coqui frogs is through the use of citric acid and hydrated lime, but it is important to know how to effectively and safely use these chemicals.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Coqui Frog Work Group will provide a training class and sprayer demonstration on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Komohana Agricultural Complex in Hilo.

The complex is located at 875 Komohana St.

The class is free and attendees will receive a voucher for two free bags of Hydrated Lime from the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board- Coqui Project.

Reservations are required. To make your reservation and for further information, please call Howard Lontoc, the County of Hawaii Coqui Coordinator at 961-8066.

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The community is encouraged to apply for membership on the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Steering Committee. These individuals will fulfill a very important role as advisors to the County Planning Department and its consultants, and as monitors of the plan’s development..

The deadline for applications is March 22.

The Hawai`i County General Plan of 2005 requires that a Steering Committee be formed to ensure that the Community Development Process is broadly representative of the affected communities. The Steering Committee recommends approval of the CDP before it goes to the Planning Commission for consideration.

Steering Committee members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council.

As a Steering Committee member, you will learn a lot about land use issues; planning at the local and regional levels; how to ensure that diverse viewpoints are obtained and considered; and much more.

Steering Committee members need to make an approximately 18-month commitment to attend meetings about once a month, attend CDP-related workshops, and be willing to share information about the CDP process with their community.

The ideal Steering Committee member will be someone who knows and loves the Puna area and works well with others, even when there are differences of opinion.

SC members will represent local, community-level concerns, as well as considering the interests of the entire Puna region.

For further information or to request an application, please call 961-8288, extension 257 or 254. Or you can email your questions or requests to eimamura@co.hawaii.hi.us or dchang@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Applications can also be downloaded on the County Planning Department’s website at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_plan.htm . Look under WEB SITE LINKS. Deadline to apply is March 22 (postmarked by or received in the office).

To read what the General Plan says about CDPs and Steering Committees, go to http://www.hawaii-county.com/la/gp/2005/main.html and click on "Plan Implementation." More information on the Puna CDP and island wide CDP efforts can be found on http://www.hawaiiislandplan.com.

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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  961-8379

• Hawai'i County Services (Hanama Place), 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona: 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 Hawaii State Department of Health's Executive Office on Aging SageWatch Program and the Hawaii County Office of Aging are coordinating a one-day fraud and abuse prevention conference, entitled "Finding A Solution" with sessions to be held in Hilo and Kona.

WHEN: Thursday, April 6. Registration from 7:30 a.m. Conference ends at 3:30 pm.

WHERE: Hawai`i Naniloa Hotel in Hilo

WHEN: Wednesday, April 12 . Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Conference ends at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona.

The purpose of this conference is to increase community awareness of the growing problem of fraud and abuse such as identity theft, consumer fraud and schemes, health or medical related concerns and family or caregiver exploitation.

"Seniors want to know how they can avoid being a victim of fraud," said Derrick Ariyoshi, SageWatch Program Coordinator. He noted that In 2003, 649 identity theft cases were reported in Hawaii. "The problem is worse now and Hawaii is within the top 25 states where kupuna (the elderly) have been targeted for scams," Ariyoshi said.

Presentations from private, government and community organizations (FBI, US Postal Service, Better Business Bureau, Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Adult Protective Services, HMSA, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii County Police and Prosecutor’s Office and others) will inform the participants of the rampant problem, present actual situations and cases and offer possible solutions and resources.

With this information and awareness, the coordinators hope to minimize the victimization of our people, especially the elderly. Attendance at this conference is open to the public.

Space is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis. Bus transportation is available on a limited basis for rural/outlying areas. The registration fee is $10.00 which includes conference fees and lunch.

Contact the Hawaii County Office of Aging at 961-8600 (Hilo) or 327-3597 (Kona) for conference brochures and registration form or for more information.

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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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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.

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.

Here is the update for this week:

• Paving on Kuakini Highway from Palani Road to Hanama Place is complete. Striping is scheduled for next week.
• Rock facing for the retaining walls fronting the Kona Ranch House is complete.
• Catch basin/drywell construction work on Hanama Place is on-going.
• Work by various utilities in the area is in continuing.

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 Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is hosting a series of workshops centered on coastal land use policy.

The workshops are geared to the planning, regulatory and enforcement community, realtors, development industry, and the general public. The workshops are intended to help provide general information on the emerging integrated shoreline policies of the state DLNR.

The workshops are casual and intended to encourage discussion on regulatory issues and common questions regarding coastal land use.

The outline of the workshops include:

• Enforcement (Illegal Structures, coastal vegetation, Non-conforming status)
• Land Use Applications (Erosion Control, Beach Nourishment, Emergency Response)
• Planning (Hazard Mitigation, Smart Growth/Ordinance reform, Shoreline Certification)
• State Policies (Integrated effort with Counties, HRS 205A)
• Questions/Discussion

WHEN: Thursday, March 23, 2006, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

WHERE: State Office Bldg, 75 Aupuni St. Hilo 1st Floor, Rooms A-D

and

WHEN: Thursday, March 30, 2006 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

WHERE: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua- Kona

Special accommodations and sign language interpreters are available upon request.

For further information, please contact Dolan Eversole at 1-(808) 587-0321 or dolan.eversole@hawaii.gov . Or visit: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/ 

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The community is cordially invited to attend a one-day conference on preventing teen dating violence on Friday, April 7 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This Teen Dating Violence Prevention initiative was spearheaded by the American Bar Association, Steering Committee on the Unmet Legal Needs of Children to prevent teen dating violence and reduce the incidence of date rape.

Students, teachers, principals, counselors, judges, attorneys, medical professionals, law enforcement, community leaders, parents, domestic violence organizations, and the media are especially encouraged to attend.

WHEN: Friday, April 7, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Information at the conference will include prevention recommendations as well as danger warning signs.

The Hawaii County Committee on the Status of Women is sponsoring this conference with the help of the County Prosecutor's Office. Konawaena High School student Kellie Kitaoka, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women Chair and Deputy Corporation Counsel Margaret Masunaga, and Hawaii State Bar Association Board Member and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Carol Kitaoka.

The national statistics are alarming. Over 40% of male and female high school students say they have been victims of dating violence at least once. Between 1993 and 1999, 22% of all homicides against females ages 16-19 were committed by an intimate partner.

Attending the conference on April 7th are U. S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Ed Kubo, State Attorney General Mark Bennett, Mayor Harry Kim, Hawai`i County Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura, Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, Councilwoman Virginia Isbell, teen victim survivor Rae Anne Spence from Austin, Texas (who was interviewed on 20/20 and CNN).

Also scheduled to attend is Robert Flores, Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U. S. Dept. of Justice.

There is no charge to attend. For a registration form, please email Margaret Masunaga at mkmasunaga@aol.com  or Carol Kitaoka at csk96750@yahoo.com   or 322-2552.

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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 www.PiperSelden.com . Tab on location for directions to workshop. Or call for information (808) 937-2233.

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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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One of America's more entertaining -- and informative -- authorities on parenting, Gail Reichlin, will give a talk on "sanity savers," and "fast answers" to help parents with the daunting challenges facing them.

Reichlin will share her wisdom and expertise with Hawai'i Island parents, grandparents and foster caregivers, teachers and child care providers during an all-day conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the conference fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

The conference is open to everyone interested in strengthening parenting skills and supporting and expanding the quality and professionalism of early childhood programs and services on Hawai'i Island.

It is sponsored by the Hawai'i Island Chapter of the Hawai'i Association for the Education of Young Children (HAEYC), in partnership with the North Hawai`i Drug-Free Coalition, Kamehameha Schools, People Attentive To Children (PATCH), INPEACE - SPARK, and the Good Beginnings Alliance.

Keynote speaker Gail Reichlin, co-author of the bestselling "Pocket Parent," will be the highlight of a day-long series of presentations, enlightening workshops and vendor exhibits. She will draw on her popular book's digest of solutions to dozens of behavioral issues most parents face with their children.

Renowned her humorous real-life stories, Reichlin will also give a family workshop on Positive Discipline.

A 30-year veteran preschool teacher and founding executive director of 20-year-old not-for-profit Parents Resource Network in Chicago, Reichlin's book was first published in 2001 and has more than 100,000 copies in circulation. It also has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian and Indonesian. Reichlin frequently appears on national television, including "The Sunday Today Show" with Deborah Norville, and she is a consultant to Sesame Street Workshop.

Other workshops during the conference will focus on timely issues for practitioners and families. Topics being presented include:

• The important role of fathers with Michael Kramer and Larry Ursua from Family Support Services of West Hawai`i;

• The effects of ICE on a child's brain and how to support development of ICE-exposed infants and young children by Dr. MariaIliana Stark;
• Everything you always wanted to know about the DOE's new Jr. Kindergarten program presented by Liz Chun of Good Beginnings Alliance;
• Keeping keiki healthy with Dr. Dana Lee of Waimea;
• Why reading to your child is so important with Pat Mizuno of Read to Me International, and
• How to identify and support giftedness presented by the Hawai`i Gifted Association.

Cost for the conference is $50 for HAEYC members and $55 for non-members. Partial scholarships are available to reduce the fee by $20. A brief note about why a scholarship is merited should accompany an application.

To register, go online to www.Hawaiiaeyc.org , (click on Hawai'i Island Chapter), or call Gail Judd at 325-3800. Deadline to register is Wed., March 15, 2006.

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Hawai`i Community College will be offering non-credit Certification Classes for Substance Abuse Counselors, beginning in April.

These classes will provide the required educational hours to satisfy certification or re-certification requirements of the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug abuse Division (ADAD) for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors (CSAC).

Tuition assistance may be available. For more information call Marsha Okajima at the Office of Continuing Education and Training, 974-7531.

High School students can learn more about their community college and explore a career that might be to their liking. The following courses will be held June 13-30 at Hawaii Community College:

• Introduction to Tropical Forest Ecosystem and Agroforestry Management (Forest TEAM)
• Let's Play and Learn: an Overview of Early Childhood Education
• Automotive Mechanics
• Carpentry
• Exploration of Hawaiian Language
• Communication Through Hawaiian Art
• (June 26-July 7)Introduction to GPS and GIS Applications in Natural Resources

For more information call Marsha Okajima at the Office of Continuing Education and Training, 974-7531.

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Jeaney Garcia, Los Angeles coordinator for Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) will offer Big Island government, business, and community leaders suggestions about how to make youth sports better at two meetings in Hilo on Thursday, April 6, 2006.

• Community leaders are invited to a business luncheon at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 11:30 a.m. in the Moku Ola Room. Cost of the business lunch is $15 per person.

• The same evening from 5:00 p.m. at Aunty Sally Kealeohano’s Luau Hale Garcia will lead an extended talk-story about how communities can effectively improve youth sports and increase opportunities to participate. A materials fee of $5 per person will be collected for the evening program. Also on the evening’s panel will be Kona resident Andy Goodman, who is spearheading a new Kona Little League region using an all-draft system to organize teams and coaches.

Big Island basketball official and Pauuilo recreation director Mason Souza will also join Garcia on the PCA platform during the evening talk-story. Souza will share his experiences as a former high school game official, as a coach, and as a parent.

Pick up reservations forms for the luncheon and evening Positive Coaching Alliance program at SportsLine Hawaii, 417 Kalanikoa Street, or at the County Recreation Division office at 799 Piilani Street, Hilo.

Jeaney Garcia has been a certified trainer and the Los Angeles coordinator for PCA for five years.

Garcia served as Director of Physical Education and head coach of girls' cross-country and basketball at The Brentwood School prior to joining PCA. She also served as Athletic Director at Webb Schools in Claremont and head coach for Sport for Understanding/USA basketball, cross-country and track and field teams.

As a local partner to the national organization, PCA Big Island provides live, research-based training workshops and practical tools for coaches, parents and leaders who operate youth sports programs to get them on the same page about what it means to Honor the Game.

For further information, please contact PCA Big Island at PCABigIsland@verizon.net  .

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The Kona Outdoor Circle, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural resources, is offering a scholarship of $1000 for the 2006–2007 academic year.

Applicants must be residents of West Hawaii (North Kohala to Ka`u) who will be full-time students attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the United States.

Applicants must plan to enroll or be enrolled in a program in horticulture, landscaping, environmental studies, forestry, agriculture, or other fields related to the mission of the Kona Outdoor Circle: to keep Kona clean, green and beautiful. Kona Outdoor Circle accomplishes these goals through public area plantings, education programs, and public advocacy.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic achievement (at least 2.7 GPA) and must demonstrate financial need.

The application deadline is April 30, 2006. Applicants must complete the written application, submit their most recent high school or college transcript, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report, and two letters of recommendation.

Applications are available at all high schools in West Hawaii; the University of Hawaii Financial Aid Offices; the Educational Talent Search Program at the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii; the Kona Outdoor Circle office at the intersection of Kuakini and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highways; and on-line at the KOC website, www.konaoutdoordircle.org , click on Education.

For more information, please call the Kona Outdoor Circle at 329-7286 or Maiden Temple at 325-6775.

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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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East Hawaii CompuCycle, the popular event where you get to clean out your closets or garage and bring in your old computers and related equipment for recycling, is returning to the Aupuni Center (the old Firestone Store across from the old County Building) in Hilo on the following dates:

• May 19th, 2006 2:00pm – 4:00pm Government & Public Agencies Drop-Off Day
• May 20th, 2006 10:00am – 2:00pm Public Drop-Off Day

Bring your old computers, monitors, keyboards, and other computer components. Also, for the first time, CompuCycle is also accepting old TVs, VCRs and stereos, etc.

Springtime is spring cleaning time, so rid yourself of unwanted and/or defunct computers and electronic components.

For further information, please contact the County's Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942 or 961-8527.

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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 Mauna Lani 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 subject to weather permitting:)

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Motorists are advised there will be no lane diversions or lane closures this week. From Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24, 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 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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