April 7, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Hilo's World-Class Astronomy Center Makes Debut
• Appeal Deadline for 2006 Real Property Tax Assessments is April 10

• Public Meetings to Focus on "Roads In Limbo" Issue
• Meeting on Water System Improvements for Kona Coastview/Wonderview Subdivisions
• Update on Improvements to Mamalahoa Hwy in South Kona April 11
• Fair Housing Seminars in Hilo on April 25 and Kona on April 26
• Deputy Voter Registrar Classes to be Conducted in Hawai`i County
• Environmental Management Commission Seeks Applicants for District 2
• County Seeks Applicants for Cost of Government Commission
• HI 5¢ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation
• Kuakini Highway Update
• Job Announcements

• Solutions Task Forces to Hold Video Conferences Monday April 10
• Seeking Young Filmmakers to Enter 1st Annual Big Island Film Contest
• West Hawai`i Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on April 20
• Outstanding Older Americans Award Luncheon at Hapuna Beach May 12
• Composting Workshops March through June
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

• Hawai`i Community College Spring Course Offerings
• 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
• Help Available for Seniors Weighing their Options under Medicare D Program
• East Hawai`i CompuCycle Event Returns to Hilo in May
• Talk-Story Festival in Hilo on May 7 to Commemorate 1946 Tsunami
• 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 Center takes its name from the Hawaiian word "`imiloa", which means explorer or seeker of profound truth.

The exhibit programs explore the connections between the early Polynesian navigators who used stars to guide them and today's astronomers, who seek answers to question about how life began.

Virtually every exhibit is explained in both the Hawaiian and English languages, to encourage understanding and to spur the desire to learn.

Rainy Hilo now has a new indoor activity for all ages to enjoy. This world-class astronomy center welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There are plans to extend its operating hours to open every day from Summer 2006 and to introduce evening hours.

The `Imiloa Astronomy Center is about 1.5 miles west of downtown Hilo, on the campus of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, just 25 miles north of Volcanoes National Park.

The first thing a visitor notices about the `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i are the building's three distinctive titanium cones, symbolizing Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai.

This is Hawai`i's first titanium-clad building, whose non-sleek luster reflects the changing coloration of the Hawaiian sky. The architect Melvin Choy chose titanium not only for aesthetic reasons, but for its extreme durability and resistance to corrosion. Mr. Choy lists the Hilo Judiciary Building, currently under construction, among his many distinguished projects.

The next thing your eye catches is the gigantic floor mosaic in the Lobby entrance, "Voyage of the Navigator", created by Hawai`i Island artist Clayton Young. (Mr. Young's vibrant works of art are also on permanent display at the new County of Hawai`i building at Aupuni Center.)

The center's sheer size makes an immediate impression on the visitor.

`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i encompasses 40,000 square feet, and is located on 9.1 acres overlooking Hilo Bay.

The Planetarium is a theater-like setting with a 16-meter (48 feet) horizontal dome. It seats 120 visitors plus four spaces for special needs visitors.

The main exhibit gallery is 12,000 square feet.

The Cafe is scheduled to open in late Spring 2006, and seats 133. Its 2,000 square feet features panoramic views of the facility's gardens. The landscaping involves indigenous and "canoe" plants (plants brought by early Polynesian navigators.).

The 700 square-foot Museum Store offers books on astronomy, Hawaiian navigation and culture, activity learning kits, posters, keiki items and souvenirs.

The Planetarium features a cutting edge, full-dome digital theater system, the Digistar 3 system found in many of the most prestigious planetariums and science centers in the world.

The sound system in the theater includes a surround sound to create a completely immersive planetarium experience.

With the planetarium's reclining seats and horizontal dome, each seat in the theater has an unobstructed view of the show. You feel like you are there in the stratosphere.

The inaugural show, which debuted in February, is entitled Maunakea: Between Earth and Sky.

This 22-minute show, created exclusively for `Imiloa Astronomy Center, focuses on Hawai`i's sacred mountain Mauna Kea, a place that connects both Earth and Sky through Hawaiian culture and mankind's ongoing search for the origins of the Universe.

The show includes stirring scenes of underwater volcanoes, eruptions and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

The film, co-directed by Peter Michaud of Gemini Observatory and Prof. Joe Ciotti of UH Windward Community College, features the music of Hawaiian musician/composer Davo Coria. Sound design by Skywalker Sound. Narration and chants are by Native Hawaiian artists Kamuela Chun, Michael Eaton and Amanda Ramsey.

You may not be old enough to remember the 3-D glasses you were given at movie theaters to watch special effects films, but at `Imiloa the experience takes on a whole new meaning.

One of the unique experience you can have is the seven-minute "Voyage through Space" presentation, where the stars and planets seem to leap into your face as you "travel" from planet Earth to the distant reaches of the Universe and in time back to the Big Bang.

This show uses scientifically accurate and up-to-date data, produced by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The Subaru Telescope atop Mauna Kea is operated by the Japanese observatory.

The aim is to help the general public to more easily grasp both the beauty and vastness of space.

This article simply doesn't have the room to describe all of the extraordinary exhibits at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i.

You have to see them to believe all that is on display.

From the north end of Hilo, take Waianuenue Avenue, turn left onto Komohana and right again onto Nowelo Street at the University Park of Science and Technology sign.

From the south end of Hilo, take Puainako Street, turn right onto Komohana and right again onto Nowelo Street.

For more detailed directions and a map, please visit www.imiloahawaii.org  .

• General admission is $14.50, which includes admission to galleries and planetarium shows.
• Admission for children aged 4-12 is $7.50.
• Kama`aina (local residents') rates are available
• Group rates (10+) also available.
• Museum members an children under four: Free

Becoming a member means you have unlimited admission to `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i for a full year.

• Individual membership: $45
• Family membership (Two adult and two children): $65
• Student and teacher membership: $30
• Donor level members: $100-$1,000 (Call to find out membership benefits for donor level members.)

For further information, please call (808) 969-9700. To volunteer as a guide, please call 969-9731.

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This is to remind all property owners that April 10, 2006 is the deadline for filing appeals against the 2006 Real Property Tax Assessments. Notices of Property Assessments were mailed in mid-March.

According to County Director of Finance, William Takaba, "All property owners should carefully review your assessments and confer with staff of the County Real Property Tax division if any questions arise." If an appeal amends the assessment or grants an exemption, the taxes for tax year 2006-2007 will be adjusted accordingly.

Appeals on the assessments must be filed by the April 10, 2006 deadline. If you do not agree with the value placed upon your property as set forth on the Notice of Assessment or if you are denied an exemption to which you are entitled, an appeal may be filed with either the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court.

Appeal forms to the Tax Board of Review are available at the Real Property Tax Office located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, or at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. They may also be obtained at the County’s Website: www.hawaiipropertytax.com.   Appeal forms to the Tax Appeal Court are available at the Tax Appeal Court, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, or by calling 539-4777.

Should you have further questions, call the Real Property Tax Office at 961-8201 (Hilo) or 327-3540 (Kona).

A deposit of $15.00 is required for each appeal to the Tax Board of Review. A deposit of $3.00 is required for each appeal to the small claims procedure of the Tax Appeal Court. For a regular appeal to the Tax Appeal Court, the cost is 5% of the amount of taxes in dispute but no more than $100.00 nor less than $5.00.

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The County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works is inviting our communities to a series of public meetings to help finalize a draft inventory of roadways considered to be government roads or homestead roads around Hawai`i Island. The County is seeking the public's input along with input from County Council members on draft inventory maps of Roads-In-Limbo.

The goal is to get a complete record of the total inventory of Roads-In-Limbo. Once the inventory of Roads-In-Limbo is finalized, the County plans to draft a policy to address maintenance of these roads, which would include various funding proposals for the County Council's review and approval.

The so-called "roads in limbo" comprise approximately 400 miles, about half of which (200 miles)of which were laid out on paper but never built.

Roads in limbo were laid out by government which are not part of the State road system and not currently maintained by the County government. Most of the roads in limbo came into existence originally as homestead roads on subdivisions of land designated by the Territory of Hawai`i.

These roads, often known as "roads in limbo" have for years been an issue between state and County over who should maintain the roads.

"It's a long-standing issue that needs resolution," said Bruce McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works.

A series of meetings on Roads-In-Limbo will be held as follows: All meetings start at 6:00 p.m.

For further information, please call the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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The Department of Water Supply cordially invites the community is to an informational meeting water system improvement for Kona Coastview/Wonderview subdivisions.

Where: Kealakehe Elementary School Cafeteria

When: Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 6:30 p.m.

This informational meeting is being held to provide the residents of the Kona Coastview and Wonderview subdivisions with an opportunity to gather information about the service connections and final requirements to completion.

Representatives from the Department of Water Supply and the Department of Public Works will be present, along with Council Member K. Angel Pilago.

All residents of these subdivisions are encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact Ms. Shari Komata at 961-8070, extension 252.

If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, and large print), please call 961-8050.

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The County of Hawai‘i's Department of Public Works invites the community to a public informational meeting on Tuesday, April 11 regarding the Captain Cook and Kealakekua, Phase I construction projects, Mamalahoa Highway Improvements (Honalo to Captain Cook).

This will also provide an opportunity to meet Department of Public Works representatives to obtain updated information and to informally discuss the upcoming construction projects in Captain Cook and Kealakekua.

All interested members of the community are cordially invited to attend.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria

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

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

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The Office of Housing and Community Development announces training sessions on Fair Housing practices in Hilo and Kona designed to increase knowledge of Federal & State Fair Housing Laws.

General Training: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (8:00 a.m. – Registration)

Advanced Training: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (12:30 p.m. – Registration)

WHERE: Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale

Free of charge

General Training: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (8:00 a.m. – Registration)

Advanced Training: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (12:30 p.m. – Registration)

WHERE: King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Kamakahonu Ballroom, Room `Eha (4)

Cost: $2 for validated parking

Training sponsored and provided by:

• County of Hawai`i Office of Housing and Community Development
• Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai`i
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i

To register, call Alisa Miyake at the Office of Housing and Community Development at 961-8379 by April 18, 2006. Seating is limited so please register soon.

This workshop is accessible for individuals with disabilities. To request an auxiliary aid or service, contact Alisa at 961-8379 by April 11, 2006.

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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 Environmental Management Commission has a vacancy for a commissioner to represent District 2 in Hilo (Council member Donald Ikeda's district).

Community-minded residents are encouraged to apply for this vacancy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8, 2004.

Kuakini Highway will be widened to four lanes for automobiles, including two through-lanes in each direction, and a pocket lane for left turns where appropriate. In addition, there will bicycle lanes on both sides throughout most of the project. The construction will last 18-24 months.

One lane will be open at all times from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while construction is in progress. Outside of these hours, one lane in each direction will be open.

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, will work with the adjacent businesses and residences to assure that a reasonable access to the businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction period. However, motorists traveling in the area should drive with caution.

We are most grateful for the public’s patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

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:

• Duct line, underground traffic signal and sidewalk work on Kuakini / Hualalai intersection continues.
• Traffic sensor device installations at the intersections with Kuakini are in progress.
• Chain-link fence and handrail installation on-going.
• Various utility relocation work continues.

Information on project status will be provided via this newsletter, the County website at 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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Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action Traffic and Animal Control Task Force Groups will meet on Monday, April 10, 2006 via video conference at the West Hawai`i Mayor's Office at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona, and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo.

There is also a video site for Waimea residents at the Waimea County Council Office, next to Waimea Feed Supply.

Traffic Task Force Meeting: Time: 10am - 11am. Agenda: Continue working on problem of speeding In our neighborhoods. Continue updates on the Community Road Safety Watch program. Discussion of safety concerns regarding ATVs in our neighborhoods. Please contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email: konalil@hawaii.rr.com  

Animal Control Task Meeting: Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm. Agenda: How are the Legislation Bills going? The group will be addressing Articles 3 through 7 of the Animal Control Bill which includes: Enforcement, Dog, Cat and Animal Pounds, Farm Animal and Spay-neuter Special Fund. Please contact: Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or email: nzzorn2@kona.net 

For further details, please visit the Solutions web site: www.solutionsislandhawaii.com   .

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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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The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at 6:30 pm at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua, Kona.

This month features a presentation on Kona Kai Ola, a Waterfront Commercial Village at Kealakehe.

Kona kai Ola is envisaged as a 490-acre waterfront commercial village at the north end of the Kailua Kona urban core, centered around a new harbor and marine lagoons.

The mixed-use plan will include a new 800-slip marina, shoreline park, community gathering areas, marine science education center, trail system for walking, biking and running, canoe launching area, retail, restaurants and hotel and timeshare components.

Atlanta-based developer Jacoby Development, Inc. was selected by DHHL and DLNR as the master developer for this public-private partnership. A Master Development Plan, a Core Infrastructure Plan and a Draft EIS. are slated to be completed this year by Jacoby Development.

The Jacoby Team will be on hand to hear comments from the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council members about the proposed plan. The presentation will allow time for comments and questions.

The mission of the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is to manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance nearshore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use. The Council was set up to serve as the community source for formulating and recommending West Hawai’i fisheries management actions and changes to the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

All of the community is cordially invited to the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

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Hawaii’s own Brown Ohana Trio of Hilo will be at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Hapuna Ballroom on Friday, May 12, 2006, to entertain and honor twenty-six older Americans from districts around the island. Program will start at 10:30 am and end at 1:30 pm.

A total of 26 seniors from around the Big Island have been nominated. In addition to the selection of the Outstanding Older Americans of the year, the Office of Aging will also recognize outstanding seniors for Community Service, Personal Achievement, Senior Activities and Golden Years.

Shimomi S.A. Araujo (Hilo), Margaret Capelli (Holualoa), Rose-Vivian K. Chai (Hilo), Hilda DeCosta (Hilo), Rosita Ebreo (Paauilo), Margaret V. Finch (Kailua-Kona), Alfreida Fujita (Kailua-Kona), Helene H. Hale (Pahoa), Mutsuyo Kai (Pahala), Virginia P. Maeda (Hilo), Sumayo (Sue) Nakamura (Hilo), Aiko Pennington (Ocean View), Tesse I. Tinker (Keaau), Mildred T. Uchima (Hilo), Marcellina C. Wong (Hilo).

Melvin Ah Ching (Honokaa), Danford K.O. Chang (Paauilo), Boniface D.B. Choy (Mt. View), Dannie R. Coates (Kukuihaele), Robert E. Fase (Kamuela), Kile O. Golden (Keaau), David B. Gomes (Kamuela), Gerald Nagle (Na’alehu), Ludloff Oliveira (Hilo), Jere Pennell (Kailua-Kona), Ahmed B. Rifi (Keaau).

The program is open to the public and the cost for the luncheon is $23.

Transportation on air-conditioned buses is available to the first 300 reserved attendees. KTA Super Stores and Reser’s Fine Foods have donated numerous prizes to be given out by guest hosts on each bus to make the trip enjoyable.

Space is limited so please call the Office of Aging at 961-8600 soon to make your reservations.

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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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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 Office of Continuing Education and Training, 974-7531.

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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 $1,000 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.konaoutdoorcircle.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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AARP Hawai`i will be hosting two educational outreach events on the Big Island. The purpose of these events is to help Medicare beneficiaries sort through the options available to them under the new Medicare prescription drug coverage before the May 15, 2006 enrollment deadline.

Those wishing to attend should pre-register by calling (toll free) 1-877-926-8300. The events will be held as follows:

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 2006, 9:00 am to Noon

WHERE: King Kamehameha Hotel, Kailua-Kona

• 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Overview
• 10:00 a.m. to noon –Resource Fair

WHEN: Friday, April 21, 2006, 9:00 am to Noon

WHERE: Hilo Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, Hilo

• 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Overview
• 10:00 a.m. to noon –Resource Fair

These information sessions will feature a brief overview presentation by Pamela Cunningham of Sage PLUS, as well as a resource fair with some of Hawai`i’s Medicare Part D plan providers and agencies that can help – including HMSA 65 C+, AARP Medicare Rx, United Medicare Advantage Plan, AlohaCare and the Social Security Administration

The new drug coverage is voluntary. Enrollment ends on May 15, 2006. Those who don't have existing coverage as good as the Medicare Part D benefit, who do not enroll by the deadline will be subject to a late enrollment penalty if electing coverage in the future.

Beneficiaries in Hawai`i began receiving information from plan providers and Medicare in October of 2005.

A packet of information will be distributed at the event which includes the free AARP publications "The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: What You Need to Know," and "Using the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder."

Attendees will also receive a list of all Hawaii plan providers and their contact information, as well as a "Request for Counseling Assistance" form. These materials can help Hawai`i residents make important decisions regarding their drug plan options in the weeks ahead. Those wishing to attend should pre-register by calling (toll free) 1-877-926-8300.

These events are being held in collaboration with the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services, Social Security Administration, and the SagePLUS program.

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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 Pacific Tsunami Museum presents the 4th Annual Tsunami Talk-Story Festival at Hilo Hongpa Hongwanji's Sangha Hall in Hilo on May 7 from 7:30 p.m. 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1946 tidal wave.

The April 1, 1946 tsunami was Hawai`i’s deadliest natural disaster, killing 159 people (mostly in Hilo), and delivering the death blow to the train system that connected the sugar plantation towns of East Hawaii to the port of Hilo.

This year’s theme is the "End of the Line," showcasing stories from tsunami survivors with a connection to the Hawaii Consolidated Railway.

Cost: $25 donation includes dinner. Tickets available at the Museum, KTA Superstores and Oceanic Time Warner Cable.

For further information, please contact: Donna Saiki, Executive Director at (808) 935-0926.

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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 projects based on weather permitting:)

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Motorists are advised there will be no lane diversions or lane closures this week. From Monday, April 10th through Friday, April 14th, 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 middle of May 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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