April 21, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Please Kokua the Kawaihae Transitional Shelter Program on Friday, April 28
• Governor Releases $6 Million for Wells at Hawaiian Ocean View Estates

• Video Report to Hawai`i County on Hawai`i Aloha Show on Channel 54
• Public Hearing on proposed Hilu Hilu/Palamanui Development Project April 26
• Fair Housing Seminars in Hilo on April 25 and Kona on April 26
• Water Shut-Off for Kuakini Hwy Waterline Improvements Project April 30
• Firefighters to Deliver Mother's Day Roses to Benefit Fight against Cancer
• Fire Department Sponsors EMS 5K Family Run/2 Mile Walk on May 28 in Hilo
• 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

• USDA to Hold Community Meetings for Home Care Worker-Owned Cooperative
• 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 Offers Summer High School Credits
• Kona Outdoor Circle Offers Scholarship for 2006-2007 Academic Year
• State Tax Dept. Expands Customer Phone Service Hours during Tax Season
• 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 following article was contributed by Billy Kenoi, Executive Assistant to Mayor Harry Kim, regarding  renovations of the Kawaihae Transitional Living Program, a volunteer project which will take place April 28, 2006 at Hale O Kawaihae.

On Friday, April 28, 2006, volunteers will be working on the renovations of the living units at the Kawaihae Transitional Living Program being operated by Catholic Charities of Hawaii.

Of the 24 units in Kawaihae, four are currently occupied and the other 20 have been undergoing renovations so that families can be placed in these units. Monies for the renovations have been appropriated for this project by the County of Hawaii, in cooperation with Catholic Charities of Hawaii.

As many volunteers as we can have to provide manpower and support will be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers from the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) Transitional Living Program from Kohala and Waimea have been generously donating their time and expertise to renovating the living units during the past month.

In addition, the clients of Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi – Kaho’okane Program and the Bay Clinic-Pulama Project have also been volunteering to ensure that Hawaii Island families can being to utilize the units that are currently vacant.

A special thanks to Mr. Michael Evans who has been the lead volunteer lending his construction expertise to all of the volunteers.

In addition, a special mahalo goes out to Leonard Tanaka of T&T Electric who generously donated his workers to take care of the electrical work of all the units, free of charge. Mahalo, Leonard!

Because the funds are from the County of Hawaii, any construction contracts would have to go through the procurement process and require a request for proposals, a review of the proposals, a tentative award, negotiations, execution of contract, and then the construction would begin. It is estimated that this process could take months and the Kawaihae Transitional Program would be unable to utilize these units providing emergency shelter for families during this time.

That is why we have moved forward with bids and requisitions for the equipment and supplies for the renovations through the Department of Finance and requested volunteer support to complete the renovations in as expeditious a manner as possible. A project anticipated to take up to 6 months and cost $100,000 will be completed, with kokua and aloha from the community, in two to three months and cost less than $20,000.

Hale O Kawaihae is the only emergency shelter program in North and West Hawaii. With the rising costs of housing, rents, and a shrinking inventory of available units for families with financial challenges, we are facing a growing demand for emergency and temporary living quarters for families.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough programs for those who are in need of housing. Even with a fully occupied Kawaihae Transitional Living Program, we would still face a daunting challenge of addressing the unmet housing needs of our community.

We need to fill every available housing unit with a family. Every unoccupied unit in Kawaihae is one more family living out of their vehicle or at the beach. That is why this project is so urgent and needs to be completed as soon as possible.

And kokua from our community can make this happen.

In May 2005, a statewide homeless survey resulted in a count of 5,935 homeless persons in our state at any given point in time. The breakdown per county was: Kauai County = 248 persons; Maui County = 747 persons; Oahu County = 3498 persons; and Hawaii County = 1442 persons.

Hawaii County, with approximately 10% of the State's population had approximately 25% of the State’s homeless persons. This count is a very modest estimate because HUD requires that only those "observed" are counted. This means that homeless people living in remote areas or in places where they cannot be readily seen are not accounted for in the number of homeless person.

A 2003 SMS homeless study has demonstrated that whenever the economy thrives, the homeless numbers increase, because those least able to economically compete for a shrinking and limited number of homes and rentals are forced into difficult and overcrowded living arrangements and homelessness.

The fact that the median price of a home is now at $625,000 on Oahu, $700,000 on Maui, and $400,000 for Hawaii Island illustrated the challenges that we all face in being able to provide a simple shelter for families in Hawaii.

The rising costs of homes have also led to more homes being sold to maximize the value of the property, thereby taking that property off of the housing rental market and further shrinking housing and rental inventory. This also results in a rise in rentals further exacerbating an already difficult situation.

You can call Billy Kenoi, Executive Assistant to Mayor Harry Kim, at 961-8316 and let him know that you can volunteer your time and energy to help out and Kokua at Kawaihae on April 28, 2006.

All you need is work clothes, your energy, smiles, and aloha.

The rest will be provided including supplies, drinks, and lunch. Your reward is knowing that your time was given to help those less fortunate than ourselves and that within a couple of weeks of your volunteer work, families will be able to move into a transitional living program temporarily until they can get into permanent housing.

If we all continue to work together in our Island community to focus our energy on our children, our families, and our neighbors, we will achieve our goal of having a safe and healthy Hawaii Island. We will not solve the homeless problem in a day, a week, a month, or a year.

But every step forward that we take together, every time we share our compassion and aloha, and every time another family is able to move off of the beach and out of their cars, then we will have reduced the homeless problem. We live in a beautiful and special place: it should be that way for everyone. Mahalo!

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Governor Linda Lingle, in a letter to Mayor Harry Kim dated March 24, 2006, approved the release of $6 million for water wells in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

The wells will serve the entire Ocean View area, whose residents currently rely on catchment or water hauled commercially by tanker trucks.

Up until the wells are built, there will have been no County-dedicated water supply between South Point and Hookena.

"This is a most welcome development for the people of the Ocean View area," said Mayor Harry Kim. "The community has worked very hard to get the funding for this project for a long time. Now it's happening and we're very happy."

Department of Water Supply Manager Milton Pavao will have his staff begin the procurement process for a contractor to do the planning and design work on the well project.

There are several steps to go through to build a well. The process of building a well is as follows:

• Planning and design (takes about 1 year)
• Bidding process (6 months)
• Construction (1-2 years)

If all goes smoothly, the project should take 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years to complete.

For further information, please contact Department of Water Supply at 961-8060.

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Hawai`i County department heads will be appearing on a series of TV segments entitled "Video Report to Hawai`i County" as part of the Hawai`i Aloha Show hosted by Rosey Rosenthal on cable access Channel 54.

• Bill Takaba (Finance)
• Chris Yuen (Planning)

• Barbara Bell (Environmental Management)

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A public hearing will be held on the proposed Hilu Hilu/Palamanui Development Project, during which the County Council's Planning Department chaired by K. Angel Pilago will hear testimony from the public and statements from the developer. You may provide written testimony and/or testify in person.

The Planning Committee of the County Council hopes to be able to provide more information to the community as they receive it regarding the University site, proposed connector roads, water, and other matters. The community is encouraged to attend the Public Hearing to learn more.

Planning Committee Chairman K. Angel Pilago and Planning Committee members via email at:

counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us mailto:counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us

cc kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us or mailto: kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us  

You may also fax testimony to: 961-8912 and cc to: 329-4786.

Copies of testimony submitted ahead of time will be distributed to all Council members. If you bring your written testimony to the meeting, please bring 16 copies for distribution. In any case, both written and oral testimony will be made a part of the record.

Two Bills will be discussed:

• Bill 224 - The rezoning request to changes the District classification from Ag.-3 acre and Open to Project District
• Bill 225 - Which separates the Palamanui Project area from the Makalei Estates Project

This proposed project is an 855-unit development located about one mile north of Keahole International Airport and mauka of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

According to the office of Planning Committee chair Pilago, the application proposes partnership for the creation of a new University site for West Hawai‘i and the promise of a main connector road between Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and Mamalahoa Highway. "We must balance increased traffic impacts and additional infrastructure deficits," Pilago's office said in a press release.

For further information, call the Council offices in Kona at 327-3642 and Waimea office at 887-2043.

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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 Department of Water Supply wishes to inform the community that water will be temporarily turned off in the Kailua-Kona area on Sunday, April 30, 2006, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to make a waterline connection for the Kuakini Highway Waterline Improvements Project.

• The affected area is in Kailua-Kona along Kuakini Hwy, from Kalani Road to Hualalai Road, including Lono-Kona subdivision and Kailua McDonald's Restaurant, Keopu-Honuaula.

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, and we are grateful for your understanding.

If you have any questions, please call Andrew Higa, Water Service District Supervisor I, at 322-0600 or Felix Estabilio, Jr., Waterworks Construction Project Inspector III, at 322-0700.

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Fighting for a Cure. With a unique contribution to the American Cancer Society, that’s just what Hawaii County firefighters hope to do by delivering roses on May 12, Mother's Day to your loved ones.

Uniformed firefighters will deliver rose bouquets on Mother's Day to mothers in East Hawaii. This is the fourth year that firefighters have volunteered their time to sponsor the Mother’s Day rose project. Over $9,500 has been donated to American Cancer Society since its inception.

The firefighters will be accepting orders at the Merrie Monarch craft fair at the AhFook Chinen Civic Auditorium on Thursday, April 20, through Saturday, April 22. Each confirmed order will include a donation to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the bouquet’s recipient.

Order forms may also be obtained from the Fire Administration office located at the County Building or by calling 961-8297.

For more information, please call Firefighter Gabriel Sasaki at the Waimea Fire Station (887-3021), Firefighter Patrick Springer at the Central Fire Station (961-8325), or Firefighter Shane Paulos at the Pahoa Fire Station (965-2708).

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In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, the Fire Department is sponsoring their 6th annual EMS 5K Family Run/2 Mile-Walk/Keiki Fun Run on Sunday, May 28, 2006. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. at Liliu`okalani Park, and the public is invited to participate.

This year, proceeds from this event will benefit the Hospice of Hilo, an organization that brings care and compassion to many patients and their families.

The 5K Family Run and 2-Mile Walk begins and ends at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo. The route proceeds from Lihiwai Street to the lighthouse tower at Bayfront Highway, then back along the same route to the park. The 2-mile walk also begins at the park to a shorter turn-around point and back.

Both events will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 28th. For the first time this year, a Keiki Fun Run will be incorporated into the event. It is a ¼ mile non-competitive event for children ages 3 to 10, and will be held within Liliuokalani Park.

Applications may be obtained at the Spencer Health and Fitness Center, the Fire Administration office located in the County Building, at any district fire station, or by calling 961-8297 during normal business hours.

The entrance fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for youth, students & seniors (60+). Deadline to guarantee a shirt is May 22.

Awards will be presented following the completion of the event. All participants will also become eligible to receive random drawing prizes. Spencer Health and Fitness Center is a major corporate sponsor of the event.

The family fun run/walk will also kick off various events and displays that will continue throughout the day. The American Heart Association, Ululani Pharmacy and Keiki ID will provide their services to the public.

The Hospice of Hilo volunteers and staff will also be on hand to assist with the event as well as to provide information about the hospice program of care. For more information on the organization, please call Ron Hart at 969-1733.

EMS Week, which is celebrated nationwide, will bring together communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical "front line." This year’s theme, "EMS: Serving on Health Care’s Front Line" underscores the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS technicians who provide an essential community service every day.

The Emergency Medical Services Week coordinators are Fire Equipment Operator /Mobile Intensive Care Technician Lance Uchida (Central Fire Station, telephone 961-8325) and Fire Captain Jerry Lum (Waiakea Fire Station, telephone 961-8678). The fun run/walk race director is Firefighter/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Jesse Ebersole (Central Fire Station, telephone 961-8325).

The County of Hawaii’s Emergency Medical Services Division, a State-funded program, provides 24-hour quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to the residents and visitors on Hawaii. Last year, EMS responded to 14,612 calls for assistance island wide. To learn more about your local EMS Division, contact Battalion Chief Paul Paiva at 961-8319.

Event organizers welcome your support of EMS. Please join your Fire Department on May 28th.

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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 an 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.

• Underground traffic signal work and also curb ramp and sidewalk construction on Kuakini / Hualalai intersection continue.
• Loop detector installation at the intersections with Kuakini is ongoing.
• Roadway excavation and asphalt concrete paving of Hanama Place is scheduled for April 30, 2006 starting from 7:00 a.m. until the work is complete, weather permitting. All access to Hanama Place will be closed to traffic in order to facilitate the work.
• Waterline connection work at the Kuakini Highway/Hualalai Road intersection fronting the Territorial Savings Building is also planned for April 30, 2006.
• Various utility relocation work is ongoing.

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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Through a grant-funded partnership, the Hilo Medical Center and the USDA Rural Development are working to help home-based healthcare workers establish and operate their own cooperative business in East Hawaii.

The next Home Care Cooperative Community Outreach meetings are as follows:

• Puna District - Pahoa Neighborhood Center, Wednesday, April 19, 2006

First Session: 4:30 PM– 6:00 PM

Second Session: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

• Hilo District - Clem Akina Park, Wainuku, Saturday, April 22, 2006

First Session: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Second Session: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

If you are a home health care worker interested in becoming a member of this cooperative in East Hawaii, please join us.

Find out how forming a cooperative worker-owned business can benefit you and how you can help improve the quality of life for your patients and yourself. For more information, contact Kimberley Schorr, Home Health Care Steering Committee at 965-5063, or Jeannie Stoner, USDA Rural Development at 933-8309.

A Steering Committee has been organized, and its members have been working with local experts in the field of home healthcare, including representatives from Hilo Medical Center, USDA Rural Development, and numerous independent home healthcare providers. The Steering Committee is working through the organizational steps necessary to determine if the cooperative business will be financially feasible. To determine if there is sufficient interest in the project from caregivers, four informational meetings have been scheduled in both the Hilo and Puna areas.

"The development of a rural home-based healthcare cooperative business could provide a cost- effective means of providing East Hawaii’s families an alternative to in-home care services currently available," said Rural Development State Director Lorraine Shin. "The worker-owned business has a potential to provide job stability, benefits, educational opportunities, and business ownership for its members. Through partnerships, USDA Rural Development is working to improve the quality of life for rural residents

Worker cooperatives are businesses that are owned and democratically governed by the employees. Cooperatives provide their employees with both jobs and ownership – allowing workers to directly benefit from the financial success of the business.

Worker-owned home care cooperatives provide personal and supportive services to people with long-term physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, or with short-term needs for medical or personal assistance.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Additional information about rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or on USDA’s Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .  USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer.

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

• 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.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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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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Recycling Conference in Kona for Hawai`i Island Community May 20

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 24th through Friday, April 28th, 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

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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