May 5, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Coqui Frogs -- Hawai`i Tackles an Alien Species
• Meeting on EIS Preparation Notice for Proposed S. Hilo Waste Reduction Facility
• Kailua Pier Sewage Pump Station in Last Stages of Testing

• Public Meeting on Transfer Station in South Kona/Ocean View on May 10
• Banyan Way Road Closure on May 17 Due to Water Main Repairs
• 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
• Hawai`i County Resource Center Accepts Healing Our Island Grant Applications
• Deputy Voter Registrar Classes to be Conducted in Hawai`i County
• More Roads-in-Limbo Information Sessions by Dept of Public Works
• 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
• HI5¢ Recyclers Can Donate Redemption Money to Hawai`i Island United Way
• Kuakini Highway Update
• Job Announcements

• Outstanding Older Americans Award Luncheon at Hapuna Beach May 12
• Composting Workshops in May and June
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

• Hawai`i Community College Offers Summer High School Credits
• Lifelong Learning Institute holds Akamai Elders series of courses in Honoka`a
• 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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In 1992, Caribbean tree frogs, Eleutherodactylus coqui, more commonly known as coqui frogs, were first identified on the Island of Hawaii. It is believed that their accidental introduction to the Island of Hawaii occurred in the early 1990’s when this alien species hitched a ride in potted nursery plants.

Documented sightings and reports of the coqui frogs increased from eight reported sightings in 1998 to more than 85 by 2001. Currently, the coqui frog has established populations on the Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.

The Island of Hawaii has the largest number of infestations, currently estimated at more than 200 sites. Maui has over 40 sites where coqui frogs are present.

The species' shrill, incessant mating calls, compounded by the animals' high population densities, shatter the peace and quiet of residents and visitors alike.

The coqui’s loud chirping is the mating call of the male frog. Coqui noise has been measured at levels exceeding 70 decibels. Population densities can exceed 8,000 frogs per acre.

It is clear that coqui infestations present a serious threat to the quality of life for our Island residents.

Research on controlling the coqui frogs began in 1999 by the USDA National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Hawaii Field Station, in collaboration with the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture (DOA).

Early efforts were focused on finding a chemical (pesticide/pharmaceutical) solution to eradicate and control coqui frog populations. Initially, success was found with caffeine and pyrethroids but the cost, effectiveness and federal requirements proved to be hurdles in establishing these chemicals as effective eradication and control tools.

In 2001, an Invasive Species Management Plan was started by an ad hoc working group.

This working group consisted of members from the State Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii, the United States Department of Agriculture (Wildlife Services Division and the National Wildlife Research Center), the County of Hawaii, private industry representatives, and community associations.

The goal was to establish a short-term, medium-term and long-term strategic plan focused on eradication and control of coqui frog infestations.

The initial focus of the Coqui Frog Working Group was to increase communication between government agencies and private entities to ensure cooperation and minimize duplication of efforts to limit the spread of coqui frog populations. Bimonthly meetings were held between community stakeholders.

Laboratory and field research, control and abatement efforts, chemical and biological control methods, as well as educational materials were developed over a two-year period by the Coqui Frog Working Group.

During this two-year period, many people and agencies contributed to the following accomplishments:

• Citric Acid and Hydrated Lime, chemicals that were readily available and inexpensive, were found to be effective to eradicate coqui frogs.
• Dr. Larry Woolbright, a Siena College, NY, specialist on coqui frog biology and habitat, visited Hawaii Island to share control information.
• A homeowners brochure and a coqui frog poster with practical information were widely distributed on the Neighbor Islands.
• 100-gallon sprayers were made available for community associations and local organizations to control coqui in their neighborhoods.
• Petitioning of the EPA for a pesticide exemption to allow cheap, cost-effective and safe chemicals to be used for coqui control.
• Wal-Mart and other retailers began to inspect, spray, and eliminate coqui frog populations in their shops after requests from Coqui Frog Working Group.
• DOA Plant Quarantine personnel began visually inspecting all inter-island shipment of nursery plants – violations required citric acid spray.
• A habitat modification effort was tested at the Lava Tree State Park, with citric spraying and re-planting of native plants.
• Dr. Richard Speare of Australia came to Hawaii and presented on a fungus known as chytridiomycosis, that is lethal to frogs in parts of the world.
• A hot water drenching system to control coqui frogs and allow safe, clean, shipment of nursery plants was developed.
• Coqui population monitoring plots were set up at Puainako Street, Keaau Transfer Station and Lava Tree Park to determine population density.
• Community associations report success in eliminating coqui frog infestations in Ka’u, Kapoho, and in North Kohala.
• The Federal, State, and County governments are firmly committed to the eradication and control of the coqui frog as evidenced by recent Federal reports, State legislation and a County emergency declaration.

A final environmental assessment for Caribbean tree frog control in the State of Hawaii was completed on May 24, 2004. This report was prepared by the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services, in cooperation with the DOA's Plant Industry Division, DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife; University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; and the US Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.

This final environmental assessment was prepared to assess the impact of a proposed coqui frog control program to reduce high density populations of coqui frogs on all Islands, if eradication is not feasible.

It is hoped that this final environmental assessment will also lead to significant federal resources to implement the control program.

The State of Hawaii has officially declared the coqui an agricultural pest .

Intentionally transporting the coqui frog is a petty misdemeanor under state law (HRS Chapter 124).

In 2003, the State Legislature established the Hawaii State Invasive Species Committee to coordinate a response to invasive species like the coqui frog. The act creating the Hawaii State Invasive Species Committee acknowledged that alien species are the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people and visitors.

In April 2004, Mayor Harry Kim signed an emergency declaration amid the mounting threat that the coqui frog poses to the environment, the economy, and the health and well-being of Hawaii’s people.

This declaration recognized that we must work together with all levels of government and with our communities to reduce and eliminate this threat to our fragile ecosystem and our unique way of life.

It is hoped that a comprehensive, coordinated effort will prove effective in reducing the threat of the coqui frog to Hawaii Island and its people.

The County of Hawaii in cooperation with the USDA, the DOA, and the UH has established a Hawaii County loan sprayer program. This program is administered by the Coqui Frog Working Group, and makes available 100-gallon sprayers for residents and community associations to use to eliminate coqui infestations.

This comprehensive program includes:

• Instruction on the biology of the coqui frog
• Instruction in the proper use of the sprayers
• Instruction in the necessary mixture and preparation of chemicals
• Instruction in the effective application process
• An evaluation to measure the spraying's efficacy and to assist in future coqui control efforts.

For further information, please contact :

• USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services – 808-961-4428 ext. 28
• Hawaii State Department of Agriculture – 808-974-4000 ext. 67378
• Big Island Invasive Species Hotline – 808-961-3299
• The Coqui Frog Working Group – 808-974-4105
• The County of Hawaii – Mayor’s Office – 808-961-8316

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The Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management encourages the community to attend a public meeting relating to the Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) for the proposed South Hilo Waste Reduction Technology Facility.

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Aupuni Conference Room, in the new County Building on Pauahi Street in Hilo.

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

The development of a waste reduction technology facility is one component of the overall long-term solid waste management approach identified by the County in the Update to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan..

It is one of several solid waste management options currently being considered by the Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management.

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

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

This meeting is part of the ongoing public involvement process for the waste reduction technology facility project, which began with a March 2, 2006 meeting.

The May 17 meeting will update the public on the current status of the procurement process for the project. It will also discuss site studies and health risk assessments that are expected to be conducted as part of the EIS and permit applications.

Officials and consultants who will be on hand to explain the project and answer public questions will include:

• Department of Environmental Management: Director Barbara Bell and Solid Waste Division Chief Mike Dworsky.

• Geometrician Associates: Ron Terry, chief scientist for the EISPN.
• DR Associates: David Robichaux, P.E., technical consultant for the EISPN.

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

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The Wastewater Division of the Department of Environmental Management is pleased to announced that the recently-renovated Kailua Pier Sewage Pump Station is finally in the last stages of testing and acceptance.

The reliability of the equipment at that station has been confirmed and any remaining technical issues were judged insufficient to hold up the removal of the emergency back up equipment and fencing that was positioned at the Keopu Sewage Pump Station across the street.

The backup generators and fencing have been removed. The rock walls were repaired and trip hazards removed by the contractor so the area is now safer for pedestrians.

For further information, please contact Nelson Ho, Deputy Director of Environmental Management at 961-8965.

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The Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management invites the community to a public meeting concerning the ongoing need for a solid waste transfer station in the South Kona/Ocean View area.

To clarify, a solid waste transfer station is a convenience center (not a landfill), where residents dispose of their household rubbish and possibly recycle materials and redeem beverage container deposits.

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center on Leilani Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

Mayor Harry Kim is scheduled to attend, along with Councilman Bob Jacobson, Department of Environmental Management Deputy Director Nelson Ho, Solid Waste Division Chief Mike Dworsky, and consultant Ron Terry of Geometrician Associates.

The County will give a presentation on the need for the project and the history of the search for an appropriate site. The presentation will be followed by a question & answer/community strategy session.

We really need and value the community's creative and constructive input.

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

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The County of Hawai‘i's Department of Water Supply will be closing Banyan Way at the intersection of Banyan Way and Banyan Drive and the intersection of Banyan Way and Kalanianaole Avenue for the purpose of water main repair.

This repair work and road closure will occur on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please pardon the temporary inconvenience of the road closure and repair work. For further information, please contact Carl Nishimura of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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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.

Each confirmed order will include a donation to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the bouquet’s recipient.

Order forms may 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 Hawaii County Resource Center would like to inform our community that the center is now accepting applications for Healing Our Island grants.

The Healing Our Island Community Fund is a mini-grant program that awards grants of up to $2,000 to community groups and grassroots organizations within Hawaii County for projects and events that address drug awareness and education, and drug prevention.

You may download the application by visiting the Healing Our Island website at www.healingourisland.com 

For further information about Healing Our Island or other community grant programs, please contact the Hawaii County Resource Center, Department of Research & Development at 25 Aupuni Street, Room 109, Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: 961-8366. Email: hcrc@co.hawaii.hi.us  .

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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 County Department of Public Works invites the public to help verify the location of Government Roads or Homestead Roads on the Island of Hawai`i, in the Department's effort to develop a Roads- in-Limbo policy.

As a follow up to recently-held public meetings on Roads-in-Limbo, Public Works is holding additional meetings to ask residents and land owners to help verify any government or homestead road abutting their property.

WHERE: North Hilo, at Laupahoehoe School Library, Humanities Room

WHEN: May 24, 2006 at 6:00 pm

WHERE: North Kohala, at Hisaoka Gym

WHEN: May 31, 2006at 6:00 pm

WHERE: South Kohala, at Waimea Community Center

WHEN: June 7, 2006 at 6 pm

If you plan on attending the meeting, please bring the Tax Map Key number of your property and Street Name. We will have maps available at the meeting for review. For further information, please contact Jiro A. Sumada, Deputy Director 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), please call 961-8321.

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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.

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

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

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has 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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The HI5 legislation, also known as the bottle bill began on January 1, 2005. It is working in many ways big and small. Here’s an example.

From May, 2006 conscientious recyclers can feel twice as good about keeping beverage containers out of the landfill, by taking advantage of a new fundraising program that directs the redemption money to the Hawaii Island United Way.

Through an agreement between Hawaii Island United Way and The Arc of Hilo, which operates nine out of 11 HI-5 redemption centers on the Big Island, residents can now direct their nickel-per-container proceeds to Hawaii Island United Way.

"Every nickel counts, and we are thrilled that The Arc of Hilo has generously agreed to direct HI-5 funds to us from people who want to support the programs and partner agencies of HIUW," said Darla DeVille, president and CPO of the island-wide charitable agency.

The Arc of Hilo Redemption Centers located at the transfer stations in Hilo, Keaau, Waimea, and Kealakehe are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends from 8am-4:30pm. Additional sites are open weekends only at the Pahoa, Waiohinu, Puako, Hawi and Keauhou transfer stations.

When dropping off your HI-5 containers, please state that you would like the nickels to benefit Hawaii Island United Way. The Arc of Hilo will issue a check to Hawaii Island United Way once a month.

The Arc of Hilo is a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for Big Island residents with developmental and other disabilities by providing recreational, vocational and skill training, as well as employment and residential opportunities.

Funds contributed to HIUW help to achieve its mission, which is to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community. Funds are directed to 39 programs of 30 partner agencies—including The Arc of Hilo--as well as to donor-choice agencies.

For more information, please call 935-6393 or 326-7400 or go to www.HawaiiUnitedWay.org .

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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.

The following work is in progress at the Kuakini Highway/Hualalai Intersection:

• The paving of Hanama Place and the connection of the 12-inch waterline fronting Territorial Savings Building at the Kuakini/Hualalai intersection were successfully completed on Sunday, April 30, 2006.
• Underground traffic signal work at Kuakini/Hualalai intersection is nearing completion.
• The 16-Inch waterline work at the Kuakini/Hualalai intersection on-going.
• Work on chain-link fence and handrail continues.
• Various utility relocation work is on-going.

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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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 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Office of Aging’s community group Hamakua Partners in Eldercare are presenting the Akamai Elders series this June in Honoka`a at the Old Honoka`a Hospital site.

The series at the North Hawai`i Education and Research Center (NHERC) will be on five consecutive Thursdays in June:

• Assuring Future Health Care Choices: Section 1: June 1st, 29th 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm; Section 2: June 1st, 29th 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

• Estate Planning: June 8th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

• Credit Card Fundamentals: June 15th, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

• Caring for Someone You Love at Home: June 22nd, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

For further information, please contact Bill Kunstman, North Hawai`i Coordinator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, North Hawai`i Education and Research Center at (808) 756-2127, email: wkunstma@hawaii.edu  .

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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, May 8th through Friday, May 12th, 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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