May 12, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

• Hakalau Sugar Mill Site on Oceanfront Donated to County of Hawai`i
• Mayor Lauds 2006 SBA Top Small Businesses on Hawai`i Island
• HPD's new Bloodhound to Make Debut at Police Week Events

• Meeting on EIS Preparation Notice for Proposed S. Hilo Waste Reduction Facility
• Banyan Way Road Closure on May 17 Due to Water Main Repairs
• Fire Department Sponsors EMS 5K Family Run/2 Mile Walk on May 28 in Hilo
• Presentation on Proposed West Hawai`i Civic Center for Kona on June 6 and 7
• 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

• "Talking Trash" Conference at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Saturday May 20
• Charity Run/Walk in West Hawai`i on Saturday, May 20
• Lifelong Learning Institute holds Akamai Elders series of courses in Honoka`a
• West Hawai`i Fisheries Council Meets May 18 at Honokohau Marina
• East Hawai`i CompuCycle Event Returns to Hilo in May
• Car Control and Safety Clinic to be held in Hilo Sunday, May 21
• Meeting to Plan Mainland Job Fair to Bring Home Former Hawaii Residents
• Free Showing of Documentary about WWII Filipino Infantry Regiments May 28
• Composting Workshops in May and June
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

• Signs and Markings Projects
• Update on Fiber Optic Cable Project in Hilo

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Mayor Harry Kim expresses his deep appreciation, on behalf of Hawaii County, to Continental Pacific LLC for the generous donation of the oceanfront Hakalau Sugar Mill site to Hawaii County. Special thanks are due to Continental Pacific’s principal officers, Jere A. Henderson and J. Barron Strother, and to their local broker, Hank Correa, Jr., of Hank Correa Realty, for their support in making this donation to the people of Hawai‘i.

This 3.2-acre site, located at the shoreline next to the beach at Hakalau, will be a tremendous long-term recreational asset to the County.

In the years since the closure of the mill around 1973, the beach area has become popular with surfers, fishermen and beachgoers.

It is one of the few shoreline areas on the Hamakua Coast where swimmers and surfers can get into the ocean. The site was cleared and cleaned before Continental Pacific’s acquisition of it from Mauna Kea Agribusiness.

The mill site comes with an easement to the county road at Hakalau, which can be used for public access to the site.

The County’s short-term plan is to partner with community groups to restore access to the ocean and enable the community to continue its use of the area for surfing, fishing and beachgoing.

It is also noted with tremendous appreciation that Continental Pacific has also granted public access easements along the entire shoreline of its Pepeekeo subdivisions, creating public access along an area almost three miles long.

Access to many areas of the island has been of deep concern to the people of Hawai‘i because of various issues of land ownership and development, and this is an example of a very beautiful arrangement by the private sector to address this concern of the people.

Mayor Kim acknowledges and thanks Planning Director Chris Yuen, who has been working on this for some time to restore full access to Hakalau Beach. Ensuring public access has been one of Mr. Yuen’s priorities, not only for Hakalau but for the entire island. A sincere thank you to Mr. Yuen for doing this work.

The Hakalau mill donation, like other donations to the County, requires County Council acceptance. The County administration has consulted with the district councilmember, Dr. Fred Holschuh, who has expressed support for accepting the donation.

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Mayor Harry Kim, Deputy Managing Director Barbara Kossow and the County of Hawai`i administration this week extended congratulations to this year's winners of the U.S. Small Business Administration awards from the Big Island.

The Mayor and Deputy Managing Director gave certificates of congratulation to the awardees from Hawai`i Island, who were first honored at the annual SBA Small Business Awards presentation at a Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon in Hilo on April 17.

For more than 20 years, SBA's Small Business Awards have honored the contributions of small business owners and advocates to the local economy in conjunction with National Small Business Week.

The SBA Awards are considered among the most prestigious honors for small businesses in the state and are highly competitive.

Business Services Hawai`i (Margaret Pahio and Shon Pahio) -- Small Business Person of the Year for the County of Hawai`i. Based in Hilo. Business Services Hawaii, started by Margaret Pahio in 1984, was named the Small Business Person of the Year for the County of Hawaii. Son Shon joined the management team after spending years on the mainland for school and work experience. The rubbish service has grown steadily, diversifying services to meet local needs, including the development of four recycling sites. BHS had grown to handle 450 commercial accounts and provides jobs for 18 people. Calvin Kang of Central Pacific Bank nominated BSH for the top award recognizing their staying power, response to adversity and increases in annual revenue and employment.

I. Kitagawa and Company, Ltd (managed by Brian Kitagawa) -- Entrepreneurial Success Award for the State of Hawai`i. Based in Hilo. I. Kitagawa and Company, Ltd. has been serving big island customers since Isojiro Kitagawa opened a fish market in 1905. This award is presented to a business that started out as a small business but has grown into a large and successful company. Today, under the leadership of fourth generation Brian Kitagawa, the business operates as Kamaaina Motors, Kona Auto Center and the Napa Parts Center Hawaii, employing 160 people and generating millions in revenue each year. Roberta Chu and Art Taniguchi of Bank of Hawaii prepared the nomination.

Benjamin C. Fouts (of Mauna Loa Helicopters) -- Young Entrepreneur Award for the State of Hawai`i and Region IX. Based in Kailua-Kona. To qualify for SBA’s Young Entrepreneur Award, a candidate must own or operate a viable business for a minimum of three years before reaching the age of 30 years old. To most this would be a huge challenge, but Benjamin C. Fouts of Mauna Loa Helicopters has the talent and determination to make things happen.

Fouts has managed to turn a near bankrupt firm into a growing and profitable business, increasing revenues at the flight training school well over 300% since 2002. The company also employs 15 full time staff in three locations in the state. Christie Dermengian of Bank of Hawaii submitted the winning nomination to SBA.

Puna Kamali`i Flowers, Inc (operated by Thomas and Vickie Nelson) -- Minority Small Business Champion for the County of Hawai`i. Based in Kea`au. The Minority Small Business Champion title is given to an individual or business that has demonstrated a commitment to support greater participation of a minority or underserved segment of the community in business. Puna Kamali’i Flowers, Inc. is operated by Thomas and Vickie Nelson to propagate, pack, and sell plants and foliage. What makes the business extraordinary is that the mission is to train disabled individuals, to become viable, productive and motivated employees. Keene Fujinaka of Bank of Hawaii notes their advocacy efforts have had great success in improving opportunities for the disabled.

Fern Gavelek (of Fern Gavelek Communications) -- Small Business Journalist Award for the County of Hawai`i. Based in Holualoa. With over 25 years in journalism, Gavelek is one of the most talented business writers on the Big Island. She develops in depth stories that are compelling and showcase the contributions provided by small business. Her work has been featured in This Week Publications, Kona Views magazine, North Hawaii News, Hawai`i Tribune-Herald and many other publications. Gavelek was nominated by Christie Dermengian, Bank of Hawaii.

Congratulations to all of our 2006 Big Island winners!

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Everybody's talking about the new dog in town.

Tucker is a tracking bloodhound trained to help the Hawaii Police Department locate missing children. He was presented to the Police Department in an April 7th ceremony in Honolulu.

Law enforcement officials stress the importance of rapid response to child abduction cases. According to statistics, nearly three-fourths of children abducted by strangers are killed within the first three hours.

Police can also use Tucker to help track down fugitives, missing hikers and missing adults suffering from dementia or any life-threatening or debilitating illness.

The dog was acquired and trained through a cooperative partnership with the Department of the Attorney General Missing Child Center-Hawaii, Hawaii Police Department, Friends of the Missing Child Center-Hawaii, Friends of the Children Justice Centers-East and West Hawaii and Canine Kids.

A canine detail from the Honolulu Police Department helped train the two Big Island officers who will work with Tucker. Officer B J Duarte of Hilo and Officer Walter Ah Mow of Kona work for the Juvenile Aid Sections on each side of the island. Tucker will be stationed in Hilo between assignments but, unlike other police canines, is trained to take orders from more than one officer.

Tucker, Duarte and Ah Mow have already proven themselves to be a valuable team. While still on Oahu, they helped the Honolulu Police Department search for a missing 21-year-old man with schizophrenia who was experiencing a psychotic episode.

That earned the human members of the team a letter of appreciation from the Honolulu police department's chief, Boisse Correa.

"The officers were a tremendous asset to our search team, as they have expert canine-handling skills," Correa wrote in a letter to Hawaii Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

"The heavy rainfall that occurred several days earlier caused the area to be muddy and slippery. There was also dense foliage. As a result, the search was very challenging and was only for those who are very skilled."

The letter will be presented to the Hawaii County Police Commission and placed in the officers' permanent personnel files.

Another tracking bloodhound assisted in the same search. Annie, who joined the Honolulu Police Department in 2003, has found six missing persons or their remains in her time on the police force.

Tucker should be equally helpful here. Hawaii County covers 4,000 square miles and some of it is rough terrain. So when a child goes missing, or an elderly person wanders off or someone gets swept away by a river, police have a lot of territory to search. It can be frustrating for the families as well as for the officers.

Tucker could make the difference between a tragic outcome and a joyful reunion.

The public will have a chance to meet Tucker during Police Week festivities May 15 in Hilo and May 17 in Kona.

The dog is just one of many attractions and activities on the agenda for the nationally recognized Police Week, which honors officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

In 1962 President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as Police Week.

The events begin at 10 a.m. on May 15 with a formal program at the Hilo police station to pay tribute to fallen officers from the Hawaii Police Department.

After the formal ceremony, police will present demonstrations and displays until 3 p.m.

During that time, Tucker will be on display and canines from the vice section will demonstrate how they signal officers when they detect drugs in a car.

A similar celebration will be offered for West Hawaii residents on Wednesday, May 17, at the old Kona Airport gym.

During Police Week, police will make presentations at various locations in the community. Those include presentations on how to protect against ID theft and how to reduce the risk of burglary.

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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 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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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 community is cordially invited to a presentation regarding the proposed West Hawaii Civic Center for Kona.

The new Civic Center will be located west of Kealakehe High School, along Ane Keohokalole Highway and Kealakehe Parkway. It is designed to provide a convenient, one-stop center for a variety of County services, a community meeting place, as well as mayor and County Council offices.

When: Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Place: King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona

When: Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Place: Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria, Kealakekua

The presentation will go over the project scope, schedule, functional and fiscal requirements.

This is an opportunity to express your thoughts on the proposed facility, and learn about the results of prior public meetings involving the community, County administration and the County Council.

Seating may be limited. For further information, please contact Deputy Managing Director Barbara Kossow at 329-5226.

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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.

• Underground traffic signal work at Kuakini/Hualalai intersection is nearing completion.
• Work on the 16-Inch waterline at the Kuakini/Hualalai intersection is on-going.
• Chain-link fence and handrail work continues.
• Traffic detector installation at the intersections with Kuakini Highway is in progress.
• Various utility relocation work is on-going.
• Drywell construction at the Kuakini/Sarona intersection has begun, and will continue for approximately three weeks.

Information on project status will be provided via this newsletter, the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us and the Mayor's West Hawaii Office at 329-5226.

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Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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The Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board is pleased to host a "Talking Trash" Conference to be held on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Kalahuipua'a.

The 2006 "Talking Trash" Conference offers an opportunity for our Hawai`i Island community to explore the many challenges to our island's waste stream.

• finding money in recycling
• curbside recycling
• incorporating green building principals into future projects for Hawaii Island
• the benefits of organic diversion here on Hawai`i Island.

Special guest speakers include Timonie Hood of EPA Region 9, Bob King of Pacific Biofuel, Eric Lombardi of Eco-Cycle, Barbara Bell of the County’s Environmental Management with issue that face our island home and Gail Suzuki-Jones of DBEDT. You will also have an opportunity to network with other concerned residents from all over the state of Hawai`i.

Register now! The registration fee is $55.00 which includes a continental breakfast and a fabulous lunch.

This event provides an exceptional opportunity for you to display information about your company, your product, your ideas and objectives on waste disposal and recycling efforts at this conference. If interested in reserving a display table or if you have any questions please call Skylark Rossetti at (808) 935-2180. Space is very limited.

For further information and to register for the conference, log on to the HIEDB website at www.hiedb.org  , or call at (808) 935-2180.

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It’s time to lace up your walking or running shoes for the 28th Annual Big Island Visitor Industry Charity Walk on Saturday, May 20th to raise funds for Big Island charities.

The 3.2 mile run/walk moves to a new location this year behind the Waimea Family YMCA Park on Parker Ranch in Waimea beginning at 6:45 a.m. for the run, and 7:00 a.m. for the walk.

Participants must submit a minimum pledge of $35 per person to participate which also includes breakfast, prizes and "Big Island Idol" country/western entertainment.

"The Walk is a great way to give back to our community, especially since all the money raised on the Big Island stays on the island," said Charles Park, general manager at Mauna Kea Resort and Big Island chairman for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

In collaboration with the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Mauna Kea Resort is offering special kama‘aina rates for the weekend of May 19-21, 2006. For information or reservations call 1-866-PRINCE-6 or visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com   .

The Visitor Industry Charity Walk is Hawaii’s largest single-day fundraiser coordinated by the Hawai‘i Hotel & Lodging Association and takes place simultaneously on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Additional walks are on Molokai and Lanai.

More than $16 Million has been raised for local charities since the walk’s inception 28 years ago.

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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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The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua, Kona.

The presentation for May will feature the ongoing research on yellow tang. The Hawaii Cooperative Fishery Research Unit is gathering important information about the life history, ecology and species biology of yellow tang.

The major thrust of this research is to learn about the species' age, growth, movement, mortality and habitat use.

The Fisheries Council is accepting new membership applications for its Spring Membership Drive.

You can obtain membership applications from the Division of Aquatic Resources office at Honokohau, the Sea Grant office at NELHA or emailing and/or calling Marni Herkes at marnih@hawaiiantel.net  or 987 2171.

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.

The Council has eight very active committees who are always seeking new members to sustain their broad scope. The community is cordially invited to attend the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

For further information, please contact: Marni Herkes at 987 2171 or email marnih@hawaiiantel.net  .

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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 Coordinators at 961-8549 or 961-8527.

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The Big Island's first Car Control and Safety Clinic will be held at the Hilo Raceway on Sunday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Car Control Clinic is a non-competitive event designed to educate drivers in the safe and responsible handling of their cars, both on the track and on our Hawai`i Island highways.

The event is open to the first 40 participants and their cars, who will use both the short sports car tacks and portions of the drag-strip for the event's multi-part exercises.

The objective of the Car Control Clinic is to help people become better and safer drivers on the road, as well as on the course.

The event will include a discussion of car control basics:

• Dynamics (acceleration/braking/turning)
• Tire performance
• Driver inputs and responses

Participants will then perform a series of exercises to demonstrate the elements of the lecture in their car. The exercises include:

1. Precision braking maneuver
2. Slalom course
3. Skidpad simulation

Fee for participants: $60 (includes lunch and instruction)

Participants must register by Monday, May 15, 2006. To register call Jim Cohn at 808-327-0362.

For more information, also check out www.bigislandscca.org   .

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Hawai`i Island employers will be holding two job fairs in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, in hopes of luring back former Hawai`i residents with good jobs. A minimum number of employers is needed to conduct these Job Fairs.

A planning meeting to finalize details and answer questions regarding the job fairs will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 10:00am at the Fairmont Orchid. Jon Sakurai-Horita of Kama'aina Careers, who will coordinate the job fairs, will attend this meeting.

Please RSVP via email to Lori Sasaki at lsasaki@dlir.state.hi.us   by Friday, May 19th.

• Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 in Las Vegas
• Sunday, October 15, 2006 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Each job fair will target the mid-range and higher-level occupations.

For additional information, please contact the Big Island Workplace Connection, Workforce Development Division at (808) 327-4770.

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The public is invited to a free showing of the documentary "An Untold Triumph," portraying the important role played during World War II by Filipino Infantry regiments. "An Untold Triumph" will be shown Sunday, Memorial Day, May 28, 2006 at 1:00 PM at the Aloha Theatre & Aloha Angel Café in Kainaliu, eight miles south of Kailua-Kona on Hwy 11.

A reception starts 12:30 PM in the lobby. Admission is FREE.

"An Untold Triumph," is an award-winning 85-minute documentary about the 1st & 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. Their stories of covert operations in New Guinea and the Philippines are captured in this film.

Of the 7,000 Filipinos who volunteered, 300 were from Hawai’i and only 100 are still living. Of the surviving regiment members, 25 are Big Islanders, according to documentary sponsor Carol Brown.

Domingo Los Banos, a retired Hawai‘i school superintendent and veteran of the 1st regiment was the driving force behind production of this documentary. With assistance from former UH ethnic studies professor Linda Revilla, and filmmakers Stephanie Castillo and Noel "Sonny" Izon of Washington, D.C., the documentary won several awards:

Among the awards it received the 2003 Telly Awards Silver Prize and the and 2000 Audience Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival. It also got a special screening at the Smithsonian Institution.

For further information, please contact: Carol Brown at 959-1395.

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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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(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 15th through Friday, May 19th, 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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