• Waikoloa Shoreline Trail Segment Makes Debut

• Motor Vehicle Registration Office in Kona has Moved
• Department of Public Works Proposes Emergency Evacuation Road for Waikoloa Village
• Public Meeting on Captain Cook Road Improvement Work August 22
• Absentee Mail Ballot Applications Accepted for Primary, General Elections
• Coqui Control Class to be Held in Na`alehu August 15
• County of Hawai`i Real Property Tax Payment Deadline is August 21
• Workshop in Pahoa on Land Use Regulations, Land Use Plans August 26
• Officer of the Year Luncheon September 13 in Kona
• County Transfer Station Improvements Nearly Complete
• New Resurfacing Schedule for Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea
• County Elections Division Seeks Precinct Officials for Primary, General Elections
• Hawai`i County Resource Center Accepts Healing Our Island Grant Applications
• County Seeks Applicants for Cost of Government Commission
• HI 5¢ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation
• HI5 Redemptions – Getting your Nickels Back by Count or Weight
• Kuakini Highway Update
• Job Announcements

• Marine Debris: Take a Day to Make a Difference – Free Talk August 17
• Solutions Task Forces Meet Monday, August 14
• Community Land Trust Training 101 Workshop Aug 22-23 in Hilo
• Paniolo Day at Parker Ranch Center August 26
• Hulihe`e Palace free concert honors King Kamehameha III August 27
• Evening in Paradise Fund-raiser for United Way Sept 16 in Keauhou
• Colorful Blossoms at Kona Daifukuji Orchid Show Sept 17
• Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station
• Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

• Signs and Markings Projects
• Roadwork on Hwy 137 in Puna Postponed till August 31

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Waikoloa Shoreline Trail Segment Makes Debut

The following is a brief introduction to an exciting new addition to West Hawai`i’s growing expanse of coastal hiking trails, a life-enhancing element for all to enjoy. Deborah Chang of the County of Hawai`i Planning Department and Eleanor Mirikitani of Waikoloa Land Company helped compile this article.

Restoring the ancient walking trails of West Hawai`i

In ancient times, the Ala Loa ("long trail") was a means of traveling by foot along West Hawai`i’s coast. With the help of numerous property owners and resorts, along with State, Federal and County partners, the dream of restoring these trails is coming true. Increasingly signs posted along the coastal trail are calling it the Ala Kahakai ("Trail by the Sea") which is the modern name given to the shoreline trail and recognizes the fact that the trail has been nationally recognized as the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail by the Department of Interior’s National Park Service.

"For more than 20 years citizen advocates, governmental agencies, and landowners have been working to restore what the ancient Hawaiians had: the ability to walk continuously on trails along the coast with mauka-makai trails connecting the uplands with the ocean," said Deborah Chang of the County Planning Department.

What’s new about this segment of trail?

It’s a segment of trail that closes a long-standing gap in the shoreline trail. It enables walkers to hike continuously between Mauna Lani Resort and Waiulua Bay in Waikoloa Resort. The beautiful, meandering trail ties seamlessly into another trail segment that was built by Na Ala Hele, the State’s Trail and Access System, fronting a multi-family residential project called Hali`i Kai to the north.

What’s the span of the shoreline trail with the new segment in Waikoloa? With the new segment made accessible thanks to Waikoloa Land Company, it is now possible to hike continuously for approximately 26 miles from the end of Puako Beach Road to Honokohau Harbor. The County Planning Department and the State’s Na Ala Hele program has been working with Mauna Kea Properties to close a small gap in the shoreline trail across Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s golf course in order to someday enable hikers to walk continuously from the Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae to Honokohau Harbor.

Signage to ensure safety of walkers and golfers

This newly-opened segment of trail goes past a golf course, so Waikoloa Land Company has provided precautionary signs to ensure the safety of walkers and golfers.

Examples of signs posted along the new segment include signage cautioning walkers to be aware of golfers ahead and to look out for flying golf balls. Other signs ask golfers to be aware of trail walkers. Trail etiquette and common sense safety requires both golfers and walkers to watch out for each other.

Warning signs regarding terrain

Signage also warns against surface conditions such as uneven terrain, cautioning trail walkers to beware of tripping hazards or sheer cliffs along the way.

Who will maintain the new trail segment?

Waikoloa Land Company will maintain and manage the new trail segment.

The County of Hawaii is truly appreciative of the cooperation and kokua from Waikoloa Land Company in helping make this new segment a safe, wonderful addition to the growing coastal trail system in West Hawaii.

For further information, please contact Deborah Chang at dchang@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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Motor Vehicle Registration Office in Kona has Moved

The County of Hawai`i Treasury Division’s Motor Vehicle Registration office in Kona has recently moved, effective on July 17, 2006.

Please note that the Motor Vehicle Registration office in Kona is now located at the old Territorial Savings and Loan office space on the northeast corner of Kuakini Hwy. and Hualalai Rd. The office address is 75-5751 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 107 in the Territorial Centre building.

The telephone number remains the same: 327-3543. However, the new fax number is 327-4410.

For further information, please contact Cheryl Ono of the Motor Vehicle Registration office in Kona at 327-3543 or Mike Okumoto, Treasurer at 961-8303.

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Public Works Proposes Emergency Evacuation Road for Waikoloa Village

The County’s Department of Public Works is seeking comments from the public on a draft environmental assessment for a single-lane gravel road for emergency evacuations from Waikoloa Village.

The proposed road would start at the end of Hulu Street in Waikoloa Village and run makai for 2.13 miles, connecting at the 72-mile marker Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, which is mauka of the Mauna Lani Resort entrance.

The proposed emergency road would be gated and opened only during emergencies, as authorized by the County’s Civil Defense Agency.

More than 5,000 residents in addition to visitors reside in Waikoloa Village and because it is surrounded by dry grass in an area of high wind speeds, it is very vulnerable to brush fires.

In the August 2005 wildfire, 25,000 acres burned, cutting off the mauka portion of Waikoloa Road and severely congesting traffic on the makai portion of Waikoloa Road.

Copies of the Draft Environmental Assessment are available at public libraries.

For an electronic version of the Draft Environmental Assessment go to:

http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/nh/WaikoEmergRoadDEA.pdf  

Please note: September 7, 2006 is the postmark deadline for original comments. They should be directed to:

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Public Meeting Aug 22 on Captain Cook Road Improvement Work

Willocks Construction Company informed the Department of Public Works that road work began the week of July 31, starting with survey lay-out work, mobilization of their heavy equipment, and setting-up their field offices and construction staging area. The installation of construction warning signs, orange safety fencing, and Triton barriers, along the Mamalahoa Highway, will follow later in the mid to late week.

The $2.7 million project will make improvements between Kiloa Road and Captain Cook Road over the next 12 months. These improvements include left turn lanes, sheltered left turn pocket lanes, drywells, Americans with disabilities Act-approved (ADA) ramps and new street lights between Kinue and Captain Cook Roads.

The aim is to improve the flow of traffic for residents living in North and South Kona.

We ask for your patience and that all motorists be aware, courteous, cautious and observe all construction warning signs.

A public meeting on the Captain Cook road Improvements meeting will take place:

When: Tuesday, August 22, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m

Where: 82-6130 Mamalahoa Highway (in the same complex as the State Office of Taxation, next door to the Police Substation in Captain Cook)

Willocks Construction has installed a 24-hour hotline, providing updates where roadwork is occurring. The hotline is 323-2930. A pre-recorded message provides information where road work is occurring on Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook town.

Update:

For the next two weeks, Willocks is working between Manago Hotel and Kealakekua Ranch Center on the mauka side of Mamalahoa Highway. Their work schedule is Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Two lanes remain open to traffic at this time.

For further information, you may contact Willocks Construction Company at 982-9099 or Noelani Whittington, Community Outreach Specialist with the Department of Public Works at 557-6437.

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Absentee Mail Ballot Applications Accepted for Primary, General Elections

Beginning July 1, 2006, the Hawai`i County Elections Division began accepting applications for absentee mail ballots for the 2006 Primary and General Elections. The deadline to request an absentee mail ballot for the Primary Election is 4:30 p.m. on September 16, 2006. The deadline to request an absentee mail ballot for the General Election is 4:30 p.m. on October 31, 2006.

Applications for an absentee mail ballot can be obtained from the Elections Division or by downloading it at www.co.hawaii.hi.us/elections .

Absentee Walk-in Voting:

Primary Election Absentee Walk-In Voting begins on September 11 - 21, 2006.

General Election Absentee Walk-In Voting begins on October 24 - November 4, 2006.

Hours of operation and venues are as follows:

Please exercise your right as a U.S. citizen. Register to vote and cast your ballot in the primary and general elections. Your vote counts!

For further information, please contact the Hawai`i County Elections Office at 961-8277.

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Coqui Control Class to be Held in Na`alehu August 15

The Coqui Frog Working Group in partnership with the County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii- College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, USDA and Hawaii Island Economic Development Board will provide a free Coqui Control Class on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Na’alehu Community Center.

In areas where there are not major infestations it is imperative to keep the coqui frog from spreading.

This class will discuss strategies for preventing infestations from occurring, how to eradicate existing populations and organize the community to keep the frogs out. The agenda also includes information on coqui life cycles, strategies for control, chemical safety, spraying techniques, large capacity sprayer training and community resources.

The class is free and attendees will receive a voucher for one free 35-pound bag of Hydrated Lime from the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board- Coqui Project. The class is free, but reservations are recommended. For reservations please call Howard Lontoc, County of Hawaii- Coqui Eradication & Control Coordinator at 961-8066.

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County of Hawai`i 2006-2007 Real Property Tax Payment Deadline August 21

Real property tax bills for the first-half installment of taxes due for the 2006-2007 tax year have been mailed to all property owners or their respective agents servicing their accounts. The first-half installment of taxes must be paid on or before MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2006, or they will be delinquent and subject to penalty and interest charges.

If you are responsible for paying the real property taxes and HAVE NOT RECEIVED your real property tax bill, please call the Real Property Tax Division, County of Hawaii, at 961-8282 for a duplicate bill.

Persons who have recently paid-off their mortgages should also call to insure that tax bills are sent to their attention, rather than to the bank or financial institution.

Please note: Real property tax payments will not be accepted at any bank. For your convenience, please mail in your payment accompanied with your tax bill.

Or, if you have your tax bill, you may use the drop box located outside the Aupuni Center Building in Hilo next to the U.S. Mailbox by the Motor Vehicle Registration Office in Hilo, or the drop box located in our office at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, HI. At this time, there is no drop box at the Kona Real Property Tax Division. Your cancelled check will be your receipt.

Property owners are reminded that failure to pay your taxes by the due date because of non-receipt of any tax bill will not excuse you from being assessed a penalty of 10% plus interest of 12% a year. The postmarked date is the date of receipt.

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Workshop in Pahoa on Land Use Regulations, Land Use Plans August 26

The County of Hawai`i Departments of Planning and Research & Development will hold a public educational workshop to provide basic information about land use regulation and planning that can help citizens participate more fully and effectively in the Puna Community Development planning process. An informed citizen is a more effective citizen.

When: Saturday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Pahoa High School Cafeteria

The workshop will feature presentations and a question/answer session to examine:

• How is land use in our County regulated?
• What does the County zoning code say and where can I find it?
• Is there such a thing as State "zoning?"
• What is the Special Management Area and what makes it so special?
• How do the County’s General Plan and Community Development Plans shape the long-range use and development of land?
• How does land get rezoned?
• What are Special Permits? Specific examples from the Puna area will be studied.

This introduction to the complexities of the land use regulatory system is being offered to interested communities throughout the island as part of the County’s Community Development Planning initiative.

If you have questions about this workshop, please contact Deborah Chang at the Planning Department at 961-8288, Ext. 254. Email: dchang@co.hawaii.hi.us . Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations are asked to provide their request by August 21, 2006.

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Officer of the Year Luncheon in Kona September 13

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is holding an Officer of the Year luncheon on September 13, 2006 from 11:45 a.m. at the Royal Kona Resort Ali'i Surf Room.

Cost for the luncheon is $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members.

For reservations please contact Liz Holey at 326-7787.

The purpose of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee is to encourage community involvement in aiding and supporting the Hawaii County Police Department, Kona District, in their efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce the law.

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County Transfer Station Improvements Nearly Complete

The County of Hawaii’s Department of Environmental Management is pleased to announce that the improvement work at Waiohinu, Glenwood, Pahoa, and Waiea Transfer Stations is nearly completed.

Among the improvements that residents will notice are new fences and gates. The gates will be closed at night to help deter misuse and abuse of our transfer stations and to promote cleanliness at these facilities.

Nighttime gate closures will begin July 31

Note: The following transfer stations are already gated at night:

Hilo, Kea`au, Papaikou, Honoka`a, Puako, Waimea, Kailua-Kona, Keauhou. Hilo Transfer Station closes at 5 p.m., and all of the others close at 6:30 p.m.

Opening hours for transfer stations

The transfer stations are open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm daily.

Nighttime gate closures will begin July 31.

We request your kokua in maintaining the cleanliness of your transfer stations. In the event that you arrive at the transfer station when the gate is closed, please come back the following day. Your cooperation will help to ensure that your local transfer station remains a practical and convenient means of disposing of your household rubbish.

One step in an overall effort to improve our transfer station operations

This project is one phase of a concerted effort to enhance and repair our transfer stations Island-wide.

The Department of Environmental Management is working with transfer station users to assure that this effort meets the needs of the community.

Please be assured that your questions and concerns are welcome. For further information, please call the Solid Waste Division at 961-8058 or 961-8514.

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New Mamalahoa Highway Resurfacing Schedule in Waimea

The County’s Department of Public Works has announced a NEW work schedule to accommodate school traffic as resurfacing work continues along Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea.

New Work Schedule:

Weekends 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Currently, the Highway Maintenance Division workers are also planning to resurface on Thursday, August 3 and Monday, August 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Resurfacing 5.5 miles of Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea from Kamamalu to Mud Lane and Waimea Elementary School to Lalamilo Farm Lots began June 17, 2006 and was scheduled to end on July 31, 2006. The resurfacing work has been extended until further notice, depending on good weather conditions and a steady supply of asphalt.

Projections for the work figured in a number of days of anticipated rain and delays in asphalt supply. The County work schedule required 20 good working days to complete this project out of the 43 days calculated to pave the stretch of Mamalahoa Highway

By the end of July, County employees had 14 days of good working conditions and adequate supply of asphalt.

To complete the resurfacing, we now need another 14 good days or more and a predictable supply of asphalt, roughly 6,000 tons. The County is currently working to complete resurfacing the westbound lane of Mamalahoa Highway from Mud Lane to Mokuloa subdivision and the eastbound lane from Lindsay subdivision to Mud Lane.

(Resurfacing from Lalamilo Farm Lots to Waimea Elementary School and from Kamamalu Road to Mokuloa is completed.)

After resurfacing, we will re-stripe the highway. These contractors will work around motorists and will avoid peak traffic hours.

Why can’t we pave at night?

A frequently asked question is why can’t we pave at night. We can’t for two important reasons: poor visibility and damp conditions.

For updates, please call our hotline at 887-3004.

For travel time we recommend adding 45 to 60 minutes’ extra travel time to reach your destination. If you are traveling across the island, please consider the Saddle Road as an alternative route.

For more information, please contact Bruce McClure, Director of Department of Public Works at 961-8321 or Noelani Whittington, Community Outreach Specialist at 557-6437.

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County Elections Division Seeks Precinct Officials for Primary, General Elections

The County of Hawai`i’ Elections Division is looking for fellow citizens to act as precinct officials during our upcoming primary and general elections. Assisting your neighbors and fellow citizens to vote is a fun, challenging, and a rewarding experience. This is your opportunity to volunteer your services to the community, and at the same time gain first-hand knowledge and experience in the electoral process.

This is an excellent opportunity for your nonprofit organization. Not only does your organization earn money, you are getting involved and participating in the electoral process. Requirements to participate are:

• Each participant must meet the minimum qualifications.
• Each organization shall not be a political action committee or organized for a political purpose.
• A completed Tax Clearance Application for each organization.
• A signed Memorandum of Agreement for each organization.
• A completed recruitment worksheet for each organization.

Will I be paid?

Yes! The compensation rates for each election worked for the 2006 Elections are:

Please call The Hawaii County Elections Division at 959-5126 for more information.

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Hawai`i County Resource Center Accepts Healing Our Island Grant Applications

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 .

Thank you for helping to Heal Our Island!

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County Seeks Cost of Government Commission Member for District 8

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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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

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.

Reminder: ONLY eligible HI5¢ labeled containers can be redeemed.

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

**Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch.**

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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HI5 Redemptions – Getting your Nickels back by Weight or Count

Certified HI5 Redemption Centers are required to pay out deposits by either count or weight. The program allows for these two methods of deposit redemption so that consumers have a choice on how they want to get their deposits back. There are pros and cons to both methods of calculation.

Counting:

Consumers may request that the recycler count their containers

• Recyclers must count loads of 50 or fewer containers, and many recyclers have been counting loads of up to 100 containers.
• Consumers with larger loads may ask the recycler if they are willing to count larger loads during a less busy part of the day.

Pro: Consumers get back the deposit on every container when they’re counted.

Con: Consumers spend more time in line while waiting for operators to count loads.

• Consumers may request their containers be weighed for redemption.
• A "segregated rate" is used to calculate deposits on weighed loads of containers.
• The segregated rate is the average number of containers per pound by material type (plastic, glass, aluminum) and multiplied by the deposit. The average will not convert each load's weight to a precise count.

Pro: Consumers can receive refunded deposits back quicker than by counting each container.

Con: Consumer may receive less of a refund than they expected.

For questions about the State’s HI5 weight conversions, call the State Department of Health at (808)586-4226.

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Kuakini Highway Construction Update

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.

• Paving is tentatively scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 23^rd from 7 am. To expedite the work, the contractors are detouring north-bound traffic at the Hualalai intersection onto Kalawa Street. Only Southbound traffic will be allowed on Kuakini from Kalani to Hualalai. This lane will be shifted mauka-makai as the paving progresses.
• The drilling of the drywell is completed.
• Excavation for the catch basin will begin Thursday, August 10th after the deck soffit for the bottom slab has been installed.
• In addition to the catch basin work, remedial work on a sidewalk portion fronting Territorial Building 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.

Mahalo nui loa for your support of this community improvement project.

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Job Announcements

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

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous jobs, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us to download an application packet.

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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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

Marine Debris: Take a Day to Make a Difference – Free Talk August 17

Join the County of Hawaii’s Terry Miura for a free talk on how marine debris finds its way to the shores of our island and its impact. She will explain how everyone can help solve the problem.

Ms. Miura is with the County of Hawaii’s Parks & Recreation Department at Richardson Ocean Park, and has been the local coordinator for the International Coastal Clean-up, also known as Get the Drift and Bag It campaign, for several years. The cleanup removes tons of marine debris from around the island of Hawaii every year.

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Solutions Task Force Groups to Meet Monday, August 14

Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action Traffic and Animal Control Task Force Groups will meet on Monday, August 14, 2006 via a video conference at the Kona Mayor's Office - 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy and Hilo Prosecutor's Office - 34 Rainbow Drive

Traffic Task Force Meeting: Time: 10am - 11am. Agenda: continue working on "Speeding In Neighborhoods". Continue updates on the "Community Road Safety Watch" program. What is the new law effective January 1, 2007 regarding speeding? Contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com .

Animal Control Task Meeting: Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm. Agenda: What does the latest draft for the Animal Control Bill contain? Report from the Humane Society and updates on their current projects. Contact: Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net .

Please visit the "Solutions" web site for further details at www.solutionsislandhawaii.com .

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Community Land Trust Training 101 Workshop Aug 22-23 in Hilo

It’s time for Hawai`i to invest in our future ohana, to ensure affordable homes for the next generation.

You are cordially invited to attend a two-day workshop on Community Land Trust training.

The workshop is for anyone interested in affordable housing issues. Community Land Trusts have been established to ensure access to land and housing for low-income people and to preserve family farms. Urban Community Land Trusts deal with preserving affordable housing, increasing homeownership, as well as educating homebuyers on establishing credit, applying for a mortgage, and maintaining a home. There are also Community Land Trusts that act as developers of special needs housing, rental housing and commercial space for lower-income entrepreneurs.

For more information please contact Delene Osorio, Executive Director, Big Island Housing Foundation at 969-3327 or email to bihf@bigislandhousing.com

This workshop is sponsored in part by Central Pacific Bank.

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Paniolo Day at Parker Ranch Center August 26

Paniolo Day will be Saturday, August 26th at Parker Ranch Center from 11 am to 4 pm. The event will include a beef tasting by the Hawaiian Cattlemen’s Association, a Paniolo Hall of Fame Display and Paniolo Art Exhibit by local artist Marcia Ray.

Besides a sidewalk sale throughout the Shopping Center, there will also be a gift-with-purchase giveaway of cowboy hats and bandannas while supplies last.

For further information please call Parker Ranch Center at 885-7178.

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Hulihe`e Palace free concert honors King Kamehameha III August 27

The Daughters of Hawai‘i present a free concert 4 p.m. Aug. 27 at Hulihe‘e Palace to remember the late King Kamehameha III, "Kauikeaouli." Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawai‘i. Seating is limited so bring a beach mat or chair.

"Born in 1813, Kauikeaouli was the second surviving son of Kamehameha the Great and he became king when he was 11 years old," says Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. "During his 30-year reign, he signed the Great Mahele, dividing land among his people; declared the right of religious freedom and instituted the kingdom’s first written constitution." In 1843, King Kamehameha III coined Hawai‘i’s motto that appears on the state seal and coat of arms: "`Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono-the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

Kauikeaouli’s birthplace is marked at Keauhou Bay and the Daughters perform a ceremony there every March 17. Stories, passed down through generations, about Kauikeaouli’s birth—plus interesting facts and photos on how the site has been preserved through the Daughters’ efforts—can be found in the fascinating new book, "Na Lani Kaumaka." It is available at the Hulihe’e Palace Gift Shop.

Hulihe‘e Palace is located at 75-5718 Ali`i Drive in the heart of Kailua. Caretakers of the historic landmark are the Daughters of Hawai`i. Founded in 1903, the organization opens its membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai`i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in their efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all, 329-1877, www.huliheepalace.org .

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Evening in Paradise Fund-raiser for United Way Sept 16 in Keauhou

The Evening in Paradise benefit for the Hawai`i Island United Way will be held on Saturday Sept 16, 2006 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The event will be held in air conditioned comfort at the resort’s Convention Center this year.

Live entertainment will be provided by Oasys.

On hand will be more than a dozen chefs and vendors preparing their specialities for this food and beverage tasting event.

All proceeds from it go directly to Hawai`i Island United Way.

Tickets are on sale at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, FHB, BOH, KTA, and the HIUW website. Adult tickets are $75, and children ages 6-12 are $40. Children 5 and under are free. This event is open to the public. Please make advance reservations.

For more information, please call 981-0349.

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Colorful Blossoms at Kona Daifukuji Orchid Show Sept 17

The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club presents its annual show and sale 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Daifukuji Mission Hall.

Featured will be a host of blooming orchids grown by club members, plus new educational exhibits on orchid culture. Interactive fun includes a guessing game and club members will demonstrate their tested techniques for maintaining healthy orchids.

Attendees are invited to bring problem plants to the show for examination by Dr. Janice Uchida, associate professor and plant pathologist at UH-Manoa. Her research program has studied diseases of orchids, foliage plants, tropical fruits and landscape plants. Dr. Uchida is in for the duration of the show.

The Daifukuji Mission Hall is on Hwy. 11 at mile marker 114, just north of Kainaliu. In its 24th year, the club meets here the second Wednesday of every month.

For further information, please call 328-8131.

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High Quality Mulch at Kealakehe Transfer Station

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, please call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.

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Check out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

All around the island, communities are actively engaging in a monumental planning effort that has the potential of positively affecting the future of Hawaii Island for generations to come.

Go to the website www.hawaiiislandplan.com   to see what is happening in each of our 9 judicial districts as it relates to the Community Development Plan process.

In addition to finding current information about the process, you can also find, among other things, information about past planning efforts.

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TRAFFIC ALERT

Some of our streetlights are misbehaving. Please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.

The Traffic Division of Public Works manages 9,020 streetlights operated by individual light sensing cells.

However, due to defective sensors some streetlights remain lit all day. Please help us locate them to repair them.

Please call the Traffic Division of Public Works Monday-Friday from 7:00AM to 4:00PM at 961-8341.

In addition to your name and contact number, please provide the following information:

We need the streetlight pole number. It is easily spotted from a car. It is a large silver number located six to seven feet up on the streetlight pole. If you know the street or highway name and a well-known landmark, it is also helpful.

For additional information contact Ron Thiel, Traffic Division Chief at 961-8341. Mahalo nui loa.

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Roadwork on Hwy 137 in Puna postponed until August 31

August 31 is the new start date for Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. to realign 2,500 lineal feet of Hwy 137, also known as the Kapoho-Kalapana Beach Road. The work will take place between mileposts 14 and15 and near milepost 17.

Sections of Highway 137 will be moved inland to avoid high surf and provide a safer route at an estimated construction cost of $1.5 million.

The project will take six months to complete, ending January 2007.

For more information contact Bruce McClure, Director of Department of Public Works at 961-8321 or Noelani Whittington, Community Outreach Specialist at 557-6437. or by e-mail to nwhittington@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

County of Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cgi-bin/webcal/webcal.pl
State of Hawaii: http://www.state.hi.us/calendars.htm
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: http://calendar.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii.com: http://www.hawaii.com/live/
Hawaii Community Foundation http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/calendar/index.php
Alternative-Hawaii: http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/calendar.htm
Kamuela.com: http://kamuela.com/calendar/default.asp
Hawaii Public Radio: http://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/psa.htm
Hawaii Theatre Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hawaiitheatre
UH at Hilo Theatre Events: http://performingarts.net/Theatre/seasoncalendar/calendar.pl
Waikoloa Village: http://www.waikoloa.org/calendar
Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Activity Guide: Send an email to dia@hilo.net with the details of your upcoming event or call 935-8850.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp
Substance Abuse Conference (Hawai`i Community College) www.hawaii.hawaii.edu/hsersacc/BPC.htm

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HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/

County Forms Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/forms/forms.html
County Maps Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html
County Project Summaries And Updates Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm

Use the following links to the specific region:
North Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/nh/NH-M.htm
East Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/eh/EH-M.htm
South Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/sh/SH-M.htm
West Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2k/K2K-M.htm

Procurement Notices: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/purchasing/bids.htm

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

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

To add or remove your name from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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