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Hawai`i County Weekly News

August 25, 2006

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLES

·        La`aloa Avenue Extension – A New Approach to Road Projects

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         Waimea Road Resurfacing Scheduled for Saturday Aug 26 and Sunday Aug 27

·         Captain Cook Area Mamalahoha Hwy Improvements – Public Meeting Sept 5

·         Candidate Forum Debates in East and West Hawai`i

·         Police Seeking Information on Vandalism of County Vehicles

·         County Seeks Information on Potentially Contaminated Sites for Cleanup

·         County Elections Division Seeks Election Day Officials

·         Temporary Water Shut-off in South Hilo, Pahala

·         Recycling Drop-Offs: Update

·         10,0000-Year-Old Wooly Mammoth Tusk on Display at Aupuni Center

·         Motor Vehicle Registration Office in Kona has Moved

·         Department of Public Works Proposes Emergency Evacuation Road for Waikoloa Village

·         Absentee Mail Ballot Applications Accepted for Primary, General Elections

·         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

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

·         County Seeks Applicants for Cost of Government Commission

·         Environmental Commission Seeks Applicants to Represent District 3

·         HI 5¢ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation

·         HI5 Redemptions – Getting your Nickels Back by Count or Weight

·         Kuakini Highway Update

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         Celebrate Hakalau’s Kupuna and Unique Heritage on Saturday, August 26

·         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

·         State Department of Labor Launches Online Job Matching Service

·         Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·         Signs and Markings Projects

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION

FEATURE ARTICLES

La`aloa Avenue Extension – A New Approach to Road Projects

The following is a brief introduction to Context Sensitive Solutions (or CSS), a new approach to road projects that is being used in the County of Hawai`i to complete the La`aloa Avenue Extension to Kuakini Highway in Kona.

 

On August 23, 2006, the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Public Works held a meeting to invite the community to participate in a new process called Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS).  It is designed to be the first of a series of such meetings incorporating public input into road projects in Hawai`i County.

What is the Context Sensitive Solutions process?

Context Sensitive Solutions is a more holistic approach to developing transportation facilities such as roads and highways.

It requires considering not only the geometric and traffic services requirements of the design, but also the broader purpose and needs of the community, according to consultant Cheryl Yoshida, who is working with the County to implement the process.

What is the goal of using the CSS process?

The CSS process is being utilized so that the user's and community's values are addressed in the design aspects of the project.  This could relate to any community on the Island of Hawai`i or elsewhere.  One mainland community that already uses this process terms it “Thinking Beyond the Pavement.”

How does this apply to the La`aloa Avenue Extension project?

Specifically related to the La'aloa project, the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Public Works wanted Context Sensitive Solutions implemented partially in response to the wide array of comments received regarding the draft Environmental Assessment of the project. 

How do you achieve a Context Sensitive Solution?

A Context Sensitive Solution is reached by actively involving stakeholders in the project development, screening and evaluation process. The context of a project can refer to a multitude of aspects including:

Why is the CSS approach being applied to the La’aloa Avenue Extension project?

The County of Hawai`i recognizes the importance of stakeholder involvement in the decision-making process to integrate the La’aloa Avenue corridor into the community.

What will be the desired outcome of the CSS process?

The outcome of the CSS process is to ensure that the design and construction of the La’aloa Avenue improvements and extension will be carried out with the goals and values of the community in mind.

“We’re not simply improving safety and mobility with this process, we’re addressing values that are important to the community such as aesthetics, environmental quality, historic resources and economic development,” consultant Yoshida said.

A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach

Citizens and government agencies are part of the design team.

A variety of disciplines are represented on projects that use this Context Sensitive Solutions approach.

You get input from people like landscape architects, urban designers, economists and engineers as well as concerned citizens.

What makes it special?

An important difference in this process is that it is inclusive of a broad range of stakeholders and provides them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to defining how the road will turn out.  This approach ensures the inclusion of various viewpoints.

Where did Context Sensitive Solutions come from?

It evolved from an emerging interest in cultural and other resources, and concern over intrusions on the landscape and environment.

Citizens have expressed widespread dissatisfaction throughout the country over highway projects in terms of safety and effects of high-speed roads, physical impact of road improvements and other concerns.

A need to get projects done, while taking community values into account

“Every Department of Transportation has a project or projects that have been around forever, that can’t get accomplished because of opposition, problems, etc,” said Yoshida.  “Context Sensitive Solutions comes from a recognition that much has been lacking in the project development process and approach.  We haven’t done a very good job communicating why projects are needed and how they address problems.”

Sensitivity to the environment is key

A focus on the customer (the road user) is vital, and one of the major focuses is to address the environmental impacts of transportation projects.  The failure to adequately address the environmental impacts of transportations projects has increased the time and effort required to get projects implemented.

When is construction of the La`aloa Avenue Extension due to begin?

Construction of the project is scheduled to occur in early 2008.

For further information on the Context Sensitive Solutions process, contact Cheryl Yoshida at Cheryl.Yoshida@CH2M.COM .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Waimea Road Resurfacing Schedule Saturday Aug 26 and Sunday, Aug 27

The County Department of Public Works will be resurfacing Mamalahoa Highway in the Waimea area on Saturday, August 26 to Sunday, August 27 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Roadwork will continue in the direction of Honoka`a town on the westbound lane just beyond mile marker 53.

 

Since this section of the highway is narrow, motorists should expect delays.  We suggest that motorists add 45 to 60 minutes to their travel time.

If you are traveling between Kona and Hilo, please consider using the Saddle Road or driving south through the Ka`u district.

For questions or updates, please call the Department of Public Works Highway Hotline at 887-3004.

Please note:  There will be no highway work on Saturday August 26 and Sunday August 27 on the Mamalahoa Highway in the Captain Cook area.  The highway hotline for information or updates on this road work is 323-2930.

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Captain Cook Area Mamalahoha Hwy Improvements – Public Meeting Sept 5

The Department of Public Works will be holding its next public informational meeting on Captain Cook area intersection improvements to the Mamalahoa Highway on Tuesday, September 5.

WHEN:          Tuesday, September 5, 2006, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 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).

The highway hotline for information or updates on this road work is 323-2930.

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Candidate Forum Dates in East and West Hawai`i

Be an informed voter.  Listen to the candidates as they participate in the Election 2006 forums in East and West Hawai`i.

The following forums will take place in West Hawai`i:

Candidates: County Council District 6 (Jacobson, Holleman), District 7 (Isbell, Basque, Ford, Kihoi)

Candidates: County Council District 7 (Isbell, Basque, Ford, Kihoi), District 8 (Pilago)

Candidates: United States House of Representatives (11 candidates)

If you would like to submit questions for candidates, please fax them to (808) 334-9646 or to konaoutdoorcircle@konacoast.com.

The following forums will take place in East Hawai`i:

Candidates: County Council candidates from Dists. 1, 3, and 4. Also candidates from Congressional Dist. 2 (currently Rep. Ed Case's seat). The sponsors for this forum are the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters.  For further information, contact the League of Women Voters at mscheffe@hilo.net .

For further information on the HPP forum, please Barbara Kahnlanger at 937-0009.or bkahnlanger@earthlink.net

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Police Seeking Information on Vandalism of County Vehicles

The County needs your help in apprehending the people responsible for unlawfully entering the County Public Works base yard in Puna on August 22 and committing more than $37,000 in damage to two County maintenance trucks.

The perpetrators entered the locked base yard and are suspected of attempting to drive away two County vehicles.

The first vehicle, a 2002 Chevrolet truck, appears to have been unsuccessfully hot wired.  Damages to the ignition system and replacement of a broken window are estimated at $2,000.

A second vehicle, a 2005 Ford truck, was driven through the fence surrounding the base yard.  County employees found the truck in flames in a macadamia nut field behind the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.  This truck is irreparable and the cost to replace it is estimated at $35,000.

If you have any information regarding this crime, please call the Hilo Police Station, at 935-3311, or Stanley Nakasone, at the highway maintenance division of Public Works, 961-8349.

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County Seeks Information on Potentially Contaminated Sites for Cleanup

Do you know of property on the Big Island that may be contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants, but may have strong redevelopment potential?  The County of Hawai’i wants to hear from you.

The Department of Environmental Management is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and property owners to identify and evaluate these potentially contaminated sites.  This is not an environmental enforcement effort, but an opportunity to begin the process of cleaning up.

The intent of this project is first to identify all of the sites in the County.  The next step is to select about five sites that have the best potential for redevelopment and evaluate their level of potential contamination.

There will be a preliminary evaluation (a phase one site assessment) of these five sites. The sites will then be reduced to three for a complete evaluation (phase two site assessment) that will include soil sampling.

These two assessments are necessary in order to begin the process of cleaning and redeveloping these sites.

It will provide potential users/developers with the information necessary to determine if redevelopment is appropriate now.

Additionally, completion of the site assessments is necessary to be eligible for federal cleanup grants and loans.  The intent of the program is to encourage redevelopment of existing sites as a viable alternative to developing raw land.

One longer-range goal of this project is to develop a large inventory of properties, with substantial redevelopment potential, that we can work from for years to come.

While we will work towards a completed re-development of the most promising sites in the near-term, there will also be sites that are discovered through this process that have great potential in the future.

If you have any information about such sites, please contact Terin Gloor of the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division at 961-8058.

Thank you for your kokua in making the Island of Hawai`i an even nicer place to live.

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County Elections Division Seeking Election Day Officials

The Elections Division is currently seeking individuals who are interested in serving as Election Day Officials for the Primary and General Election.

However, we are experiencing difficulty in staffing precincts islandwide, especially in the districts of:

We are seeking individuals to serve as Precinct Chairpersons, Voter Assistance Officials and Precinct Officials.  Please see the attached Fact Sheet on Precinct Officials for information on the qualifications, duties and stipend.

The Elections Division will provide the necessary training.

We are appealing to the citizens in the community to volunteer as Election Day Officials, so that the voters in Hawaii can have a pleasant experience at the polls.

Interested individuals may contact the Elections Division at 959-5126.

Serve as an Election Official – It’s fun and rewarding

Assisting your neighbors and fellow citizens to vote is a fun, challenging and 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.

Need a fundraiser?

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:

When are the elections?

Primary Election:       Saturday, September 23, 2006

General Election:      Tuesday, November 7, 2006

How long will I be working?

The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., however precinct officials start at 5:30 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.

What are the Minimum Qualifications?

Each precinct official must meet all of the following requirements:

Restrictions

No parent, spouse, reciprocal beneficiary as defined in HRS Chapter 572C, child, or sibling of a candidate may serve as a precinct official in any precinct where votes may be cast for the candidate.

No candidate for elective office may serve as a precinct official in the same election in which the person is a candidate.

No candidate who failed to be nominated in the primary or special primary election may serve as a precinct official in the following general election.

What will I be doing?

Each polling place consists of a Chairperson, Voter Assistance Official(s) (VAOs), and Precinct Officials (POs).

Precinct Chairperson’s Responsibilities and Duties:

What are the general qualifications for a Chairperson?

The Chairperson shall be the first named precinct official on the list prepared by the chief election officer.

What are the responsibilities and duties of the voter assistance official (VAO)?

General qualifications for a voter assistance official

What are the responsibilities and duties of the precinct official (PO)?

1. Information and Ballot Demonstration Station

2. Poll Book Station

3. Ballot Issuing Station

4. Ballot Box Station

General qualifications for a precinct official

Standby Precinct Official

Alternate

Note: Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §11-72, all qualified political parties shall submit names to the Chief Election Officer by a statutory deadline. The recruitment deadline for the 2006 Elections was May 26, 2006, 4:30 p.m.

Precinct officials recruited by their respective political party and submitted to the Office of Elections by the statutory deadline have first priority when being assigned to a specific polling place. You are encouraged to call the political party of your choice to volunteer your services as a precinct official.

In the event that all positions are not filled by the political party recruitment deadline, HRS §11-72 gives the Chief Election Officer the authority to fill the vacancies with any qualified person, without regard to political party affiliation.

Mail outs to the past elections’ precinct officials, public service announcements, and presentations by election staff ensure the required number of precinct officials to fully staff the polling places on Election Day.

How will I know what to do on Election Day?

Everyone is required to attend at least one training session and pass a certification exam. Precinct officials will be instructed in the standard operating procedures for each station within the polling place.

The chairperson of the polling place will assign precinct officials to their workstation. Precinct officials rotate through all the stations during the course of the day and perform additional duties that may be required.

When is training?

Training sessions are held between June and November. The Precinct Operations staff will schedule you to attend a convenient training session in your area.

Where will I work?

State Law requires precinct officials to work in the precinct in which they vote. However, if no vacancy exists within your precinct, you will be placed in a precinct within your district. If no vacancy exists within your district, you will be placed in a neighboring district. The earlier you volunteer to work, the better your chances for working close to home.

Will I be paid?

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

Chairperson – Rates are based on the unit size of the polling place. The unit size is based on the registered voter count in each precinct.

• for one-unit precinct            $ 85

• for two-unit precinct            $100

• for three-unit precinct         $115

• for four-unit precinct            $130

• for five-unit precinct            $145

Voter Assistance Official     $ 80

Precinct Official                     $75

Standby Precinct Official      $75

Alternate                                 $5

Every vote counts and so does your help!

Contact the Precinct Operations Section for more information at 1-800-442-VOTE (8683) or 1-800-345-5915, TTY: 808-453-6150.

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Temporary Water Shut-Off Notice – South Hilo and Pahala

Water will be temporarily turned off in the following areas in Pahala on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, and Wednesday, August 30, 2006, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., to do a waterline connection for the new Pahala 0.5-M.G. Concrete Reservoir.

The areas affected: All service within the entire Pahala water system.

Should there be any questions, please contact Cyrus Sumida, District Supervisor of the Department of Water Supply in Ka`u at 929-9111.

Water will also be temporarily turned off in the following areas in South Hilo on Thursday, August 31, 2006, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to change a leaking main valve.

The South Hilo areas affected:        Punawai Street, Kahema Street, Hale Street, Kaiulani Street including Reed’s Island and H alai Street including Hina Street, Ulihi Street and Anakihi Street.

If you have any questions, please call Carl Nishimura, District Supervisor of the Department of Water Supply in South Hilo at 961-8790.

In both areas, upon resumption of water service, the waterlines will be flushed and cleaned during which time you may notice turbid and/or discolored water.

You may also notice trapped air in your plumbing, which will be released as you initially use water.

Please pardon these temporary inconveniences. Upon resumption of water service, the waterlines will be flushed and cleaned during which time you may notice turbid and/or discolored water.

You may also notice trapped air in your plumbing, which will be released as you initially use water.

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Recycling Drop-offs: Update

Due to a temporary transition in our recycler’s processing facility, the County’s Department of Environmental Management WILL NOT accept the following recyclable materials in the mixed recycling bins ONLY:

·        NO Paperboard or boxboard   (cereal or tea boxes, snack food boxes, etc.)

·        NO Plastics #1&2   (milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, etc.)

·        NO Metal cans    (tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

The following Transfer Stations will be affected:

·        Hawi

·        Puako

·        Waimea

·        Honokaa

·        Laupahoehoe

·        Keauhou

·        Pahala

·        Pahoa.

These materials can be taken to the Hilo or Kea‘au Transfer Station.  We will let you know if and when other sites become available.

Still accepted in the mixed recycling bins are:

YES for Newspapers and magazines

YES for Cardboard (flattened)

YES for Mixed office paper and

YES for Phonebooks   

This is a temporary change until January 2007.  Look for signage at your Transfer Station as that will always have the most current information. Thank you for your kokua.  For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

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10,000-Year-Old Wooly Mammoth Tusk on Display at Aupuni Center

The County of Hawai`i’s Aupuni Center has a new display featuring a 10,000-year-old wooly mammoth tusk, on loan from Japan.

The 10-foot tusk is on loan from the family of the late Toshihiko Saiga of Osaka, Japan.  It was originally designed to be displayed at the Big Island Country Club golf course at Pu`uanahulu, a course that the late Mr. Saiga developed and subsequently sold.

Up to recently, the display was housed at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Edward Mookini Library.  However, due to the upcoming renovation of the library, there was a need for an interim home for the display.

Mayor Harry Kim agreed to display the tusk, which will return to the Saiga family at the end of September.

The display also includes a scale model of a wooly mammoth being attacked by Neanderthal hunters.

The Pleistocene-era tusk itself weighs approximately 152 pounds, and was found in Siberia in what was then the Soviet Union.

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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:

Ron Terry

Geometrician Associates

HC 2  Box 9575,

Kea’au, Hawaii  96749

Copies of your comments should also be sent to:

Director, Office of Environmental Quality Control

235 South Beretania Street /Ste. 702

Honolulu, Hi  96813

and

Department of Public Works, County of Hawaii

101 Pauahi Street, Suite # 7

Hilo, Hawaii  96720

Attn: Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director.

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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:

Elections Division - Prince Kuhio Plaza                 .           

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday - Saturday

 

 

 

Kona Mayors Office Conf. Room - Hanama Pl.    

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday

 

 

 

Waimea Community Center                                   

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Monday - Thursday

                                                                                              

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday

North Kohala Courthouse                                                 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Monday - Friday

 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Pahala Community Center                                               

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Monday - Friday

 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

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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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

Effective July 31, 2006, the following transfer stations will be gated at night:
  • Waiea             (South Kona) Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Pahoa             (Puna)            Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Glenwood       (Puna)            Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Waiohinu        (Ka`u)             Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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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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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Environmental Management Commission Seeks Applicants for District 3

The Environmental Management Commission will have a vacancy for a commissioner to represent District 3 in Hilo (currently Council member James Arakaki’s district) from January 2007.

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.

For further information about the Environmental Management Commission, please contact the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8083.

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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.**

CURRENTLY OPEN

DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION

OPERATOR

 

 

 

Hawi Transfer Station**

Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm.

ARC of Hilo

(Open Saturday only)

(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)