FEATURE ARTICLES

·        Pandemic Flu – A Primer

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         Period for Filing Real Property Assessment Complaints is Sept 11-25

·         Coqui Control Class in Kona on September 12

·         Water Shutoff Notice – Lama St from Awa St to Railroad Avenue Sept 12

·         Fire Chief’s Community Update for West Hawai`i September 13

·         First County Senior Job Fair Sept 28 during Employ the Older Worker Week

·         Candidate Forum Debates in East 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

·         Recycling Drop-Offs: Update

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

·         Motor Vehicle Registration Office in Kona has Moved

·         Absentee Mail Ballot Applications Accepted for Primary, General Elections

·         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

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

·         Colorful Blossoms at Kona Daifukuji Orchid Show Sept 17

·         West Hawaii Fisheries Council Meets in Kona Sept 21

·         Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Holds Annual Open House Oct 7

·         Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·        Signs and Markings Projects

·         Need a Pothole Repaired? Call Public Works

·         Realignment Work Starts on Kapoho-Kalapana Beach Road (Hwy 137)

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION

---

FEATURE ARTICLES

Pandemic Flu:  A Primer

 

The following is a brief introduction on Pandemic Flu, with information provided courtesy of the Hawaii State Department of Health, Hawaii District Office.  Some of the information provided is also courtesy of the Vaccine Center of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The following article is aimed at raising awareness of Pandemic Flu.

 

The State Department of Health, in partnership with the County of Hawai`i, federal and state agencies, is taking the necessary precautions to prevent or stem the spread of a pandemic flu outbreak this virus from coming on the Island of Hawai`i.

 

In the event of a flu pandemic in Hawai`i, coordinated efforts to cope with it will be taken.

 

Be Informed

An informed public is an important partner with government in the event of an outbreak of Pandemic Flu.

 

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic.  A flu pandemic involves a strain of influenza that is different from the ones that cause the kind of flu that occurs during the so-called “flu season.”

 

In an ordinary flu season, many people contract the flu, while others have some immunity.  An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza  virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause increased illness and spreads easily person to person worldwide.  Unlike the common seasonal flu outbreaks, flu pandemics can be expected to occur every few decades.

 

In a flu pandemic, virtually no one in the world is immune to the new virus.

 

Pandemic strains of influenza spread across the world unchecked

Because virtually no one is immune to a pandemic virus, many more people become ill and die during pandemics than during the yearly flu season.

 

Pandemics of the past – how often do they occur?

Influenza pandemics occur about three times every century.  During the past 120 years, there have been five flu pandemics: in 1889, 1900, 1918, 1957 and 1968.

 

Death tolls from previous pandemics

Some pandemics killed more people than others.  The 1918 pandemic, which involved a virus known as “Spanish flu”, killed between 20 million and 50 million people.

 

The pandemics of 1957 and 1968 killed 4 million and 6 million people, respectively.

 

Avian flu in the news – what is this “bird flu” we read about?

Avian, or bird, flu, is a strain of influenza that has killed hundreds of millions of poultry in Southeast Asia since it was first discovered in 1997.

 

Avian flu has passed from bird to human

The bird flu currently present in Southeast Asia is very contagious to birds, and there is evidence that it has spread to areas such as Greece and Turkey.

 

Bird flu has also spread to people, with at least 200 people infected since 1997.  About 50 percent of the people infected with bird flu have died.

 

However, it is still uncommon for humans to contract bird flu

While millions of birds have been infected, only about 200 people have contracted the virus since 1997.  So far, people have only caught the bird flu from infected birds, not from other people.

 

A pandemic will not occur until the virus spreads from person-to-person

There have been no reported cases of people infected with bird flu passing the disease on to other people.  A pandemic will not occur until people infected with the virus are highly contagious to other people.  This hasn’t happened yet and may not happen.

 

So if the bird flu doesn’t cause a pandemic, is the threat of a pandemic over?

No.  Historically, pandemics of one strain or another of influenza have occurred about three times every century.  There is no reason that this century will be spared of a flu pandemic.

 

What you can do to protect yourself during a pandemic

The truth is that it will take time to develop an effective vaccine which contains the strain of influenza virus that is causing the pandemic.  That means that an effective vaccine can’t be made until a pandemic begins.

 

Once a vaccine is developed, the best way to protect yourself against the pandemic flu is to get an influenza vaccine.

 

The pandemic first detected in Hong Kong in April 1957 – A case history

That strain of influenza (later called the Asian flu) infected some 250,000 people in Hong Kong.  A researcher in the United States persuaded six U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies to make 40 million doses of influenza vaccine against the strain of virus circulating in Hong Kong.

 

When Asian flu first hit the United States in September 1957, 20 million people were infected and 70,000 died.  However, the vaccine is believed to have prevented influenza in many Americans.

 

Lessons learned from 1957 pandemic

The 1957 experience showed that if enough vaccine is made in advance of a pandemic outbreak, lives can be saved.

 

No vaccine can be made until the pandemic strain of virus is detected

A vaccine, to be effective, must contain the strain of influenza virus that is causing the pandemic.  That means an effective vaccine cannot be made until a pandemic begins.

 

What about Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is not a vaccine.  It is an oral anti-viral drug.  Tamiflu is likely to be effective only if started within 48 hours of the beginning of the infection.

 

Tamiflu is not perfect; several patients in Southeast Asia infected with bird flu took Tamiflu early in their disease but still died from the infection.  Prevention by vaccine is still the best protection.

 

Other than vaccines and medicines, what can I do to protect myself during an influenza pandemic?

Several simple, commonsense measures are effective.  Wash your hands carefully and thoroughly – and frequently.  Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

 

Stay at home when you feel sick

This is probably the best way to stem the spread of the flu, whether it’s pandemic flu or the seasonal variety.  Staying home whenever you feel ill is just commonsense.

 

State of Hawaii health educators will train key personnel islandwide

In upcoming months, Public Health Educators from the Hawaii District Health Office (State Department of Health) will be conducting islandwide Train the Trainers Program on what everyone needs to know about Pandemic Influenza. This training targets key representatives from community and government agencies, and private industry and equips them to take this prevention/preparation message back to their constituents.  A training kit (Powerpoint Presentation on CD, text, and handouts) will be made available to those trained.

 

The training will cover the basics of Influenza, its transmission, Avian Influenza, Pandemic Influenza and what individuals and employers can do to prepare in the event of a pandemic. 

 

Training the Trainers – the sessions scheduled so far

• September 27 for West Hawaii at the NELHA Conference Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. and then again from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room in Kainaliu
• October 3 and 4 for East Hawaii at the Department of Health Environmental Health Conference Room.  Space at each training session will be limited to 20 participants.

Additional training sessions will be scheduled around Hawaii Island in upcoming months.

 

To reserve your space in the upcoming trainings or for more information, please call John Kaizuka at 933-0911 (East Hawaii) or Carrie Kuwada Phipps at 322-4880 (West Hawaii). 

 

Communication and information are critical components for pandemic preparedness.  Understanding what a pandemic is, what could happen during a pandemic and how to prepare will help all of us make informed decisions and keep the Fear of the Flu away!  For additional information on pandemic influenza, visit:  www.pandemicflu.gov   .

(go to Contents)

---

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Period for Filing Real Property Assessment Complaints is Sept 11-25

The Real Property Tax Division of the County Department of Finance would like to inform the public that any taxpayer may file complaints against the assessed value placed upon property in the County of Hawaii for the purposes of real property taxation.

 

The complaints are for the purpose of assisting the Tax Board of Review in making additional notes for their report to the Mayor and the County Council concerning instances, which, in the opinion of the Board, the Director of Finance did not use proper methods in assessing real property for purposes of taxation.  Since this session or period is not for appealing assessments but only for receiving complaints, the Board cannot change any assessment during the process.

 

The period for complaints should not be confused with the filing of assessment appeals. The April 10th appeals deadline against the 2006 assessments has expired.

 

Complaints may be filed only during the period from September 11, 2006 to September 25, 2006 with the Director of Finance at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, or at the West Hawaii Real Property Tax Office, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

(go to Contents)

---

Coqui Control Class in Kona on September 12

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 coqui control class on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Kona Outdoor Circle in Kailua-Kona located at 76-6280 Kuakini Highway.

 

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, but reservations are recommended and attendees will receive a voucher for one free 35-pound bag of hydrated lime from the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board- Coqui Project.

 

For reservations please call the County of Hawaii- Coqui Eradication & Control Office at 961-8065.

---

Water Shutoff Notice – Lama St from Awa Street to Railroad Avenue Sept 12

Water will be temporarily turned off in the above-mentioned area on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to install a pressure relief valve.

The affected area will be LAMA STREET FROM AWA STREET TO RAILROAD AVENUE in Hilo.

 

Upon resumption of water service, the waterlines will be flushed and cleaned during which

time you may notice turbid and/or discolored water.

 

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

water.

Please pardon this temporary inconvenience.  If you have any questions, please call

Carl Nishimura, District Supervisor, Department of Water Supply, at 961-8790.

(go to Contents)

---

Fire Chief’s Community Update for West Hawai`i on Sept 13

Please join Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira for a community update on the fire department’s activities and projects in West Hawai`i on:

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, September 13, 2006, 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Liquor Control Conference Room, Kona Center Building. 75-5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua-Kona

 

The public is also cordially invited to attend the Hawai`i County Fire Commission meeting beginning at 10:00.

(go to Contents)

---

First County Senior Job Fair Sept 28 during Employ the Older Worker Week

To connect senior job seekers with employers, the Senior Community Service Employment Program and the Workforce Development Division assisted by the Big Island Workplace Connection and Keep Hawaii Beautiful will host the first County of Hawaii Senior Job Fair at Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Luau Hale on Thursday, September 28, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Mayor Harry Kim will open the first Senior Job Fair and greet the seniors and employers.

 

Employers have been invited to participate in this fair to:

·        recruit dependable, loyal, hardworking seniors to meet staffing needs now or in the near future,

·        enhance their businesses by hiring mature, stable seniors who offer their commitment, experience and skills, and

·        promote public support and goodwill for their businesses.

 

Employers will be invited to speak briefly about their businesses.

Seniors enrolled in SCSEP as well as other seniors referred by WDD and BIWC are expected to attend this fair.  Admission is fee of charge.  The public is welcome.  For more information about the fair, please call Leonard Chow at 981-2860.

 

Low-income seniors who may lack current work experience, references and training can overcome these obstacles to employment through SCSEP placements in community service agencies where they can turn these weaknesses into strengths.  SCSEP enrollees are fully expected and required to use their current work experience and current host agency supervisors' recommendations to compete successfully for job openings in the job market at large.

 

Enabling enrollees to advance themselves toward economic self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal.  For more information about the program, call SCSEP at 961-8750.

 

Mayor Kim has proclaimed September 24 through 30, 2006 as “Employ the Older Worker Week” to encourage island employers to hire seniors. 

(go to Contents)

---

Candidate Forum Dates in East Hawai`i

Be an informed voter.  Listen to the candidates as they participate in the Election 2006 forums in East Hawai`i. The following forums will take place in East Hawai`i:

 

When and Where: Sunday, September 10^th in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Time and venue to be announced.  Forum to be sponsored by HPP Ohana.

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

 

When and Where: Wednesday, September 13th from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Palace Theater, Hilo.

The 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 .

 

 (go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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:

• North / South Kona
• North / South Kohala
• Ka`u
• Puna
• Hamakua

 

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:

• 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.

 

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:

• Be 16 years old on or before June 30, 2006.
• Be a registered voter in the State of Hawaii.
• Able to read (i.e., 11 point font) and write English.
• Able to lift 25-35 pounds.
• Attend a training session and pass a certification exam.

 

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:

• Manages the polling place and is responsible for the security and integrity of ballots issued and votes cast.
• Assists voters and administers special procedures such as spoiled ballots, mail-absentee ballots, voter registration update, curbside voting, language assistance.
• Organizes and supervises precinct officials and voter activity.
• Ensures that all election procedures are correctly followed.
• Receives the Supply Box before each election.
• Maintains inventory and control of all election materials.
• Completes all Election Day documents correctly.

 

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.

• May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
• Experience in at least two (2) elections is desirable.
• Experience as a Voter Assistance Official is desirable.
• Meets all other minimum qualifications.

 

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

• Assists the Chairperson in managing the polling place.
• Operates the Voter Assistance Station.
• Assists voters and administers special procedures such as spoiled ballots, mail-absentee ballots, voter registration update, curbside voting, language assistance.
• Assists the Chairperson in completing all Election Day documents.
• Assists the Chairperson with miscellaneous duties.

 

General qualifications for a voter assistance official

• May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
• Experience in at least one (1) election is desirable.
• Meets all minimum qualifications.

 

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

• Operates the following stations at the polling place:

1. Information and Ballot Demonstration Station

2. Poll Book Station

3. Ballot Issuing Station

4. Ballot Box Station

• Assists voters with Election Day questions.
• Assists the Chairperson and/or Voter Assistance Official (VAO) with miscellaneous duties.

 

General qualifications for a precinct official

• May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
• Meets all minimum qualifications).

 

Standby Precinct Official

• May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
• Reports to Election Headquarters on election morning for dispatch to a polling place that requires additional staffing.
• Personal transportation required.
• Responsible for precinct official duties.
• If polling places do not require additional staffing, the Standby Official will still be compensated the full rate.
• Meets all minimum qualifications

 

Alternate

• May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
• Stands-by at home on election morning for dispatch to a polling place that requires additional staffing.
• May be contacted prior to Election Day to replace a precinct official that is unable to work.
• Responsible for precinct official duties.
• If the Alternate is contacted and works in a polling place on Election Day, he/she will be compensated at the same rate as a Precinct Official.
• If polling places do not require additional staffing, the Alternate will be compensated $5.
• If the Alternate is contacted to work but declines, he/she will not be compensated.
• Must meet all minimum qualifications.

 

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.

(go to Contents)

---

Recycling Drop-offs: Update

Due to a temporary transition in our recycler’s processing facility, the following Transfer Stations will be affected:

·        Hawi

·        Honokaa

·        Keauhou

·        Laupahoehoe

·        Pahala

·        Pahoa

·        Puako

·        Waimea

 

We WILL NOT be accepting 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.)

 

These materials can be taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations.  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 (No Brites) and

YES for Phonebooks   

 

This is a temporary change until January 2007.  Look for signage at your Transfer Station. Thank you for your kokua.  For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

(go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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 Offc Conf RmHanama 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.

(go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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             (S.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.

(go to Contents)

---

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. 

Thank you for helping to Heal Our Island!

(go to Contents)

---

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 .

(go to Contents)

---

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.

(go to Contents)

---

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.**